Dr Marny Lishman

26/05/2026

ONLY YOU: Alone and lonely are not the same thing. But most of us have never been taught the difference.

I joined Carolyn Tate on Divorce With Carolyn to talk about my book Only You: The Unexpected Gift of Being Alone – and what the time between relationships is actually for.

We covered:

* Why so many people rush straight from one relationship into the next – and what gets lost when they do
* The “messy middle”: what it’s for, and why skipping through it too fast costs you
* The question I think everyone should ask before starting a new relationship: “Is he better than my solitude?”
* Practical ways to find yourself again – journaling, solo travel, movement, doing the hard things

If you know a woman navigating separation or rebuilding after divorce, this episode is for her.

Search “Divorce With Carolyn” on your favourite podcast platform or listen here: https://www.womensdivorceacademy.com/podcast

21/05/2026

ONLY YOU: The paradigm of ‘coupledom’ suggests that if we’re sans partner, we are likely living through an unfulfilling waiting period until we get back into a relationship. But this isn’t true for many people. Spending time alone has numerous benefits.

Was great to have my book ONLY YOU featured in Ara Jansen’s recent Medical Forum article where we chat about the unexpected gifts and growth which come from spending time by yourself.

Full article here: https://mforum.com.au/solace-in-solitude-embracing-being-alone/

18/05/2026

ONLY YOU: The paradigm of ‘coupledom’ suggests that if we’re sans partner, we are likely living through an unfulfilling waiting period until we get back into a relationship. But this isn’t true for many people.

Was great to have my book ONLY YOU featured in this ‘The Nightly’ article where we chat about the growing cultural trend which is seeing more people rejecting the idea that singlehood is something to ‘fix’ and are embracing life alone.



Full article in comments below.

16/05/2026

HEARTBREAK: Heartbreak is one of the hardest things we go through as humans. It can leave us feeling completely lost and overwhelmed, doubting everything we thought we knew. And the truth is, it’s messy. It can be ugly. It can be raw. One day you feel like you’re coping; the next, you feel like you’re falling apart. One minute you’re laughing with friends; the next, you’re crying alone under your blanket. One day you’re confident about stepping into the ‘new you’; the next, you’re drowning your sorrows with one too many vodkas. One day you’re swiping on Tinder; the next, you’re swearing off relationships forever.

You can’t write a book about feeling content alone, without first talking about some of “the work” you may have to do if your heart is broken. That’s why added a big Part 2: Heartbreak to Healing 💗

ONLY YOU: The Unexpected Gift of Being Alone is out now and sold online and in all good bookstores 📚

12/05/2026

BOOK PARTY: Celebrating the release of ONLY YOU with the best from the west and MC’d by the host with the most Shil Shanghavi 🤩

The night was a fun blur so thank you Keoni Upton for capturing the evening. Thanks Quello Bar for having us!

To those who came along, thank you for your support, it was soooo good to see your lovely faces!

11/05/2026

US RELEASE: What if the most transformative relationship you’ll ever have is the one with yourself? 🤔

I ask this question in my new book, ‘ONLY YOU: The Unexpected Gift of Being Alone’ which is released in the US today 🤗

This book is about how to navigate the pain of being alone, whether through heartbreak, singleness, or loss and ultimately turn solitude into a powerful, enriching experience of self-discovery and growth.

The most important relationship you will ever have in your life IS the one that you have with yourself.

TAG a US friend, family member, colleague or celebrity who you think needs to read ONLY YOU 🤩

02/05/2026

ONLY YOU is in all the right places in Dymocks Books Sydney 💫

Come in and grab a signed copy!

ONLY YOU: The Unexpected Gift of Being Alone is out now! In Dymocks around Australia and all good bookstores.

01/05/2026

BOOK CHAT: So much fun talking on The Morning Show today 📺.

We talked all about the loneliness epidemic, why being alone doesn’t have to mean ‘lonely’, the benefits of being alone, all the lovely things you can do alone AND of course, my new book ‘Only You: The Unexpected Gift of Being Alone ’💫.

In bookstores around Australia now.

29/04/2026

OUT NOW: What if the most transformative relationship you’ll ever have is the one with yourself? 🤔

I ask this question in my new book, ‘ONLY YOU: The Unexpected Gift of Being Alone’ which is released today 🤗

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. Aloneness strikes us all at times, for many different reasons, and unfortunately, it’s something people tend to struggle with.

This book is about how to navigate the pain of being alone, whether through heartbreak, singleness, or loss and ultimately turn solitude into a powerful, enriching experience of self-discovery and growth.

The most important relationship you will ever have in your life IS the one that you have with yourself.

Beyond excited for this one to be out in the world! 🤗

ONLY YOU: The Unexpected Gift of Being Alone is out today and published by

12/12/2025

FESTIVE STRESS: The festive season seems fun in theory, but the realities of stress, pressure and unrealistic expectations can lead to people feeling a little frazzled.

Nice to chat to Ashleigh Austen for her wonderful article ‘The Christmas Connection’ in the new Christmas issue of The Australian Womens Weekly where we outline some useful strategies to bring back connection during the festive season.

Simple, meaningful ways to reconnect with loved ones – and yourself – this Christmas, with expert advice for a calmer, more joyful season.