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On Thriving: Harnessing Joy Through Life's Great Labors
A renowned doula shares powerful lessons on healing and thriving through the murky seasons of life in this moving, intimate guide to deeper self-awareness and radical joy.
“This book is a beacon of resilience. . . . A must-read for anyone committed to growth.”—Erica Chidi Cohen, author of Nurture
We’ve all been We take a pause, look at our lives, and desire more—more from our relationships, more from our wellness journeys, maybe simply more from ourselves. For some, it might be more fun, more peace, more exploration—but what does it take to get to the other side of living in survival mode? In On Thriving, Brandi Sellerz-Jackson helps us wade through what she calls the four great labors of our lives—labors that she’s had to overcome and that she has led many clients through.
Drawing from her experiences as a doula and intimate storytelling from her own life, Sellerz-Jackson guides us through the many phases of these great labors—labors that we can get stuck in, stunting our ability to thrive. Across age, gender, economic status, or background, we all move through the great labor of our relationships, our mental health, grief and loss, and the feeling of being othered. Sellerz-Jackson doesn’t shy away from the pitfalls of these labors but rather challenges us to actively remain present within them and ask What do I need to thrive in the space I’m currently in? In On Thriving, you’ll come to recognize the survival tools you’ve picked up along the way and exchange them for thriving tools and “rich-uals.” You’ll commit to no longer making a home out of chaos and rediscovering sanctuary within yourself.
Comparing our thriving to that of plant life, Sellerz-Jackson simplifies the complicated—and oftentimes overwhelming—journey as we attempt to grow in an inhospitable environment. With insightful and vulnerable storytelling, she invites a deep, soul-stirring investigation of our past and present to gather all that we need to thrive right where we are, right now.
“This book is a beacon of resilience. . . . A must-read for anyone committed to growth.”—Erica Chidi Cohen, author of Nurture
We’ve all been We take a pause, look at our lives, and desire more—more from our relationships, more from our wellness journeys, maybe simply more from ourselves. For some, it might be more fun, more peace, more exploration—but what does it take to get to the other side of living in survival mode? In On Thriving, Brandi Sellerz-Jackson helps us wade through what she calls the four great labors of our lives—labors that she’s had to overcome and that she has led many clients through.
Drawing from her experiences as a doula and intimate storytelling from her own life, Sellerz-Jackson guides us through the many phases of these great labors—labors that we can get stuck in, stunting our ability to thrive. Across age, gender, economic status, or background, we all move through the great labor of our relationships, our mental health, grief and loss, and the feeling of being othered. Sellerz-Jackson doesn’t shy away from the pitfalls of these labors but rather challenges us to actively remain present within them and ask What do I need to thrive in the space I’m currently in? In On Thriving, you’ll come to recognize the survival tools you’ve picked up along the way and exchange them for thriving tools and “rich-uals.” You’ll commit to no longer making a home out of chaos and rediscovering sanctuary within yourself.
Comparing our thriving to that of plant life, Sellerz-Jackson simplifies the complicated—and oftentimes overwhelming—journey as we attempt to grow in an inhospitable environment. With insightful and vulnerable storytelling, she invites a deep, soul-stirring investigation of our past and present to gather all that we need to thrive right where we are, right now.
352 pages, Hardcover
Published January 9, 2024
38 people are currently reading
4320 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 26, 2023
On Thriving is a breath of fresh air that is much needed in these current stressful times. Brandi Sellerz-Jackson draws on her experiences as a birth and postpartum doula and her knowledge of plant life to show us how we can thrive in our relationships and in life in general. She shares details of her own past traumas and the techniques that helped her cope and ultimately thrive. This is an important book and one that I would recommend to anyone who is ready to face their past traumas and learn to thrive. Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the ARC.
November 17, 2024
I clutch this book close to my chest and whisper. "Thank you."
This book was no reccomendation. I didn't find it on any list. I was in a pit, scrolling for a book to read on Libby, via Kindle.
And I saw this one, and my spirit whispered "that one."
Never have i felt so seen by a book, as a mother, as a woman, as a spiritual but healing person.
I will be shocked if this does not go down as my favorite spiritual and Nonfiction, ever.
This book was no reccomendation. I didn't find it on any list. I was in a pit, scrolling for a book to read on Libby, via Kindle.
And I saw this one, and my spirit whispered "that one."
Never have i felt so seen by a book, as a mother, as a woman, as a spiritual but healing person.
I will be shocked if this does not go down as my favorite spiritual and Nonfiction, ever.
November 22, 2023
The information provided in this book was good, but it was a bit heavier of a read than I had anticipated. I think that there are a lot of good lessons, but could have been done without all of the heavy stories.
October 20, 2023
"On Thriving: Harnessing Joy Through Life's Great Labors" by Brandi Sellerz-Jackson is a profoundly moving and intimate guide that reminds readers of the transformative power of self-awareness and radical joy despite the hardships we face in life. In this book, Sellerz-Jackson draws from her extensive experience as a doula and her own personal journey to help readers navigate the four great labors of life: relationships, mental health, grief and loss, and the feeling of being othered.
Sellerz-Jackson beautifully compares our journey to thrive with that of plant life, simplifying the often overwhelming process of personal growth in challenging environments. Through her vulnerable storytelling, she prompts readers to investigate our past and present, gathering the wisdom needed to thrive right where we are.
Ultimately, "On Thriving" reminds us that thriving is about creating divine moments in the ordinary, and it inspires us to reimagine, reconfirm, and reclaim our right to a good life. This book is a powerful guide for anyone seeking a path to deeper self-awareness, radical joy, and a life filled with purpose and fulfillment.
Sellerz-Jackson beautifully compares our journey to thrive with that of plant life, simplifying the often overwhelming process of personal growth in challenging environments. Through her vulnerable storytelling, she prompts readers to investigate our past and present, gathering the wisdom needed to thrive right where we are.
Ultimately, "On Thriving" reminds us that thriving is about creating divine moments in the ordinary, and it inspires us to reimagine, reconfirm, and reclaim our right to a good life. This book is a powerful guide for anyone seeking a path to deeper self-awareness, radical joy, and a life filled with purpose and fulfillment.
September 20, 2023
Brandi's four labors was an interesting concept. I liked learning about each of them. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. It's always enjoyable when I can read about ways to journey on through life with new coping skills and mental wellness tips. Well done! Five stars.
December 24, 2024
For those who dont know where to start their healing process this is a great guide. For those of use who need a reminder this is the book!
December 10, 2024
This is the book the encouraged me to starry therapy, that was a beautiful message on growth, and helped educate me where it was needed.
January 23, 2024
“On Thriving: Harnessing Joy Through Life’s Great Labors” by Brandi Sellerz-Jackson is a must-read if you’ve been searching for insights to better understand the trials of life – particularly if you are a mother.
I’ve been following Brandi on social media for several years. She showed my the beauty of Black doulas and inspired my own journey to become a labor doula. Brandi has always been transparent about her life and hardships and in “On Thriving” she drawing revelations and connections between the maternal labor process and the big labors of life. These parallels highlight learnings for how we can cope and move through life with more ease.
Biggest gem: Brandi unveils that garlic and roses are companion plants – meaning they do well next to each other in the garden. Garlic is akin to the anger, sorrow and sadness we feel due to life’s great labors. We can not enjoy the roses – the sweetness of life – without acknowledging and embracing our anger. Too often we want to find behind our anger and pretend it doesn’t exist. But our anger – our garlic – protects us.
I’ve been following Brandi on social media for several years. She showed my the beauty of Black doulas and inspired my own journey to become a labor doula. Brandi has always been transparent about her life and hardships and in “On Thriving” she drawing revelations and connections between the maternal labor process and the big labors of life. These parallels highlight learnings for how we can cope and move through life with more ease.
Biggest gem: Brandi unveils that garlic and roses are companion plants – meaning they do well next to each other in the garden. Garlic is akin to the anger, sorrow and sadness we feel due to life’s great labors. We can not enjoy the roses – the sweetness of life – without acknowledging and embracing our anger. Too often we want to find behind our anger and pretend it doesn’t exist. But our anger – our garlic – protects us.
March 30, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book until chapter 12, and then it turned into a reminder of slavery and discrimination grouping together anybody that was “othered”. In an attempt to make the black struggle synonymous with the the LGBT or trans struggles.
Often women were referred to as birthing peoples, which made me extremely uncomfortable obviously in an attempt to make anyone who did not identify as a woman to feel comfortable.
Everyone’s struggle is unique, and should be addressed as so. With that said the first half of the book offered some really good information on how to thrive through tough times.
Often women were referred to as birthing peoples, which made me extremely uncomfortable obviously in an attempt to make anyone who did not identify as a woman to feel comfortable.
Everyone’s struggle is unique, and should be addressed as so. With that said the first half of the book offered some really good information on how to thrive through tough times.
November 8, 2023
I received an ARC of On Thriving courtesy of Netgalley and Ballantine Books in exchange for an honest review.
The only negative about this book: it was 4x longer than it needed to be. The author’s passion came across as she emphasized points multiple times.
So many positives: I liked the conversational style. I appreciated the visualization exercises. Not all of them worked for me but I understood the intent.
Most of all, I appreciated the inclusion of ALL parts of life - grief, joy, childbirth, realizing lifelong dreams, so many stages of life!
The only negative about this book: it was 4x longer than it needed to be. The author’s passion came across as she emphasized points multiple times.
So many positives: I liked the conversational style. I appreciated the visualization exercises. Not all of them worked for me but I understood the intent.
Most of all, I appreciated the inclusion of ALL parts of life - grief, joy, childbirth, realizing lifelong dreams, so many stages of life!
May 31, 2024
This was an engaging and emotional read. I certainly expected it to deal more with birth since she is a doula, but it really was more a memoir. I really enjoyed most of this book, though found some sections to be a bit unfocused and the writing could get really wordy, which distracted from the actual message. Overall, a great read, though lots of very heavy parts, so I would not recommend for any in a lower mood if they are as easily affected by the tone of books as I am. I really liked the author and enjoyed hearing her story and experiences.
January 2, 2024
On Thriving was a much heavier read than I was expecting. Brandi Sellerz-Jackson tells us of her past traumas pretty much right out of the gate and explains how we can thrive through traumas, much like plants. I rated this book 3.5 stars because at times it was quite repetitive and was much longer than it needed to be. It took me a very long time to get through this book.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the invitation to read On Thriving.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the invitation to read On Thriving.
July 24, 2024
This book was really difficult to follow the author's main plot of her story. It seemed like she had a lot of good ideas that she put all in one book, making it hard to follow and get the point of the main story. 2 stars because there were some good nuggets of information and her stories were interesting, I think she could have written different books to get to her main goal of this book and then one as a memoir.
November 30, 2023
Beautiful straightforward writing, easy to get into the subject matter of the book. Fascinating detailed descriptions of her experiences with various therapies. I also really liked the analogies to plant life and the questions at the end of the chapters. Despite the great writing, I felt the book was a bit long. Thank you NetGalley for providing the ARC.
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June 4, 2024I wish this had a heavier edit - some lovely narrative reflection and some practical advice / insights but slooooooow to get through (for me). Had up to 1.5 speed and still felt bored a lot of the time, lovely parts at others 🤷🏻♀️ wouldn’t reread but perhaps good for someone just starting their “healing my inner child” Journey
November 7, 2023
Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. This book takes us on a journey through life's ups and downs. It draws us in and we learn many life lessons. A good book.
January 29, 2024
it was a journey through her life with her thoughts. Not an easy read!!!
July 7, 2024
Really enjoyed this book. Her story resonated with me and I found it relatable. More of an autobiography and stories about her life and journey than a self help book
May 27, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
On Thriving: Harnessing Joy Through Life’s Great Labors by Brandi Sellerz-Jackson is a compelling exploration of the human spirit’s resilience and capacity for joy, even in the face of life’s most challenging labors. Sellerz-Jackson, a renowned doula, draws upon her rich experiences to guide readers through what she identifies as the four great labors of our lives: relationships, mental health, grief and loss, and the feeling of being othered.
The book is structured around these labors, with Sellerz-Jackson sharing intimate stories from her life and the lives of those she has supported. Her narrative is a balm and a beacon, offering a path to thriving that is grounded in self-awareness and radical joy. The author’s voice is a unique blend of wisdom and vulnerability, making the book feel like a conversation with a trusted friend who has navigated the murky waters of life and come out on the other side with insights to share.
What sets this book apart is its approach to thriving as an active, ongoing process rather than a static state to be achieved. Sellerz-Jackson encourages readers to remain present within their struggles, asking, “What do I need to thrive in the space I’m currently in?” This question serves as a powerful tool for reflection and growth, prompting readers to examine the survival tools they’ve accumulated and consider exchanging them for what Sellerz-Jackson calls “thriving tools and ‘rich-uals’.”
The metaphor of plant life runs through the book, simplifying the often complicated journey of personal growth. Just as plants strive to grow in inhospitable environments, so too must we find ways to flourish. Sellerz-Jackson’s writing is insightful and soul-stirring, inviting readers to a deep investigation of their past and present to gather all that they need to thrive right where they are.
On Thriving: Harnessing Joy Through Life’s Great Labors by Brandi Sellerz-Jackson is a compelling exploration of the human spirit’s resilience and capacity for joy, even in the face of life’s most challenging labors. Sellerz-Jackson, a renowned doula, draws upon her rich experiences to guide readers through what she identifies as the four great labors of our lives: relationships, mental health, grief and loss, and the feeling of being othered.
The book is structured around these labors, with Sellerz-Jackson sharing intimate stories from her life and the lives of those she has supported. Her narrative is a balm and a beacon, offering a path to thriving that is grounded in self-awareness and radical joy. The author’s voice is a unique blend of wisdom and vulnerability, making the book feel like a conversation with a trusted friend who has navigated the murky waters of life and come out on the other side with insights to share.
What sets this book apart is its approach to thriving as an active, ongoing process rather than a static state to be achieved. Sellerz-Jackson encourages readers to remain present within their struggles, asking, “What do I need to thrive in the space I’m currently in?” This question serves as a powerful tool for reflection and growth, prompting readers to examine the survival tools they’ve accumulated and consider exchanging them for what Sellerz-Jackson calls “thriving tools and ‘rich-uals’.”
The metaphor of plant life runs through the book, simplifying the often complicated journey of personal growth. Just as plants strive to grow in inhospitable environments, so too must we find ways to flourish. Sellerz-Jackson’s writing is insightful and soul-stirring, inviting readers to a deep investigation of their past and present to gather all that they need to thrive right where they are.
June 30, 2025
This author was not on my radar. In fact I had never heard of her. I came across this book while browsing at the library. I was looking for a read that would be quick and somewhat transformational. I was encouraged when scanning the content and decided to give it a try. The author used her experience as a doula and her observation of plant life to have others to look at thriving, surviving and finding themselves.
It’s a book of personal stories with practical advice. Her depictions are relatable and show the interconnection between growth and putting your hands in the dirt. Playing in the dirt and growing plants, to me, show that we can survive challenging times or nor so exciting opportunities, if we do the work. Many of my friends have spoken of how they lose themselves in the earth and the joy experienced when seeds produce a harvest. They are quick to say the fruits of their labor comes not from neglect but from being taken care of.
The doula, renders calmness and aid to parents in ushering in a new life, by offering a roadmap that shows there’s another way to do things. The doula looks at everything holistically. Sure, the choice may be frowned on by some. But, it’s the diversity in things that makes our lives richer.
This for me helped to arrest some anxiety that I have been feeling based on the direction that America is going. Others can hem and haw and continue to spew venom and continue to divide but I am going for the joy that I can get from life. On the other side of surviving…..there’s thriving. That, I do believe. Brandi Sellerz Jackson’s book is just what I need: quick, transformative reading and a pivot from the ugliness going on in America.
It’s a book of personal stories with practical advice. Her depictions are relatable and show the interconnection between growth and putting your hands in the dirt. Playing in the dirt and growing plants, to me, show that we can survive challenging times or nor so exciting opportunities, if we do the work. Many of my friends have spoken of how they lose themselves in the earth and the joy experienced when seeds produce a harvest. They are quick to say the fruits of their labor comes not from neglect but from being taken care of.
The doula, renders calmness and aid to parents in ushering in a new life, by offering a roadmap that shows there’s another way to do things. The doula looks at everything holistically. Sure, the choice may be frowned on by some. But, it’s the diversity in things that makes our lives richer.
This for me helped to arrest some anxiety that I have been feeling based on the direction that America is going. Others can hem and haw and continue to spew venom and continue to divide but I am going for the joy that I can get from life. On the other side of surviving…..there’s thriving. That, I do believe. Brandi Sellerz Jackson’s book is just what I need: quick, transformative reading and a pivot from the ugliness going on in America.
April 25, 2024
Thank you, @randomhouse, for the gifted book. I also purchased the audio from Libro.fm for the perfect read/listen experience.
About the book: “A renowned doula shares powerful lessons on healing and thriving through the murky seasons of life in this moving, intimate guide to deeper self-awareness and radical joy.”
“This book is a beacon of resilience. . . . A must-read for anyone committed to growth.”—Erica Chidi Cohen, author of Nurture
Brandi Sellerz-Jackson narrates On Thriving, which makes it even more powerful. Immediately she feels like a wise friend. I was invited to a Zoom talk about the book, and she shared one her priorities was to let readers know they are not alone on their journeys. I feel like she accomplished exactly that through the openness of her writing and her authenticity.
There are so many gems in On Thriving. I highlighted. I re-read. I journaled. It’s chock full of approachable, actually useful insight. I think my biggest takeaway is that we don’t have to wait until the hard parts are over to thrive. I’m in the midst of one of the most challenging times of my life, but I can still thrive. I’m guilty of waiting until this or that hard thing is over until I can celebrate, move forward, be content. Basically, I hold myself back all the time. I know many of us can relate.
I realized a few years back I’m just in a hard phase of life in general and if I wait around all the time for things to pass, there won’t be much joy. And the truth is, there is plenty of room, time, and space for joy, and I’m loving exploring that and am grateful to Brandi Sellerz-Jackson for the bolstering and tools to keep me going.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
About the book: “A renowned doula shares powerful lessons on healing and thriving through the murky seasons of life in this moving, intimate guide to deeper self-awareness and radical joy.”
“This book is a beacon of resilience. . . . A must-read for anyone committed to growth.”—Erica Chidi Cohen, author of Nurture
Brandi Sellerz-Jackson narrates On Thriving, which makes it even more powerful. Immediately she feels like a wise friend. I was invited to a Zoom talk about the book, and she shared one her priorities was to let readers know they are not alone on their journeys. I feel like she accomplished exactly that through the openness of her writing and her authenticity.
There are so many gems in On Thriving. I highlighted. I re-read. I journaled. It’s chock full of approachable, actually useful insight. I think my biggest takeaway is that we don’t have to wait until the hard parts are over to thrive. I’m in the midst of one of the most challenging times of my life, but I can still thrive. I’m guilty of waiting until this or that hard thing is over until I can celebrate, move forward, be content. Basically, I hold myself back all the time. I know many of us can relate.
I realized a few years back I’m just in a hard phase of life in general and if I wait around all the time for things to pass, there won’t be much joy. And the truth is, there is plenty of room, time, and space for joy, and I’m loving exploring that and am grateful to Brandi Sellerz-Jackson for the bolstering and tools to keep me going.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
January 7, 2025
What does it take to move beyond survival mode? This book dives into that question and provides a roadmap to help us find our way. The author explores the four great labors of life and shares how she has faced them herself, as well as how she’s guided others through her work as a doula.
This hit me deeply because it reflects exactly where I’ve been lately—just trying to survive. Whether it’s health, money, or relationships, we all want something more than just scraping by.
One of the most powerful ideas in the book is learning to stop making a home out of chaos and instead finding sanctuary within yourself. That resonated so much. Chaos only creates more chaos, and staying stuck in it is dangerous. This book offers practical tools to help us break free, stay grounded, and be present.
I’d never thought to ask myself, “How can I thrive in this trial?” But now I see how important that question is.
Trials are inevitable—some will be huge, and others might feel small. But after reading this, I feel more equipped to not just survive them, but truly thrive.
This hit me deeply because it reflects exactly where I’ve been lately—just trying to survive. Whether it’s health, money, or relationships, we all want something more than just scraping by.
One of the most powerful ideas in the book is learning to stop making a home out of chaos and instead finding sanctuary within yourself. That resonated so much. Chaos only creates more chaos, and staying stuck in it is dangerous. This book offers practical tools to help us break free, stay grounded, and be present.
I’d never thought to ask myself, “How can I thrive in this trial?” But now I see how important that question is.
Trials are inevitable—some will be huge, and others might feel small. But after reading this, I feel more equipped to not just survive them, but truly thrive.
October 24, 2023
What does it take to get to the other side of survival mode? This author helps us with that. You will learn about the four great labors of our lives and how she has overcome them and helped others to do so in her role as a doula.
This struck home with me right now. That is exactly what I have been doing. Just the basics, trying to survive. Whether it’s health, finances, or relationships, we all want more.
You’ll commit to no longer making a home out of chaos and rediscovering sanctuary within yourself. This. Just this. The only thing coming out of chaos, is more chaos. Getting stuck in these labors is dangerous and gives us tools to check ourselves and remain present.
I never thought of asking, ” How can I thrive in this trial?”, but I needed to do just that.
There will always be trials. Some big, some trivial. But now I have a few more tools under my belt that will help me not just survive, but thrive.
Thanks.
Netgalley/ RHPG/BALLENTINE January 02, 2024
This struck home with me right now. That is exactly what I have been doing. Just the basics, trying to survive. Whether it’s health, finances, or relationships, we all want more.
You’ll commit to no longer making a home out of chaos and rediscovering sanctuary within yourself. This. Just this. The only thing coming out of chaos, is more chaos. Getting stuck in these labors is dangerous and gives us tools to check ourselves and remain present.
I never thought of asking, ” How can I thrive in this trial?”, but I needed to do just that.
There will always be trials. Some big, some trivial. But now I have a few more tools under my belt that will help me not just survive, but thrive.
Thanks.
Netgalley/ RHPG/BALLENTINE January 02, 2024
March 3, 2024
On Thriving is a compassionate memoir and personal development guide by Brandi Sellerz-Jackson. With thoughtful insight, she advises readers on defining what thriving means for them personally. Sellerz-Jackson then provides compelling strategies for gathering internal resources and coping techniques to help readers not just survive life's difficulties, but to thrive through all of life's ups and downs. Her advice stems from personal experience overcoming adversity as well as anecdotal lessons from nature. While some ideas may feel intuitive, On Thriving stands out for its actionable tips, diverse examples, and non-judgmental tone. Ultimately, Sellerz-Jackson succeeds in creating a manual for building resilience - applicable for those undergoing hardship as well as those looking to maximize daily contentment. She empowers readers with wisdom and tools to shape their own version of thriving.
January 8, 2024
Thank you @netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Man I struggled to get through this one. I’ve picked it up and set it down a dozen times and finally slogged through it to beat the publish date. I’m sure it’s exactly what some people out there need to hear but it just failed to ring home to me. The intense focus on childbirth, motherhood, and birthing just immediately turned me off, even if the lessons could be more widely applicable. The narrative itself felt disjointed bouncing between odd moments of parable, metaphor, personal storytelling, and strangely inserted bits of poetry that all just felt jarring and disconnected.
January 13, 2024
On Thriving by Brandi Sellerz-Jackson was not at all what I was expecting AND it is a wonderful book. Part memoir, part self-help book On Thriving is a raw, fantastic, inspiring book of a plant cultivating doula. I was expecting this book to be the story of childbirth and plant growth. While these elements are included, there is so much more. Ms. Sellerz-Jackson bravely talks about her own life including the struggles and high points. I found many useful and practical suggestions for people who try to do too much which a special emphasis on woman of color. This book is a fantastic gift and I plan to buy copies for many of the hard-working women in my life.
December 13, 2025
I’m glad I finished this one, because there were so many good gems! It moved a bit slow for me, though.
February 19, 2024
Thank you to Net Galley and Ballantine Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. I have been reading a lot on wellness, well-being, trauma, happiness, etc., and was hesitant to read this book as I thought there probably wasn't much more that could be covered on these topics. Yet, I was pleasantly surprised by the author's idea of thriving and loved the information shared. Being a doula and seeing life through the eyes of that role, the author shares many of her own intimate stories, research and statistics, and lays out step by step ways to thrive in life. It also doesn't happen without a bit of work. There are exercises and tools so that we can inquire within with a bit of soul searching as to what we really want to do, be and have in our lives. Her storytelling is lovely filled with care, comfort and a warm hug of understanding and compassion. I will definitely go back to this book from time to time to refresh my perspective.
February 2, 2025
4.5. I realized I liked On Thriving so much more after a few days of sitting with it. The author’s concept of the “four great labors” really stuck with me. It felt profound, like it gave permission to let life’s pivotal experiences change you (something we accept with parenthood but do not always allow for other life shifts). This framework made me feel like it is not just okay but necessary for these experiences to reshape who we are.
The four great labors (relationships, mental health, grief and loss, and contending with being marginalized) offer a powerful lens to understand how life challenges us and lead to growth. The author’s love of plants added a fun/personal twist and grounded the labors in nature’s rhythms of growth, pruning, and renewal. On Thriving reminds us to create meaningful moments in the ordinary, finding ways to start fresh, and grow even when life feels ruined by grief. Humans are capable of reclaiming, reimagining, and thriving, even when the world tries to convince us otherwise.
The four great labors (relationships, mental health, grief and loss, and contending with being marginalized) offer a powerful lens to understand how life challenges us and lead to growth. The author’s love of plants added a fun/personal twist and grounded the labors in nature’s rhythms of growth, pruning, and renewal. On Thriving reminds us to create meaningful moments in the ordinary, finding ways to start fresh, and grow even when life feels ruined by grief. Humans are capable of reclaiming, reimagining, and thriving, even when the world tries to convince us otherwise.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews