Only You: The Unexpected Gift of Being Alone

In a world obsessed with finding "the one," therapist, mindset coach and media commentator Dr Marny Lishman is asking a radical question: What if the most transformative relationship you'll ever have is the one with yourself?

Only You: The Unexpected Gift of Being Alone offers evidence-based strategies for transforming solitude from something to fear into a powerful catalyst for personal growth.

The book arrives at a critical moment. The World Health Organization declared loneliness a global public health priority in 2025, with approximately one in six people worldwide reporting feelings of loneliness. Yet Dr Lishman argues that society's rush to fix single status may be making things worse.

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 being alone doesn't equate to feeling lonely, in the same way that not being alone doesn't guarantee you won't feel lonely.

Drawing on fifteen years of clinical experience as a Psychologist, as well as her own journey through heartbreak and extended singledom, Dr Lishman provides readers with practical, evidence-based tools for:

• Distinguishing between being alone and being lonely

• Healing from heartbreak and building lasting emotional resilience

• Creating a fulfilling life independent of romantic partnership

• Developing the inner strength to choose future relationships more wisely

Only You is structured as a three-part journey. Part I explores why loneliness has become epidemic and how solitude can actually save us.

Part II guides readers from heartbreak to healing. Part III provides practical strategies for becoming the best version of yourself, whether single for a season or longer.

The book includes reflective exercises, monthly review tools, and "101 Lovely Things to Do When You're Alone"—a practical resource for readers at any stage of their solo

journey.

"The most important relationship you will ever have in your life is the one that you have with yourself," Dr Lishman writes. "And yet many of us haven't stopped to spend enough time in that relationship."

Dr Marny Lishman is an Author, Speaker, Doctor of Psychology, Therapist, Mindset Coach, and Media Commentator. She is the author of “Burnout to Brilliant” , “Crisis to Contentment” and her new book "Only You". Beyond writing, she designs and delivers powerful learning and development experiences across Australia and internationally in workplaces, and at industry events. She’s also a sought after national mental health & wellbeing expert that provides commentary on a variety of mental health topics on local and national TV, radio and in print.

Event Information