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Notice of Public Meeting: Kalamazoo Public Library Board of Trustees | July 27 | 5:30 pm | Central Library/Van Deusen Room. The packet of information for the meeting can be found on the library’s website. 

Book

Bless the messy : life lessons from a work in progress

Author

Jess Bird

Call Number

  • 158.1 B5324 (CEN, OSH)

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Edition

First Simon & Schuster hardcover edition

Publication Information

New York : Simon Element, 2025

Physical Description

176 pages : color illustrations ; 21 cm

Summary

"Supreme moments of beauty and joy can be found in the mess. Jess Bird is living proof of that. As a queer woman who received a late-in-life ADHD diagnosis, Jess is raising her kids in a blended family, rewriting the rules as she goes along. Far from being an expert or perfect, she embraces her imperfections and invites you to do the same. By sharing her messy, in-process journey, Jess hopes to connect with those who feel isolated or oppressed by society's narrow norms, making them feel seen and validated. In this illustrated personal growth book, Jess combines self-reflection, encouragement, and practical guidance. She delves into her struggles and triumphs, offering insights on growing through trauma and healing, breaking free from societal expectations, setting boundaries, redefining home and chosen family, finding self-worth, and embracing anti-perfectionism. The mantra "Bless the Messy" runs through it all, reminding us that every emotion, even the uncomfortable ones, is valid and valuable. Bright, hopeful, real, and raw, Bless the Messy is a warm hug of a book that will make you feel a little less alone."--Amazon.com

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