Heart Wisdom: Discovering Your Authentic Self

What does it mean to discover and to live as our most authentic selves — especially in a world that frequently tells us who we should be, how we should act, and where we should belong?

What if becoming more fully ourselves could also help us feel more connected to one another?

No matter where you find yourself on the journey, this heartfelt author conversation offers an invitation to explore authenticity, purpose, identity, compassion, and connection.

Our guest authors, Dr. Michelle Chappel, author of The Power of Authenticity: Find Your Own Superpowers, Purpose, and Path to Success, and Molly Davis Moon, author of The Great All: A Parable of Hope, New Beginnings, and You, will share stories, insights, and practical wisdom about discovering who we truly are and how we want to show up in the world.

Brenda Knight, co-founder of Books That Save Lives, will also join the panel, offering perspective from her decades of publishing and community-building work.

The conversation will be facilitated by Sherry Richert Belul, author of The Love List of a Lifetime and Say It Now, known for her warm and heartfelt approach to connection, reflection, grief support, and meaningful living.

Since March 2020, Brenda Knight and Sherry Richert Belul have hosted the Heart Wisdom Author Panels to offer insight, comfort, and connection during times of uncertainty. What began as a response to a challenging moment has grown into an ongoing space for thoughtful conversation—reminding us that even as life changes, there is still beauty to savor, wisdom to gather, and love to share.

These are challenging and complicated times. We are here to support one another.

Panelist Bios

Dr. Michelle ChappelDr. Michelle Chappel is a Princeton-trained cognitive psychologist, award-winning musician, coach, business consultant, and author of “The Power of Authenticity: Find Your Own Superpowers, Purpose, and Path to Success.” A former psychology professor voted “Most Inspirational Professor” at UC Santa Cruz, Michelle blends psychology, creativity, music, and Jungian insights to help people uncover their unique gifts, discover their purpose, and create lives that reflect who they truly are. Through her work, she encourages us to move beyond who we think we’re supposed to be and step more fully into our authentic selves.

Molly Davis MoonMolly Davis Moon is a therapist, cartoonist, and founder of Becoming Boundaried, known for her boundary cartoons and teachings for compassionate people. She is also the host of “The Compassionate Revolution” podcast and the author of “The Great All.” Through her work, she explores how we can move toward greater connection, understanding, and collective care. Blending personal insight, cultural reflection, and creative expression, Molly invites us to expand our sense of identity beyond separation and to participate in a more compassionate, inclusive vision of humanity.

Brenda KnightBooks That Save Lives co-founder, Brenda Knight, began her career at HarperCollins working with luminaries Paolo Coelho, Marianne Williamson and Huston Smith. Brenda served as Publisher/Editorial Director at Mango Publishing for nine years. She was awarded IndieFab’s “Publisher of the Year” in 2014 by the American Library Association and she previously served as president of the Women’s National Book Association, SF Chapter. She is the author of “Random Acts of Kindness,” “Wild Women and Books,” “The Book of Abundance,” and many more.

Sherry Richert BelulSherry Richert Belul is the founder of Simply Celebrate and author of “The Love List of a Lifetime” and “Say It Now.” She helps people discover creative, heartfelt ways to celebrate life, deepen connection, and express love—while also guiding people to plan for end-of-life in ways that bring meaning, ease, and even moments of joy. Whether she’s leading a workshop, hosting a kindness mission, or speaking at events, Sherry’s message is simple: love out loud, celebrate often, and make moments that matter.