Kelly McGonigal

Bestselling author and psychologist Kelly McGonigal shows us how to find and embrace the feeling of joy–even in tough times. Join local author and psychologist Kelly McGonigal for a celebration of the human capacity for joy. She’ll share key ideas from her latest book, Joy Is a Risk Worth Taking, including insights from the science of joy, common obstacles, and practical strategies for experiencing more hope, meaning, and connection in everyday life. Together, we’ll try “joy experiments” that can lead to shared laughter, delight, and connection. About the Book Bestselling author and psychologist Kelly McGonigal shows us how to find and embrace the feeling of joy–even in tough times As Kelly McGonigal reveals in Joy Is a Risk Worth Taking, joy gives life meaning, sustains hope, and helps us feel close to others. It is the emotion that tells us: life is worth living, good things are possible, and you are not alone. And yet, many people find it difficult to allow themselves to feel, show, or even seek joy. Instead, we worry: Is it selfish to want joy? Is joy even possible when life is hard? Instead of turning to joy as a resource, we try to protect ourselves from the perceived risks of caring too much. What if, instead, you were able to trust the feeling of joy and appreciate the good in your life? And what if you were able to help others experience the benefits that joy provides? Weaving together personal storytelling with insights from psychology and neuroscience, Joy Is a Risk Worth Taking offers tangible ways to experience this powerful emotion in everyday life. You’ll discover: • How joy works in the brain and body to provide relief • How to create moments of meaning, connection, and celebration, in challenging times • Why joy is a form of social support, and how to bring joy to others • Strategies to counteract joy dampening that keeps us from enjoying good moments • Tools to navigate common obstacles to joy, such as envy, guilt, anxiety, and grief • 20 “joy experiments” you can begin implementing today Motivating and uplifting, Joy Is a Risk Worth Taking shows that seeking and sharing joy is an act of courage and compassion—and one you can take even when life is difficult. ACCESSIBILITY: We never want cost to be a barrier to admission for our community. Please email events [at] keplers [dot] org if you would like to attend this event but cannot afford a ticket. To request an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for this event, please email events [at] keplers [dot] org at least one week prior to the event. REFUND POLICY: We will refund your ticket up to 7 days before the event. We want Kepler’s to be a welcoming and comfortable space for everyone. If you are feeling unwell, especially with respiratory symptoms, please stay home. Thank you for helping us create a safe and considerate environment for our community.