Keryl Pesce wants you to feel good about yourself
“A beautiful mind creates a beautiful life.” —Keryl Pesce
In my younger days, I thought it would be fun to be a masseuse. I would make people feel good, and they would be happy. Instead, I became a writer. (Please insert whatever joke you so desire.)
Then there’s author and ESME contributor Keryl Pesce, who has it all figured out. As an honest to goodness “happiness expert,” she has a professional life that is built around helping others feel good about themselves.
Born in Poughkeepsie, New York, Pesce went off to college with the intention of studying nursing. “One semester cured me of the idea. God bless nurses.” Instead, she studied business administration and circuitously became a “happiness expert.” Now residing in Beacon, New York, with her husband of 15 years and her dog, Beabull, she contends, “I spend most of my time on my couch, in yoga pants, with my dog.”
Along with authoring Happy Bitch: The Girlfriend’s Straight-Up Guide to Losing the Baggage and Finding the Fun, Fabulous You Inside (Happy & Company Press, 2015), she is the coauthor of Share This Journal (Vega Publishing, 2014), a book designed to encourage and document random acts of kindness. She also cohosts a weekly talk show called Happy Hour on Mix 97.7 FM, where she and Fox News legal analyst Jonna Spilbor interview guests and dish advice. In addition, Pesce speaks on happiness at schools, colleges, and workplaces, and for various networking and women’s groups.
Her latest book, Pink Pretty Thoughts (Little Pink Press, 2017), is 74 pages of full-color Instagram-inspired posts—positive, encouraging sayings and images to “help shape our thoughts and worlds.” Each image contains the color pink, with categories such as #doyou, #havefaith, #bekind, and so on.
Q: What is a happiness expert, and how did you become one?
A: I was married previously. One day I walked up behind my ex and heard him tell another woman he loved her. I was devastated but also knew what happened with my marriage would not dictate the future course of my life—but my response would.
I chose not to fight with him and instead focus my energy on what I wanted, which was to be happy again. After recovering and marrying my current husband, I realized how much I’d learned about life and dealing with challenge. I had also begun what has now become more than a decade-long study of human behavior and happiness. I wanted to write a book for other women incorporating what I’d learned, and Happy Bitch was born. Helping others live happily is now the fabric of my personal and professional life—through writing, keynote speaking and presentations, and the radio show I do.
Q: Tell me about Happy Bitch.
A: Happy Bitch is a women’s self-help book that guides them and gives them tools to let go of anger and regret, regardless of the amount of baggage they may carry. We can transform our lives from one of heartache and struggle to one of peace and happily ever after. Imagine being free of past regrets and worries about the future. It is possible! The truth is it’s easier than you think. You already hold the secret to happiness in your hands right at this very moment.
Q: What inspired your latest book, Pink Pretty Thoughts?
A: I feel strongly that the power of our thoughts can shape our reality and believe that surrounding ourselves with positive thoughts and quotes will help us form our thinking in a way that serves us better.
I also love pretty things and the color pink. Pink Pretty Thoughts incorporates what I love and believe, and is a great way for women to have something at their fingertips that is both beautiful and inspiring.
Q: How do you see Pink Pretty Thoughts benefiting the single mom (aside from being a great gift)?
A: Single moms can benefit from this book more than anyone. A single mother is conditioned to think of her children first and herself last. Yet as noble as that is, it can be draining and exhausting. Everything is on her shoulders. This book is a fabulous resource she can flip through for a bit of relief by putting positive, feel-good ideas and images in her head. Whether it’s before getting up on the morning of a nonstop day or before laying her head down after a stressful day, she can open this book and plant a seed of hope and faith in her mind.
Q: Most important! Tell me about your wine company, Happy Bitch Wines.
Ha ha! After the book came out, I asked myself what else I could do to expand the Happy Bitch brand. What do women love? What do I love? Wine was the obvious answer.
I teamed up with wine blogger Debbie Gioquindo, and we started Happy Bitch wine. Our biggest seller is our rosé: slightly sweet with a touch of effervescence.
Q: Do you have a favorite, parting quote for moms reading this piece?
A: The most loving thing you can do for your child is to love yourself.
Are you struggling to find your joy? Join our community of Solo Moms to find support and strength.
Kathleen Laccinole, ESME’s Dating Resource Guide, has penned numerous films and parenting books but is best known for producing the highly lauded Greta, age 20, and William, age 16.
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