Published in 2023
298 pages
Kerri Sackville is an Australian writer. She is currently a regular columnist for Sunday Life magazine, Sydney Morning Herald and Melbourne Age. Over the years, Kerri has appeared frequently on commercial and ABC radio networks, podcasts, and TV shows including Sunrise, The Morning Show and The Daily Edition. Kerri is the author of five books: The Secret Life of You: How a bit of alone time can change your life, relationships, and maybe the world, The Life-Changing Magic of a Little Bit of Mess, Out There: A survival guide for dating in midlife, The Little Book of Anxiety: Confessions from a worried life, and When My Husband Does the Dishes: A memoir of marriage and motherhood.
What is this book about?
“In this powerful meditation on aloneness – as opposed to loneliness – Kerri blends incisive journalism with critical thinking, research, wit and heartfelt storytelling … For those burned out by busyness and connectedness, this book is life-changing” –Ginger Gorman
Why is it so scary to be alone with your own thoughts?
When columnist and commentator Kerri Sackville decided to stop filling every idle moment with distraction and learn to be comfortable alone, her quality of life soared.
From boosting creativity and productivity, improving self-awareness, building resilience and moral courage, to improving relationships and connection with others, a bit of alone time is vital to wellbeing. But with smart phones, social media, endless streaming and podcast options, as well as the demands of work, family and friends, spending meaningful time on your own can feel impossible, unnecessary, or even indulgent.
In The Secret Life of You Kerri Sackville analyses society’s attitude towards solitude – why is it okay to eat breakfast at a café on your own but faintly tragic to dine alone? She identifies the roadblocks in the way to unplugging, contemplates aloneness vs loneliness, and looks at the difference between true connection and mere connectivity. Finally, she provides practical advice on how to become comfortable in your own company, in order to enjoy – and even cherish – time alone.
