This podcast interview discusses Cathleen's career transition from technology to historical writing and her recent 6,000-mile camping trip across nine western states. Cathleen shared her background in documenting historic mining towns and architectural history in Colorado, her career shift after discovering her passion for Colorado history, and her current lifestyle as an independent woman. They discussed her travel habits, including her preference for two-lane highways, RV camping, and visiting friends along the way, with costs around $100 per day. The conversation also covered Cathleen's advice for women considering major life changes, emphasizing following one's vision and taking practical steps to make those changes. She shared what brings her joy, including nature, journaling, reading, and music.

To learn more about Jean and the Be Joyful podcast visit www.bejoyful.love.

Summary

The discussion focused on the unique challenges women face in retirement, particularly those who spent 40 years in the workforce. Karen and Erica shared how they launched Luster to address the gap in visibility and community for this demographic, explaining how they evolved from a blog to a comprehensive platform with monthly member calls, weekly news programs, and various online events. They discussed the differences between men's and women's retirement experiences, noting that women often struggle more with the transition due to having spent decades building careers they loved. The conversation also covered specific advice for women approaching retirement, emphasizing the importance of taking time to relax without committing to new responsibilities, getting out and meeting people, and saying yes to social opportunities.

Retired Women Community Connection Systems

Karen and Erica discussed the challenges retired women face in connecting with others in their community after leaving corporate environments. They explained that Luster provides systems for members to find and connect with others, including monthly member calls, direct connections between members, and various online events including a weekly news program. Jean, who recently joined Luster, expressed interest in participating in Zoom meetups and mentioned enjoying the platform's content, including a podcast about AI and a newsletter on learning languages.

Retirement Work for Women's Support

Erica and Karen discussed finding joy in retirement by continuing their work to support women, particularly those facing challenges in the legal profession. They described how helping others and maintaining a structured work environment with an office brings them satisfaction, especially working together. The discussion included their decision to create simple business cards with just their names and contact information as a way to establish their presence professionally.

To learn more about Lustre, check out their website www.lustre.net.

To learn more about Jean and the Be Joyful podcast visit www.bejoyful.love.

Avrielle Simoneau is a passionate and dedicated certified practitioner at Sundrop Wellness, a holistic massage clinic.

When she was younger, she said she “played it small” and didn’t go after the things she wanted. She let life happen to her, but now it’s all about making life the way she wants.

She likes the saying, “swallow the frog,” which means to do the thing that’s the hardest first and will propel you the furthest.

Overcoming Fear and Pursuing Passions

Jean interviews Avrielle Simoneau, a certified practitioner at Sundrop Wellness, about her journey from playing it small to pursuing her passions. Avrielle discusses her approach to tackling difficult tasks, using the metaphor "swallow the frog" to encourage facing fears head-on. She shares an example of reaching out to MSU football coaches about compensation for her work, emphasizing the importance of building confidence through challenging actions. Avrielle also reflects on her upbringing in a remote Canadian community, highlighting the tight-knit environment that fostered acceptance and unity.

Single Mother's Journey in Business

Avrielle discussed her upbringing in a family business, her marriage at a young age, and the challenges that led to her divorce at 32. She described balancing work and raising six children as a single mother, eventually pursuing education in naturopathy while taking various jobs to support her family.

Chiropractic Career and Business Growth

Avrielle decided to leave school and pursue a career in chiropractic clinics after experiencing health issues, including insomnia and aches and pains, which doctors warned could lead to serious health problems if continued. She worked in the chiropractic business for 12 years, growing it from zero to nine clinics, but eventually parted ways with the business due to misaligned goals.

Holistic Massage Therapy Journey

Avrielle discussed her journey from owning a chiropractic clinic to becoming a massage therapist, emphasizing how business ownership and parenting taught her valuable life lessons. She explained her holistic approach to massage therapy, which combines breathwork, physical manipulation, and nutrition, aiming to bridge energy and physical health. Jean praised Avrielle's therapeutic skills and her ability to create a happy and relaxing atmosphere.

Nutrition and Hydration Recommendations

Avrielle discussed nutrition recommendations for clients, emphasizing the importance of adequate protein intake and proper hydration, which she believes can help identify and address weaknesses in the body. She shared her personal experience with omega-3 supplements, noting that they can significantly reduce the need for surgery in certain cases. Jean acknowledged the benefits of hydration and expressed interest in incorporating omega-3 supplements into her daily routine. Avrielle advised finding a personal water intake balance, suggesting a minimum of 8 cups per day, while acknowledging that individual needs may vary based on factors such as diet and physical activity.

Embracing Self-Fulfillment and Equality

Avrielle discussed her personal life, expressing openness to dating and a preference for younger men who value equality and autonomy. She shared her experience of being a single, successful businesswoman with six grown children, emphasizing the importance of self-fulfillment and equal partnerships. Avrielle advised others seeking life changes to act on their desires, step into fear, and reward themselves for progress. She also mentioned her work in life coaching and provided her website for further information. sundropwellness.com

To learn more about Jean and the Be Joyful podcast visit www.bejoyful.love.