In this podcast, which is episode one of a two-part series, Dr. Stein walks us through his list, How to Become Your Own Best Friend. This is one of our favorite essays from Dr. Stein which is saying a great deal given the depth and breadth of his wisdom.
He opens the list with the question, “Who is the person closest to you?” If we are going to be our own best friend, how do we start?
Dr. Stein suggests that we start from by being good company. If we expand our interests, push our boundaries, and investigate new ideas, we can fill up from the inside out.
And when we grow, we will sometimes makes mistakes. Dr. Stein beautifully expands on his instruction that “Mistakes are inevitable. Master them. Please take steps to skip over their repetition.”
The next few instructions that Dr. Stein offers center around knowing our own place and value in relationship to others. His beautifully communicated points about having limits, becoming independent and pursuing advice speak to the balance of knowing how to advocate for ourselves. If we are truly our own best friend, would we stick up for ourselves more?
I know one thing that my friends consistently help me with is with the timing of life. Dr. Stein exhorts us to be in the game of life and not to overthink. This gem of an instruction, especially paired with the others, speaks of being active participants in the events of life.
This is a great episode full of the warm and wise advice of Dr. Stein. He proves an excellent guide past the pitfalls and into the fullness of a wonderful life. We know you’ll love it!
And then come back next week for the second episode of Being Your Own Best Friend.
On a programming note, we will only be producing two more episodes in 2023 after this one so that we can take a break for the holidays.
<we’ve taken out the podcast player from this post because it wasn’t working in the WordPress reader. Sorry for any inconvenience but the link to Anchor below will take you right to it.>
Search (and subscribe!) for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pocket Casts OR Listen to on Anchor Episode 46: Being Your Own Best Friend With Dr. Gerald Stein – Part I
Transcript for Episode 46 of the podcast
Links for this Episode:
Episode 46: Being Your Own Best Friend With Dr. Gerald Stein – Part I on Anchor
Dr. Gerald Stein’s Blog: Dr. Gerald Stein
How to Become Your Own Best Friend by Dr. Gerald Stein
Other podcast episodes with Dr. Stein:
Episode 37: The Waiting Game with Dr. Gerald Stein
Episode 29: Accidental Philanthropists with Dr. Gerald Stein
Episode 20: The Art of the Interview with Dr. Gerald Stein
Vicki’s recently released book: Surviving Sue
Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith
The Heart of the Matter 
Oh…it’s bad form to play favorites…but this was such a delight. And it’s only the first part! Thank you, Wynne and thank you, Dr. Stein. 😊
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Wait a minute, I’m starting to think that every podcast is your favorite? Ha – same for me as well!! So much fun. ❤ ❤ ❤
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LOL…you’re not wrong…such a terrific dilemma to have…enjoying everything. Maybe it’s your fault! 🤣
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Hmm, I can’t wait to listen. Overthinking. Being your own best friend. Getting out of your own way. Yea, you guys are reading my mind again. He’s got so much wisdom, looking forward to it. 🙂
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Getting out of your own way — that would be the perfect subtitle! Yes!
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Oh my goodness. So much wisdom here! This could be a whole series where Dr. Stein unpacks one of his 30 amazing insights in each episode. It’s way too hard to pick a favourite tip. Can’t wait for part 2.
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Thanks for listening, Michelle. You are right – it could be a whole series. There is so much goodness! ❤
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The main take away I gleaned from Dr Stein’s podcast was to not be timid about making new mistakes, to show interest in others, and to ask lots of questions. Good advice! 🙂
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Those are great take-aways, Nancy! Thanks for listening! ❤
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A good message to hear. Congrats on your prolific year in podcasting!
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Thank you, Ab! And thanks for your lovely support in everything!
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Waiting for part two!
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You’ll love it, Mary! 🙂
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Excellent point from Dr. Stein about what teenagers sometimes mean when they say, “I’m bored.” It’s critical that we look beyond the literal words for deeper truths. As a teacher, I sometimes heard parents use this as their excuse for why their child was misbehaving or not doing well in school, when the real reason they were having problems in school might be depression, anger, or self-esteem.
I also agree with the attitude of being unafraid to make mistakes. Some of the most valuable lessons we learn come from these experiences.
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