BOOK LAUNCH ANNOUNCEMENT 📘

In Pursuit of Sadness: Gateway to Authentic Happiness

After much thought, work, reflection, and support from many people along the way, I’m excited to officially announce the launch of my new book.

The Launch Event

The Book was launched on 2 May 2026, attended by around 80 close friends and invited guests.

Thanks especially to John Best for being MC for evening, Hannelie Bakker for being Alison’s proxy (Alison Botha for her lovely foreword), Lauren Nash for hosting the event at The Lemon Tree (great food and venue), and Natasha Booth for supplying the wonderful welcome bubbly and wine! 🙏🏻

The Concept

This book explores the paradox that so much of what we avoid emotionally may in fact be the very doorway to healing, wholeness, meaning, and transformation. It is a journey into the psychology of suffering, growth, shadow, resilience, and becoming fully human.

Avoiding emotional pain
Judging sadness as weakness
Superficial motivational clichés

The Core Question

"What if the emotions we fear most are actually trying to guide us toward healing, wholeness, and meaning?"

In Pursuit of Sadness Book Cover

In Pursuit of Sadness

Launch Price: R250.00

(plus shipping if outside PE/Gqeberha)

In Pursuit of Sadness: Gateway to Authentic Happiness is not another book about “thinking positive.” It is a bold and deeply human exploration of why so many people chase happiness… yet still feel anxious, disconnected, exhausted, or emotionally lost.

Blending profound psychological concepts with accessible storytelling, metaphors, and practical insight, the book explores:

  • • Anxiety, depression, and grief
  • • The inner critic & self-compassion
  • • Trauma, fear, and shame
  • • Acceptance versus control
  • • Authenticity & resilience
  • • Suffering and growth

Banking Details

Bank: Investec | Name: GL Smith

Account: 10012466639 | Ref: Name + Book/s

The Dragon Paradox

Hidden beneath every “dragon” lies a treasure. The goal was never to slay the dragon; the goal was to learn how to ride it.

🐉

Fear

Guards Courage.

🛡️

Shame

Guards Self-Worth.

Sadness

Guards Authentic Happiness.

"Perhaps the goal was to learn how to ride it."

In Pursuit of Sadness and the Dragon

📦 Delivery Options

Port Elizabeth / Gqeberha

Collect from my practice, or I can arrange drop-off at The Lemon Tree for collection.

Rest of South Africa

Via The Courier Guy (5–7 days):

  • • R50 — Locker to Locker
  • • R100 — Locker to Door

🌍 International Readers

The Paperback and Kindle versions will be available on Amazon by Wednesday next week. I’ll post the Amazon links as soon as they go live.

Expected pricing:

• Paperback (Print on Demand): $14.99

• Kindle Edition: $6.99

Who Will Benefit?

This book is for those searching for a fuller, more authentic experience of being alive.

High-Functioning Professionals

Executives and high achievers who appear successful externally yet feel emotionally exhausted or unfulfilled internally.

Navigating Grief or Pain

Anyone facing heartbreak, bereavement, burnout, or existential struggle seeking a catalyst for growth.

Psychology & Philosophy Fans

Those drawn to Carl Jung, depth psychology, and shadow work who want to move beyond "positive thinking."

Tired of Surface Self-Help

Readers seeking something deeper than motivational slogans and quick-fix happiness.

Therapists & Coaches

Professionals looking for powerful metaphors for shadow work, resistance, and emotional growth.

Young Adults in Transition

Individuals questioning identity, purpose, or direction and engaging with vulnerability.

Order Your Copy

Thank you sincerely to everyone who has supported, encouraged, challenged, and believed in this project thus far. I truly hope this book finds the people who need it most.