Single: The Art of Being Satisfied, Fulfilled and Independent [Paperback]

Judy Ford (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2004

Single is not a condition to be cured - it's just as natural as being part of a couple. Its wisdom is contagious. Its message is powerful...a sometimes funny, sometimes touching and always uplifting collection of true-life experiences and practical wisdom that helps readers celebrate their single status. Not an attempt to help the reader find the perfect mate - it provides her with a peek into the lives of ordinary singles and offers lessons and tips to help her create a life that even a married woman would envy. It's about being strong, being an individual and helping readers perfect the art of being satisfied, fulfilled and independent regardless of marital status. Single - a one-of-a-kind self-help book that speaks a universal language to single women everywhere - is about upholding the most enduring relationship of all: the one we have with ourselves.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

"Being single is not a condition to be cured"-especially when the remedy possibly means riding a marry-and-divorce roller-coaster just to avoid loneliness-says author and psychotherapist Ford (Wonderful Ways series; Between Mother and Daughter, Getting over Getting Mad). Instead, singles (this book is ostensibly written for all, but may resonate more with women) should reject the lonely and pathetic stereotypes this status usually carries and embrace life's most lasting relationship-the one with themselves. While some may dismiss this advice as a desperate mantra, Ford skillfully uses her own story and others' anecdotes to show that it's possible to be single and content. As a once happily married young woman, a sudden widow at age 29, then a miserably remarried woman, and finally an abandoned divorcée with a baby and an immense debt, Ford knows how precarious it is to put her happiness in the hands of another. In amusing lessons divided among six sections, she counsels readers on how to marshal their singleness to confront whatever adversities they may be forced endure. This fundamental wisdom should not be lost on couples either; after all, everyone must tread solo sometimes. Ford's playful poking at her own past misadventures in love and denial (like when she went solo to a movie and ordered drinks and popcorn for two) will endear her to struggling singles and inspire many to rejoice in life's singular potential.
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About the Author

Judy Ford is an award-winning author who currently maintains a thriving psychotherapy practice and keeps a regular speaking workshop schedule throughout the year. Her articles have appeared in Family Circle magazine, Good Housekeeping and Glamour. Her media appearances include Oprah, CNN and Sally Jesse Raphael.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Adams Media (September 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1593371543
• ISBN-13: 978-1593371548
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #341,484 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Judy Ford, a trained professional with heart, soul, and life experience, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is also a best selling author, mother, friend, and some say inspirational role model. She has been studying love and relationships for over three decades specializing in love, loss, and the things that matter most.

Articles on her work have appeared in Oprah Magazine, Family Circle, Women's World, Cosmopolitan, Family Circle, Glamour, Woman's Day, among others. Her media appearances have included Oprah, CNN, and National Public Radio. She lives in teh Seattle area, where she maintains a psychotherapy practice and keeps a regular speaking schedule. With compassion and candor, her work speaks to the heart, inspiring us to love life, to persevere through its challenges and to share our gifts with others.

Check out her web site: www.judyford.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Serendipitous Find, August 26, 2004

By 

J. G. Theisen (Tacoma WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Single: The Art of Being Satisfied, Fulfilled and Independent (Paperback)

I was looking for the perfect book as a gift to my sister, when Judy Ford's book, "Single" caught my eye.
In the past I have attended one of Judy Ford's workshops, and I have also read several of her other books, all which have been positive experiences. As I read through the comments and scanned the chapters, I knew instantly this was it.
When I got home I intended to wrap it up, but I opened it again and soon realized that I was caught up in reading the book myself.
I love this book!
The author's approach to the condition of being single is refreshing, and she keeps it honest. It defines why it is so important to cast aside the tired and outdated stereotype of what being single means. There is something for everyone here, and this book recognizes that we are all individuals who approach the world differently. Judy Ford's book encourages singles to embrace the person they are, living life to the fullest.
I especially like the way this book provides specific exercises that help realize self confidence and personal awareness. This is all done in a warm humorous manner that makes this book useful, informative and fun to read. I highly recommend it.

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Funny, Wise and Heartstopping, October 6, 2004

By 

ladybookworm "ladybookworm" (Denver, CO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Single: The Art of Being Satisfied, Fulfilled and Independent (Paperback)

I do not know what I expectd when I bought this book, but what I got was much more than I thought it would be. This is not an easy book for me to read, but it is illuminating. I have been divorced for three years and while reading this book, I realized that without intending to I have put my life on hold. I've been waiting for the right someone to come along so that I can start enjoying my life again. This is not a good way to live. This book has gently shocked me into facing the reality that right now I am single. I have felt sad and ashamed about my situation, but after reading the author's story, I felt proud of her and of all single men and women who refuse to settle for less and have figured out how to be satisifed, fulfilled,and independent. I want to be one of those too. The author's funny and wise words have inspired me. The tips at the end of the each section are genius.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful!, September 14, 2004

By 

Shy Gal (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Single: The Art of Being Satisfied, Fulfilled and Independent (Paperback)

I feel very lucky to have discovered this gem. Most books on the subject either treat the single life as though it is one big, never-ending, carefree party OR they treat being single as though it is a terrible sickness needing to be cured giving advice only about how to find a mate as opposed to talking about how to be satisfied in life regardless of your relationship status. What Judy Ford does so brilliantly in this book is help comfort that lonely feeling that resides within all of us. Becuase the truth is that even within the most fulfilling relationships, all of us have moments when we feel terribly alone, longing for something more. Judy Ford helps to make sense of that feeling, to be comfortable with it instead of fear it.

This is not your typical self-help book. Single is miraculously funny and deep at the same time. Parts will make you laugh out loud! It is valuable read for anyone who wants to create a truly fulfilling life for herself (or for himself too, of course!).