Thrive Solo: Embracing the Freedom, Joy, and Opportunity of a Single, Childfree Life

by Lucy Meggeson

A bold, celebratory exploration of living single and childfree from the host of the Thrive Solo podcast

Are you tired of people asking why you’ve “ended up” single? Do you just want to do your own thing—without the pressure of marriage, kids, or expectations? In a world that still idealizes traditional marriage and motherhood, Lucy Meggeson offers a powerful being single and childfree is just as joyful, meaningful, and fulfilling as being in a partnership.

Drawing from personal experiences, candid conversations, and the latest research, Lucy reveals the freedoms and opportunities that come along with the single life—in spite of what the world assumes. She’ll show you how

Redefine happiness beyond coupledom Own your unique path and challenge made-up stereotypes Prioritize the things you truly want out of life Whether it’s creating space to pursue passion projects or embracing the spontaneity of designing days on your terms, you can celebrate all that’s possible when you live life unapologetically and nurture the most important relationship of the one you have with yourself. It’s time to reject outdated narratives and claim your solo life as one full of fabulousness and endless potential.

Genres: Relationships

224 pages, Paperback

Published June 24, 2025

Reviews

[Lynn Sommerville · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think we really needed more pro-singleness and pro-childfree books in the personal growth genre. I really enjoy the work Lucy is doing.

[MSJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

"As far as I'm concerned, the world's best kept secret is that being single and childless is, actually, awesome." Thank you to Lucy Meggeson for writing a book that de-centralizes the importance society has placed on being coupled! There is a whole life out there waiting for us to TAKE IT AND LIVE IT. We can't waste time waiting on the perfect partner to come by and sweep us off our feet! Also, it's not mandatory!! As one of the women interviewed writes in the book, "...Life is too short, quite literally, to let that hold you back...there is no dress rehearsal. Allow yourself to have what you want." Our lives are worth celebrating, partnered or not; being single isn't a "consolation prize". It is, quite simply, just another path - one that presents its own challenges and rewards, but is equally valid as having a romantic partner.

As an OB/GYN resident who considers 70-h workweeks my "light" weeks (and has struggled IMMENSELY with defining my self-worth by my academic/career successes), this is the book I needed to remind me that there is a life out there, outside of medicine and relationships, waiting for me.

TL;DR
Your life is your own, whether you are single or not
Don't give a flying fuck what others think
Time is short - create the life you want

--

"I'm becoming the person that I'm supposed to be. There is this strong, authentic, creative, cool woman in there who has had the space to grow." - Maddie (50, Bristol)

[Ileana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful passion project I am grateful to have been a part of. Listening to Lucy read the audio book, I got to relive our interview--a rare opportunity to share the value that solo childfree life has given me and so many other women. For women living or contemplating living a solo childfree life, I hope this book serves as a refreshing reminder that the relationship with oneself is as rich and rewarding as any other.

[Kathleen Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucy Meggeson’s “Thrive Solo” (“Shiny Happy Singles” in the UK) reads like a conversation with a loving and wise older sister. I wish I’d had this book 30 years ago.

Drawing from her own life experience, as well as from interviews with women around the world, Meggeson addresses the myths and stigmas attached to single, childless/childfree women, then offers alternative perspectives. For example, she redefines “solitude” and demonstrates how “alone time” is not necessarily “lonely.” In another compelling chapter, she completely debunks the time-worn practice of labeling childless women as “selfish.” Meggeson presents her argument brilliantly.

Though I currently do not fit the model of her target audience, I could relate to what she wrote, and found her writing inviting and encouraging. I also appreciate how she reminds us to respect, honor, and include people of all shapes and sizes.

Ultimately, I found this book to be about embracing life, right where we are. For no matter what my status—single, divorced, married, widowed—the most important relationship I’ll ever be in is the one I have myself.

[Callista Milligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

sooo so good