Description
What if being alone isn’t something to fix — but something to embrace?
We've been sold the story that happiness requires a partner. That being single is a waiting room, a problem to solve, a gap to fill. But what if the most transformative relationship you'll ever have is the one with yourself? Drawing from over fifteen years of clinical experience, as well as her own journey through heartbreak and healing, Dr Marny Lishman reveals why solitude isn't something to fear, but is instead a powerful catalyst for growth, creativity and genuine contentment.
Whether you’re healing from heartbreak, navigating divorce, or simply tired of waiting for ‘the one’, Only You shows you how to embrace being alone and create a life filled with deeply personal joy. Through evidence-based psychology, real-world stories and practical exercises, you’ll discover how to stop waiting for someone or something else — and embrace growth, meaning and true fulfilment.
In this book, you’ll learn how to:
- Distinguish between being alone and being lonely — and discover why that difference changes everything
- Heal from heartbreak and build emotional resilience that lasts
- Master your mind and emotions instead of being controlled by them
- Create a fulfilling life that doesn’t depend on romantic partnership
- Develop the inner strength to choose relationships more wisely.
Only You is your companion for building confidence, clarity and contentment on your own. Stop putting your life on hold, and discover the unexpected gifts that emerge when you learn to truly enjoy your own company.
Table of Contents
Introduction ix
Part I Being Alone Doesn't Have to Be Lonely 1
1 Feeling Lonely 3
2 The Trouble with Loneliness 11
3 Becoming Alone 17
4 Lonely But Not Alone 27
5 Solitude Can Save You 33
Part II From Heartbreak to Healing 41
6 The Messiness of Heartbreak 43
7 Sitting with a Broken Heart 49
8 Healing After Goodbye 57
9 Claiming Your Emotional Baggage 61
10 Tapping into Your Wisdom 67
Part III Being Only You 73
11 Relish in Your Presence 75
12 Follow Your Inner Compass 85
13 Master Your Mind 91
14 Listen to Your Emotions 101
15 Own Your Inner Strength 107
16 Tap into Your Creativity 115
17 Nurture Your Relationships 123
18 Self-Compassion for Your Lonely 133
19 Discover Your True Self 139
20 Alone Too Long 147
21 Not Lonely and Not Alone 153
Epilogue 161
101 Lovely Things to do When You're Alone 167
The Only You Monthly Review 173
References 177
Acknowledgements 179
