Conversations on the Single Life
Challenges and Opportunities

Presented by
Diane L. Dixon, Ed.D.

Objectives:

? To explore the challenges and opportunities of the single life.
? To discuss methods for becoming a self-actualized/ 
empowered single who lives a meaningful life.

Inquiry, Reflection, and Dialogue

? Start from the Inside-Out…




? Engage in deep personal inquiry…
? Who are you?
? What are you?
? How did you get to be who you are?
? What are the imprints from childhood and life experiences 
that are repeating themselves in your relationships?



? Explore your mindset/mental model…
? Fundamental assumptions, core beliefs, and values about 
the reality of being single.  Includes thoughts, attitudes, 
choices, and desires. [ Anderson, D. & Anderson L.A. (2001). Beyond change management. 
San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer, p.83]




? “Every problem you have is associated with a belief.” Hay, 
L.L. (1999). You Can Heal Your Life. Carlsbad, CA: Hay 
House, p.175.

? New Thought Patterns….
? “The past has no power over me.”
? “I am healthy, whole, and complete.”
? “I love myself.”
? “I forgive myself.”
? “I am strong.”
? “My life is sweet.”
? “I release the pattern in me that created this.”
? “I am good enough.”
? “I am totally centered in the love and joy of being 
alive.”

? Become centered and grounded…
? Find your “spiritual” ground.



? Accept the Paradox of Growth…



? Cope with being alone….



? Envision the types of people and relationships that you want.



? Live a full life as a “self-actualized/empowered single.”
? Engage in activities that you enjoy.
Interesting Reading

Byron, W. J. (1998). Answers from within: Spiritual guidelines for managing 
setbacks in work and life. New York: Macmillan Spectrum.

Bronson, P. (2002). What should I do with my life?. New York: Random House.

Chodron, P. (1997) When things fall apart: Heart advice for difficult times. 
Boston, MA: Shambhala.

Chodron, P. (2001). The places that scare you: A guide to fearlessness in difficult 
times. Boston, MA: Shambhala.

Chodron, P. (2002). Comfortable with uncertainty: 108 Teachings.  Boston, MA: 
Shambhala.

Chopra, D. (1997). The path to love: Spiritual strategies for healing. New York: 
Three Rivers Press. 

Hay, L.L. (1999). You can heal your life. Carlsbad, CA: Hay House, Inc.

Kabat-Zinn,J. (1994). Wherever you go there you are: Mindfulness meditation in 
everyday life. New York: Hyperion.

Jones, L.B. (1996). The path: Creating your mission statement for work and life. 
New York: Hyperion.

Lama, The Dalai & Cutler, H.C. (1998). The art of happiness.  New York: 
Riverhead Books.

Lewis, K. G. (2001). With or without a man: Single women taking control of their 
lives. Palo Alto, CA: Bull Publishing Company.

Roth, C. (1999). Mind: the master power. Unity Village, Missouri: Unity Books.

Vanzant, I. (1996). Faith in the valley: Lessons for women on the journey to 
peace.  New York: Fireside.

Young-Eisendrath, P. (1996). The resilient spirit: Transforming suffering into 
insight and renewal. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley Publishing, Inc.

Zukav, G.(1989). The seat of the soul. New York: Fireside-Simon & Schuster.


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Conversations on the Single Life
D. Dixon & Associates, LLC		5/18/03	
410.740.0986 (phone)
410.997.3340 (fax)
didixon@erols.com