The Simple Sophisticate - Intelligent Living Paired with Signature Style
Education:Self-Improvement
"We are not born with the secret of how to live [well], and too many of us never learn it. There is nothing cold-blooded or mechanical about it, but there are many things we have to learn to do . . . the first thing is to realize we've probably been looking in the wrong place. The source is not outside us; it is within." —Mildred Newman & Bernard Berkowitz, authors of How to Be Your Own Best Friend
Befriend yourself and you have a friend for life.
This simple saying, often expressed, while true, is often not understood as to how it can be possible. But the most awesome news I want to share with you today is that you have had the answers to so much of the peace, calm, and clarity you have been seeking traveling within you all this time. How to tap into and what exactly are you looking for? That is what we are going to talk about today.
Inspired by a book that was written in 1971 Mildred Newman and her husband, both psychologists, Bernard Berkowitz, the title was originally How To be Your Own Best Friend: A Conversation With Two Psychoanalysts. Consisting of only 74 pages, their insights are shared, as this title suggests, in conversation form - questions followed by answers.
While little known when the couple originally self-published, it was with the help of author, screenwriter and director Nora Ephron, who upon reading the book quite liked it so she introduced the authors to her book agent upon which it then became a national bestseller (learn more about how she helped in this article published earlier this year). Picking up my own copy and zooming through it, I found common sense advice, grounded in approachable guidance sharing reminders and nudges of how we can help ourselves out but often are too timid to do so due to a variety of cultural circumstances and pressures.
As I read, the overlap of choosing to be your best friend and finding and experiencing contentment quickly became apparent, and having just wrapped up producing all of the filmed lessons for TSLL's Contentment Masterclass, as you will discover when you enroll, knowing ourselves and honoring what we find to be true for ourselves resides at the core of a fulfilling life. In the words of the authors, becoming our best friend is sage wisdom to follow. However, what does that look like? Being our own best friend? That's what I want to share with you today and the benefits of doing so.
Let's get started.
View the Show Notes on the blog: https://thesimplyluxuriouslife.com/podcast379
165: How to Enjoy Eating Every Day and Love the Results
164: The Importance of a Daily Routine & How to Create One You Love
163: Learn How to Truly Savor Everyday Moments & Watch It Elevate Your Life
162: From Seeking Happiness to Cultivating Contentment: A Shift in Pursuit
161: Ask Shannon Episode
160: The Butterfly Moment in Life: Don't Wait, Just Live Well
159: 18 Ways to Define Your Classic Style in Life and within your Closet
158: France in Pictures and Illustrations: My Interview with author & artist Rae Dunn
157: Passion Projects, Jazz, Being French at Heart & Living in the Moment: Elizabeth Bougerol of The Hot Sardines
Self-Awareness, Relationships, Style & the Met Gala: My Interview with Stylist Tiffani Rogers
155: 6 Life Lessons for Living Well from Julia Child
How to Build a Life for Ladybugs: Choosing Hope over Fear
153: 24 Ways to Live Beyond Labels
152: Dream First, Then Plan
151: 10 Style Tips to Embrace the French Woman's Approach to Effortless Chic
150: Give It Time: Discovering What Is Worth the Wait
149: How to Cultivate Your True Style All Year Long
148: The Hygge Phenomenon and Living Simply Luxuriously
147: 10 Truths About The Independent Woman & Love
146: 11 Worthwhile Life Skills That Are Easier Than They Appear
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