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On today’s Thursday's Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about getting stuck in negativity and how the words we speak out into the world really matter.

Everyone loves a good moan, but do you ever find yourself telling the same story over and over again? Whilst it may feel good to complain and rant in the moment, it’s not actually doing us any favours if we keep repeating the same negative stories ad nauseam.

We hope you’ll find something useful or thought provoking in here!

Love,
Polly & Lucy x

Support the show

• Pre-Order my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/book

• Download my FREE PDF 'The Top 10 Answers To The Most Irritating Questions That Single People Get Asked On The Regular...& How To (Devilishly) Respond'? Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/questions

• Join the waitlist for my membership, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo

• Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson

• Interested in my 1-1 Coaching? Work with me HERE: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/workwithme

• Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share

• Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/
• Email me: [email protected]

And thank you so much for listening!

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My guest on the podcast this week is the wonderful Nadia Huq.

Nadia is one of my fabulous Thrive Solo membership women, and so it goes without saying that she is single and doesn’t have kids!

Nadia works in technology in the government as her day job, but her real passion is writing which she also does regularly, via both Medium & Substack. She writes about all sorts of things including single life, not having children, and feminism. Nadia lives alone in a house she completely renovated in London.

Nadia discusses her heartfelt piece 'The Childless Woman Who Soared,’ which delves into the journey of a woman navigating life without children. We also explore her personal experiences of shame and grief around childlessness, her growth through reading and community support, and her decision to never compromise for a relationship that doesn't fulfill her. Highlighting the influence of cultural messaging on women's perceptions of singlehood and childlessness, we discuss the joy and empowerment found in embracing life as it is. Nadia also shares how renovating her home affirmed her independence and creativity. The conversation touches on societal narratives in media, advocating for greater representation and normalisation of single, childless women. Nadia invites listeners to discover her articles on Substack and Medium to explore more of her thoughtful and inspiring writing.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:40 Nadia's Writing Journey

01:19 The Childless Woman Who Soared

03:34 Personal Reflections on Childlessness

05:14 Overcoming Grief and Finding Hope

07:02 The Impact of Cultural Messaging

14:47 Navigating Single Life and Relationships

25:25 Reflecting on Past Experiences

25:54 Discovering New Passions

26:56 Inspiration from Role Models

28:03 Embracing Singlehood

30:27 The Myth of Having It All

34:30 The Joy of Independence

48:09 Representation in Media

50:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Read 'The Childless Woman Who Soared': https://lifewithoutchildren.com/the-childless-woman-who-soared-5a101f52f1b4?sk=595576ad9096145bd598a5171d3cf609

Read Nadia's piece 'How I Grew To Love The Single, Childfree Me': https://nadiahuq.substack.com/p/b6469738-ee5d-4f94-b642-d39167c6c879

Subscribe to Nadia's Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/nadiahuq

Support the show

• Pre-Order my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/book

• Download my FREE PDF 'The Top 10 Answers To The Most Irritating Questions That Single People Get Asked On The Regular...& How To (Devilishly) Respond'? Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/questions

• Join the waitlist for my membership, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo

• Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson

• Interested in my 1-1 Coaching? Work with me HERE: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/workwithme

• Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share

• Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/
• Email me: [email protected]

And thank you so much for listening!

Send us a text

On this week's minisode, I'm talking about why we should all be aiming to make a dick of ourselves on a regular basis. 

Press 'Play' and let me know what you think!

Support the show

• Pre-Order my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/book

• Download my FREE PDF 'The Top 10 Answers To The Most Irritating Questions That Single People Get Asked On The Regular...& How To (Devilishly) Respond'? Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/questions

• Join the waitlist for my membership, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo

• Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson

• Interested in my 1-1 Coaching? Work with me HERE: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/workwithme

• Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share

• Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/
• Email me: [email protected]

And thank you so much for listening!

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This week on Thursday's Thoughts, Polly and I are diving into the topic of energy hygiene.

Given that we’re 99.9% energy, it’s vital that we’re protecting and preserving our own.

We unpack what energy hygiene actually means, explore the subtle and not-so-subtle ways our energy can be drained, and share simple ways to keep your energy field clear and protected.

We hope there’s something in here that really lands for you.

Love, 

Polly & Lucy xxx

Support the show

• Pre-Order my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/book

• Download my FREE PDF 'The Top 10 Answers To The Most Irritating Questions That Single People Get Asked On The Regular...& How To (Devilishly) Respond'? Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/questions

• Join the waitlist for my membership, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo

• Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson

• Interested in my 1-1 Coaching? Work with me HERE: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/workwithme

• Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share

• Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/
• Email me: [email protected]

And thank you so much for listening!

Send us a text

In this episode of Thrive Solo, I'm joined by Kinneret Lahad, an associate professor and Head of the Gender Studies Program at Tel Aviv University, and author of 'A Table For One: A Critical Reading Of Singlehood, Gender and Time.'

Kinneret discusses her work on the cultural biases and societal timelines imposed on single women, the internalised shame surrounding singlehood, and the rich, fulfilling lives single people can lead. This conversation covers a range of topics including temporal norms, market value of women, and the potential of friendship and personal time as sources of fulfilment. The episode concludes with valuable insights for single women struggling with societal pressures, emphasising self-worth and the importance of finding joy in one's current life situation.

00:00 Introduction: Embracing Singlehood

02:14 Guest Introduction: Kinneret Lahad

04:37 Exploring Singlehood and Time

11:08 The Stigma of Singlehood

23:51 Consumerism and Singlehood

30:39 Cultural Representations of Single Women

33:06 Facing Societal Expectations

33:34 Reflecting on Life at 52

34:24 Embracing Singlehood and Shedding Shame

35:19 Navigating Doubts and Challenges

36:49 The Duality of Single Life

37:12 Finding Competence and Gratitude

38:01 Challenging Relationship Ideals

38:45 The Unfair Comparison of Life Paths

43:10 Rethinking Adulthood and Responsibility

47:29 The Sweetness of Solitude

52:23 The Importance of Friendship and Community

55:16 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

58:06 Podcast Conclusion and Call to Action

Buy A Table For One: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Table-One-Critical-Reading-Singlehood/dp/1526115395

Support the show

• Pre-Order my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/book

• Download my FREE PDF 'The Top 10 Answers To The Most Irritating Questions That Single People Get Asked On The Regular...& How To (Devilishly) Respond'? Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/questions

• Join the waitlist for my membership, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo

• Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson

• Interested in my 1-1 Coaching? Work with me HERE: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/workwithme

• Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share

• Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/
• Email me: [email protected]

And thank you so much for listening!

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On today's minisode, I'm talking about a recent email I sent to my list about what it's like being a woman in this world.

On my regular early morning walks by the coast, I often find myself looking back over my shoulder, just in case there is a lone male following me, or lurking in the bushes. This constant sense of fear of the opposite sex is something that us women are so accustomed to that we almost don't notice we're frequently on high alert.

You won't find any secret weapons (literal or metaphorical) to protect you in here, but it will most certainly make you feel seen and remind you that you're not alone.

Press 'Play' and let me know what you think. 

Support the show

• Pre-Order my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/book

• Download my FREE PDF 'The Top 10 Answers To The Most Irritating Questions That Single People Get Asked On The Regular...& How To (Devilishly) Respond'? Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/questions

• Join the waitlist for my membership, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo

• Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson

• Interested in my 1-1 Coaching? Work with me HERE: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/workwithme

• Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share

• Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/
• Email me: [email protected]

And thank you so much for listening!

Send us a text

On today’s Thursdays Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about 8 ways to raise your vibration.

Our energy matters. And it is powerful in terms of creating our realities. So raising our vibration on a regular and consistent basis is hugely important.

Polly and I discuss simple and effective ways to shift out of those low vibes and into higher ones like joy and gratitude.

We hope you’ll find something useful in here!

Love,
Polly & Lucy x

Support the show

• Pre-Order my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/book

• Download my FREE PDF 'The Top 10 Answers To The Most Irritating Questions That Single People Get Asked On The Regular...& How To (Devilishly) Respond'? Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/questions

• Join the waitlist for my membership, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo

• Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson

• Interested in my 1-1 Coaching? Work with me HERE: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/workwithme

• Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share

• Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/
• Email me: [email protected]

And thank you so much for listening!

Send us a text

My guest on the podcast this week is the fabulous Julia Hotz.

Julia is a journalist and award-winning author of The Connection Cure — the first book chronicling the science, stories, and spread of social prescribing. She helps other journalists report on evidence-backed ideas at the Solutions Journalism Network, and advises health organisations like Walk with a Doc and Social Prescribing USA. For her work on social prescribing, she has spoken at TEDx, taught in medical schools and practices, delivered keynote speeches, advised policymakers, and more. 

Topics that we cover are:

• how she came to write her book, The Connection Cure;
• what she discovered about loneliness;
• social prescribing, and what exactly it is;
• how 80% of our health is determined by social and environmental factors;
• how 1 in 5 people in the UK are going to their GP for social reasons;
• link workers — who they are and what they do;
• how loneliness is correlated with things like anxiety and depression;
• how depression is strongly related to the loss of a connection;
• the huge importance of moving our bodies;
• the story of Amanda who was prescribed sea swimming for her depression;
• the undeniable benefits of spending time in nature;
• how art can be effective for people suffering from anxiety disorders;
• the connection between mental and physical health;
• how social prescribing pertains to single women;
• what matters to you vs what’s the matter with you;
• how your relationship status is about as interesting as your hair colour, i.e. not very!

Buy Jules' book, The Connection Cure: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Connection-Cure-Prescriptive-Movement-Belonging/dp/1035423081

Check out her website: https://www.hotzthoughts.com/

Follow Jules on Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/hotzthoughts/

Support the show

• Pre-Order my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/book

• Download my FREE PDF 'The Top 10 Answers To The Most Irritating Questions That Single People Get Asked On The Regular...& How To (Devilishly) Respond'? Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/questions

• Join the waitlist for my membership, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo

• Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson

• Interested in my 1-1 Coaching? Work with me HERE: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/workwithme

• Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share

• Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/
• Email me: [email protected]

And thank you so much for listening!

Send us a text

On today's minisode, I'm asking the question: are you playing small?

So many of us — especially women — are not living into our highest potential, even though we know deep down that we're capable of more. Why is this?

Listen to this episode if you're tired of holding yourself back, getting in your own way, and not showing up as the fullest expression of you. It's time to change that.

Press 'Play' and let me know what you think.

Support the show

• Pre-Order my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/book

• Download my FREE PDF 'The Top 10 Answers To The Most Irritating Questions That Single People Get Asked On The Regular...& How To (Devilishly) Respond'? Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/questions

• Join the waitlist for my membership, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo

• Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson

• Interested in my 1-1 Coaching? Work with me HERE: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/workwithme

• Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share

• Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/
• Email me: [email protected]

And thank you so much for listening!

Send us a text

This week on Thursday Thoughts, Polly and I are talking about how to create a life you don’t feel the need to escape from.

Ever catch yourself counting down to the weekend or living for your next holiday?

You’re not alone - so many of us slip into that ‘just get through it’ mode.

But what if, instead, you could shift your perspective and find ways to enjoy every day, rather than wish so many of them away.

We hope this conversation gives you something to think about… and maybe even something to try.

Love, 

Polly & Lucy xxx

Support the show

• Pre-Order my book, SHINY HAPPY SINGLES (UK) / THRIVE SOLO (US & Canada) at: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/book

• Download my FREE PDF 'The Top 10 Answers To The Most Irritating Questions That Single People Get Asked On The Regular...& How To (Devilishly) Respond'? Go to: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/questions

• Join the waitlist for my membership, Thrive Solo: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/thrivesolo

• Check out my YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivesolowithlucymeggeson

• Interested in my 1-1 Coaching? Work with me HERE: https://www.lucymeggeson.com/workwithme

• Join my private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1870817913309222/?ref=share

• Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivesolowithlucymeggeson/
• Email me: [email protected]

And thank you so much for listening!