The Joyful Encore: How to Use My 5-Part Model to Reclaim Your Life

Retirement, especially when it comes unexpectedly, can feel like a blank page staring back at you. For so long, your life was full of purpose, structure, and connection — whether it was running a business, leading a team, or showing up day after day with your skills and dedication. And then, seemingly overnight, that chapter ends. The career that once defined your days has closed, leaving you wondering, What now?

It’s easy to feel lost in that uncertainty, but here’s the truth: this next phase of your life isn’t about what’s over. It’s about what’s possible. Your encore years — what I call your “Joyful Encore” — invite you to reclaim your life, reconnect with yourself, and step forward into a future full of joy, meaning, and purpose.

You don’t need to have all the answers right now. You need a framework to help you uncover them. That’s where my 5-Part Joyful Encore Model comes in. It’s a compassionate, practical guide designed to help you create a life that’s fulfilling and uniquely yours.

Start with Purpose.

At the heart of reclaiming your life is rediscovering your purpose. For years, your purpose may have been defined by your work — your role, title, and contributions. Without that, it’s normal to feel untethered. But here’s what you need to remember: your purpose is not your job. It’s so much bigger than that.

Purpose is about what gives your life meaning and direction. It’s rooted in your values, passions, and the impact you want to have — whether that’s on the world, your community, or simply within your home.

This is your time to ask: What truly matters to me now? Maybe you want to mentor younger generations, explore your creativity, volunteer for a cause you care about, or simply live each day with more joy and intention. Purpose doesn’t have to be grand or complicated; it just has to feel true to you.

Build Meaningful Connections.

Connection is vital to a joyful life, yet many women struggle with it after leaving their careers. The people you saw daily — coworkers, clients, colleagues — may no longer be part of your daily rhythm, which can feel isolating.

But connection isn’t tied to a job; it’s something you can cultivate intentionally. Now is the time to find your tribe — the people who inspire, encourage, and see you for who you are. Maybe it’s old friendships that need rekindling, new communities where you feel understood, or even deeper connections with family.

Relationships don’t just happen; they’re built. And when you surround yourself with people who lift you up, you’ll be reminded that you are never alone on this journey.

Redefine Your Rewards.

Success may have been measured in promotions, accolades, or financial achievements for years. Those external rewards were easy to identify, but now, in this new chapter, it’s time to redefine what success means to you.

What brings you joy? Maybe it’s the satisfaction of a morning spent tending your garden, the freedom of an afternoon with a good book, or the excitement of learning something new. Rewards now come in the form of experiences, moments of peace, and the freedom to choose how you spend your time.

This is your chance to embrace the life you’ve worked so hard for, savor the simple pleasures, and find fulfillment in nourishing and authentic ways.

Harmonize Your Life.

Reclaiming your life is also about finding balance — a harmony that feels right. This might mean prioritizing your health and well-being, creating routines that bring structure without stress, or finding the balance between giving to others and caring for yourself.

It’s about listening to what your body, mind, and heart need and creating a rhythm that allows you to thrive. For some, that might mean slowing down. For others, it’s about re-energizing and taking on new adventures. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to harmony, and that’s the beauty of this phase: you get to decide what works best for you.

Embrace Exploration.

The final part of the Joyful Encore Model is about exploration — saying yes to curiosity, growth, and the possibilities that lie ahead. For so long, your life may have been driven by routine and responsibility, leaving little room for exploring what truly lights you up. Now, you have the freedom to try new things without the pressure of perfection.

Maybe you’ve always wanted to paint, travel, write, or learn a new skill. Perhaps you’re drawn to something you can’t even name yet. Give yourself permission to explore without judgment or expectation. The joy is in the journey; every step forward is an opportunity to discover something new about yourself.

Your Joyful Encore Awaits …

This next chapter of your life isn’t something to fear; it’s something to embrace. Your Joyful Encore is about reclaiming your time, energy, and purpose in meaningful and fulfilling ways. It’s about stepping into an intentional, connected life full of possibility.

The Joyful Encore Model doesn’t ask you to reinvent yourself. It helps you reconnect with who you’ve always been: a capable, wise, and resilient woman who still has much to give and experience.

If you’re ready to create a life that feels joyful, balanced, and true to you, I’m here to guide you. Together, we can explore your purpose, build meaningful connections, and uncover your opportunities in this new season. Your encore years are yours to design—and trust me, the best is yet to come. Let’s talk.