"I was so looking forward to the day I could leave my work behind. When that day finally came, I was ecstatic! A couple of months later, I was lost. What happened to me!?

You had a lifequake, that's what happened to you. The ground beneath your feet opened up and your career is on one side and your new life is on the other. You're stuck in the gap. Expectations of how our life will unfold rarely meet with reality, for one. We may have visions of extensive travel, a calendar full of fun social engagements, meaningful family get-togethers, or just enjoying quiet, peaceful alone time. Somehow the reality didn't turn out like that. Another consideration is that we long so much for "THE DAY" to get here that "THE DAY" is more of the focus than our life after. After the honeymoon of retiring wears off, it can be a big letdown. Lastly, social conditioning has imprinted on our psyches what a "retired" woman's life is. Try as we might to fight that cultural image, our brains have been conditioned from decades of messaging. Subconsciously, even if you don't realize it, you can actually hold yourself back without even realizing it. If any of this sounds familiar, you're not alone. That's what Bold-WOMEN is about. Redefining what it means to be a Senior Woman. Check out our Program, 3rd Quarter ReBOOT.

"What do I say when asked, "What do you do?""

Oh, my gosh, this is a real gut check, isn't it? Here are a few DONT's: I'm not sure yet. I don't know. I'm retired. If you don't know what you want to be doing yet, fake it. Here are a couple of suggestions. I'm really into ________. What are some of the things you're interested in? What do you like to learn about, where do you want to travel to? Are you doing any volunteering? When I was thinking about this website (since 2017, thank you...) I would say I'm really interested in blogging and online businesses. Whaaat? No, I didn't have anything up and running. I had also just moved into a new house and was trying to tame a wild field into a front and back yard, so "landscaping" was always something I mentioned. I've got a few things on my plate. I'm going to take some time to consider my options. Whatever you do, hold your head up and engage. You got this.

"Wow, I'm surprised at how lonely this retirement is."

This is one of the real surprises for me. I worked so many hours, most of my socializing revolved around my work, business events with co-workers, and clients. I really didn't consider the impact of walking away from the social side as well. It's not that I thought my co-workers and clients were my friends, but I just didn't think about it. Another thing I didn't think about was that most of my non-work friends have kids and grandkids that are their primary focus in life. I don't have kids and the separateness I felt in my 20s and 30s I recognize again in my 60s. For those of us without kids, without extended family close by, or just plain independent, retirement can be a bit lonely at first. It takes a real effort to reconstruct a social circle. That's one of the main reasons for the free Facebook Group, Bold-WOMEN, and the free monthly "Sunday Salon" and "Virtual Book Club" events.

Bold-Women, Redefining Senior

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BOLD-Women, We give up a lot more than a paycheck when we leave our career.

You left a successful career behind. Now, it's YOUR life.

But... YOUR life isn't exactly what you expected...

Are you floundering instead of thriving?
Do you feel stuck and lost instead of forging your new path?
Are you frustrated with yourself that you're in this place??

Time Until We're LIVE!

Days

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

We're LIVE!

Learn More!

When you leave your career you leave WAY more behind than a paycheck. And, at the same time we midlife women are already dealing with physical, hormonal, family, and cultural pressures! It's no wonder this life transition knocks us off our game.!

Learn About Don't Retire! ReWire.

Why do most Retirement Planners & Coaches get it SO WRONG?

They try to “analyze and fix” us, as if something is broken. We aren't broken.
They prioritize “finding a new passion”, as if finding “something to do” is the answer. It's not.
They focus solely on the financial impact of retirement, leaving the rest of life to just “fall into place”. It won't.

BOLD-Women is a learning, sharing, and supportive community for women over 60 who have or are considering leaving their successful career for a 2nd wave.

RETIREMENT, in the literal sense, is not the goal. A new chapter is.

After spending the last several decades striving for conventional success, BOLD-Women are determined to spend the next few decades defining and living their best lives, as THEY see it.

The mission of BOLD-Women is to support post-career women over 60 to live fully, boldly, and authentically in their 2nd wave. This is made possible through interactive workshops, self-paced practices, and private mastermind groups, all with the objective of reviving the SELF, the spirit and spontaneity.

Hello, my name is Lynnelle.

I'm a 60-something year-old post career woman.

After leaving my career in 2017, it took me a few years and more than a few tears to get back to my SELF.

Now that you’ve left your professional life behind, you are probably looking forward to living with more meaning, more in line with your authentic self.

But, like me, you're finding that isn’t as easy as you expected.

This feeling of uncertainty, like you’re floundering, is unfamiliar and you don’t like it. You stay busy, making plans and taking action.

But, you’re still stuck, feeling disconnected, and totally out of your element.

If this is you, you are not alone.

It’s a common situation many of us strong, type-A, introverted females find ourselves in.

We’ve spent our lives making shit happen. And now, it’s not working. But it can. And it will.

I can show you.

How We Work Together

BW Circles

A 6-month group mastermind program for women who are redefining their lives, post-career.

Don't Retire! ReWIRE.

A 6-week, program for women who want to find the SELF they lost in their quest for conventional success.

Want to Talk?

You want to learn more about BOLD Leap Counsel or other ways we can work together? -

Let's talk .

Blog Articles

Bungee Jump to Future You

By Lynnelle Wilson • June 10, 2023

It’s been a week since I promised some insight about my big bungee jump move but here I am, still staring at this blank page. There are such mixed emotions with this move, I imagine that’s what the procrastination was about. But, moving forward — It’s happening. I’m moving from Austin to Charleston, hitting the road on Monday, 12 June.

Thank you, Tina.

By Lynnelle Wilson • May 25, 2023

If Tina Can Do It, We All Can.

Top of Blog Listing

As a woman over 60, you are tasked with transitioning out of your long career at the same time you are dealing with the physical and cultural challenges inherent in nearing or entering your senior years.

You may find yourself in a situation that feels like emotional paralysis.

"I was so looking forward to the day I could leave my work behind. When that day finally came, I was ecstatic! A couple of months later, I was lost. What happened to me!?
You had a lifequake, that's what happened to you. The ground beneath your feet opened up and your career is on one side and your new life is on the other. You're stuck in the gap.
1. Expectations of how our life will unfold rarely meet with reality, for one. We may have visions of extensive travel, a calendar full of fun social engagements, meaningful family get-togethers, or just enjoying quiet, peaceful alone time. Somehow the reality didn't turn out like that.
2. Another consideration is that we long so much for "THE DAY" to get here that "THE DAY" is more of the focus than our life after. After the honeymoon of retiring wears off, it can be a big letdown.
3. Lastly, social conditioning has imprinted on our psyches what a "retired" woman's life is. Try as we might to fight that cultural image, our brains have been conditioned from decades of messaging. Subconsciously, even if you don't realize it, you can actually hold yourself back without even realizing it.
If any of this sounds familiar, you're not alone. That's what Bold-WOMEN is about. Redefining what it means to be a Senior Woman. Check out our Program, 3rd Quarter ReBOOT.
"What do I say when asked, "What do you do?""
Oh, my gosh, this is a real gut check, isn't it? Here are a few DONT's:
1. I'm not sure yet.
2. I don't know.
3. I'm retired.
If you don't know what you want to be doing yet, fake it. Here are a couple of suggestions.
1. I'm really into ________. What are some of the things you're interested in? What do you like to learn about, where do you want to travel to? Are you doing any volunteering? When I was thinking about this website (since 2017, thank you...) I would say I'm really interested in blogging and online businesses. Whaaat? No, I didn't have anything up and running. I had also just moved into a new house and was trying to tame a wild field into a front and back yard, so "landscaping" was always something I mentioned.
2. I've got a few things on my plate. I'm going to take some time to consider my options.
Whatever you do, hold your head up and engage. You got this.
"Wow, I'm surprised at how lonely this retirement is."

This is one of the real surprises for me. I worked so many hours, most of my socializing revolved around my work, business events with co-workers, and clients. I really didn't consider the impact of walking away from the social side as well. It's not that I thought my co-workers and clients were my friends, but I just didn't think about it.

Another thing I didn't think about was that most of my non-work friends have kids and grandkids that are their primary focus in life. I don't have kids and the separateness I felt in my 20s and 30s I recognize again in my 60s.

For those of us without kids, without extended family close by, or just plain independent, retirement can be a bit lonely at first. It takes a real effort to reconstruct a social circle.

That's one of the main reasons for the free Facebook Group, Bold-WOMEN, and the free monthly "Sunday Salon" and "Virtual Book Club" events.

Our latest on Instagram

This is so true. A wonderful new beginning (retirement) is a different side of the same coin (your working life). You can't fully embrace one side while fretting over the other. Pick one. Embrace it. #new #beginnings #boldwomen

Let's encourage each other to get planting. Now. #time #beginning #boldwomen

Your "work" at this point in your life is... your life. Our "work" now is the time we spend 'in-flow'. Lose yourself in flow, doing what you love. #doyoudo #greatwork #boldwomen

The older I get, the. more important it is to embrace this attitude. Your mind holds the key. #mindcontrol #ageboldly #boldwomen

The curtain is up and the show is on now. Don't wait to be who you are meant to be. #whoyouare #dressup #boldwomen

Success & failure aren't words that resonate with me outside of building a career. Now I use "Fulfilled" & "Floundering" in their place. Replace the former 2 with the latter 2, having the courage to continue still rings so true. #successminded #failure #boldwomen

It’s never too late to try something new.

Just like effort - Don't look for passion. You won't find it. You LIVE with passion. When you live with passion, you are passionate about what you're doing. You're passionate about living. #livewithpassion #boldwomen #transformation

My new man. He sheds less than the last one, too. Ladies, life begins at 66.

Yes, I’m over 60… hell, I’m over 65 and yes, I have a mentor. Here she is and yes, she’s a lot younger than me. I am learning and growing in ways I wouldn’t be otherwise. You never outgrow the benefit of a good mentor. What do you think? @poweredbysage #eventlife

What’s YOUR next step? #thousandmiles #stepbystep #boldwomen

This quote leaves out the first, most important step to take after you retire. Step 1: Get to know yourSELF again. Step 2: Believe in yourSELF. After 20, 30, 40 years of NOT listening to yourSELF as you chased conventional success, you have to get to know yourSELF - and all that you are. Only THEN can you know just how indomitable you are. #believe #retiredlife #boldwomen

The article is difficult to read. The headline is not. And we wonder why women, especially after retirement, can have identity crises. It's not our fault, but it IS our responsibility. "...DABBLES in works of art." my ass. #retirement #brave #boldwomen

What is the ONE thing that you would do if only you "could"? Put that here in the comments. (You CAN do that.) #youcandoit #positivevibes #boldwomen

Thinking about yesterday = Thinking that starts with: "I should have, shouldn't have, I wish I could have, would have, I wanted to..." If you should have or would have or wanted to... think about why you didn't. Take note. Learn the lesson. Move on. #bettertomorow #moveon #boldwomen

When you leave your career (aka: retire), planning doesn't always mean finances. Nor, does planning always mean "doing". Sometimes you have to do nothing to learn a new dance. #lifeisadance #boldwomen #lifeaftercareer

What’s YOUR next step? #journeybegins #thousandmiles #embark #boldwomen

It's the secret to getting ANYWHERE, really. Are you putting anything off? What are you waiting for? #startnow #liveahead #brightfuture #boldwomen

...or, count the days that count and smile. When you think about it, don't they all count? 🙃 #daysofourlives #lifequotes #boldwomen #retirement

No reason for this picture other than I miss my heart home and its kitchen in Beaugency France. October. Where is your heart home?

Now is not the time to limit yourself. Explore and expand yourself. #explore #retirement #goals #betterlife

The survey is in. The biggest challenges after retirement aren't only about the money in your account. What do you think?

You know you can do hard things. Look where you've been. Just because you're feeling a bit untethered without a big job and title, that doesn't mean that strong, kick-ass-and-take-names woman isn't still in you. Talk to her. I bet she'll answer. #boldwomen #couragequotes #future #lifequotes

Thank you to all of you who took the time to share your input & complete the survey. Results will be emailed out tomorrow, to those of you who participated. If you didn't respond to the survey, make sure you're on the email list if you'd like a copy of the results. Comment here & I'll send you a link. :-) Happy Thursday!

Retirement is a good time for chasing dreams. It's also a good time to find the road home to your authentic self. Perhaps, "home" to yourself for the first time? Perhaps. #retirement #women #dreams #boldwomen

A day becomes a week becomes a month… and just like that, my month in France is over. I am so grateful I took the steps to be here. It isn’t easy nor inexpensive. But, so very important. What are you putting off because you’ve told yourself it’s selfish? It is not. It is life affirming.

I'm finding that "winging it" doesn't work out nearly as well as it used to. Must be more like Santa and check things twice. In advance. 🧐 #travel #expectations #mindset #boldwomen #Retirement

Do you like to travel alone? It can be lonely at times. But if you like exploring new places and cultures, turn that lonely feeling into an opportunity to explore YOU. If you're not used to spending much unscheduled time alone, it will take some practice to get passed the "Well, this is weird. What am I supposed to be doing to explore me?" part. It's a muscle you haven't used a lot, if at all, and it needs to be strengthened. In April, the virtual 3-day event I'm hosting will address this kind of self-exploration, among other tools to get yourself on your best post-career path. Mark your calendars off for April 27, 28, & 29. More info coming. mid-March. Send me any questions you have in the meantime. 😉 #mentalwellbeing #explore #retiredwomen #beautyin60s #travel

It’s a bitch, but it’s worth it. #livelife #boldwomen #womenpower #lifecoach #retiredlife

My view. First leg on my journey back to the U.S. Next trip will be more permanent. Where will your next chapter take you?

Not as visually extravagant but beautiful in its simplicity. And exquisitely delicious. Cheesecake. Dessert du jour. #dessert #france #cheesecake #boldwomen #mondaytreat

No need for pretenses anymore. I love jarred pesto! #pasta #retirement #boldwomen #BeYourself #pesto

If we are honest, one of the challenges of leaving a long career is that you’re not the experienced, competent one anymore. You’re a beginner again for the first time in decades. When you’re used to being the one in command, confident, with all the answers - going back to newbie status can be a shock to your system - and ego. #beginagain #boldwomen #brave #newstart #opportunity

How often to you see yourself and wonder “who the hell is that?!” and a nanosecond later it clicks. I’m not complaining. Just throwing it out there. #retiredwomen #boldwomen #lifeafterretirement #coaching #women #selfworth

Seemingly nothing can be everything. This is my view, staring up from my bed through the skylight above me. Finding awe and inspiration at 2am in the middle of the night. Beauty is everywhere. ❤️

What do you have to let go of to bring your best self to life in 2023? Think about it, cowgirl up, and let it go.

Does experience instill wisdom in us --- or is it we who recognize when to (or not to) carry that experience with us... which, over time can create wisdom. hmmmmm. 🤔🤔🤔

The Holidays are such fertile ground for growth opportunities for us “retired” ladies with gumption.

And with this light in yonder window breaking, only 6 more until it breaks on a new year.

A very Merry Christmas to all who celebrate! May all your side-eye glances be so cute. ❤️

You. Are.

Here's to showing others what self-love looks like.

Yes, I think I will. Who's with me?

Link in bio! HoHoHo ya'll.

Further proof that looks do NOT fade with the years!

Gratitude is more than lip service. It's a way of life. Always face towards the sun.

Being stuck in the LOOP feels a lot like this. What is the LOOP? It's getting stuck in a continual cycle of Doubt & Question -> Despair -> Search ...or, Phase 2, 3, and 4 of your Life-After-Career. See the link in BIO.

For what it's worth - I know. It is NEVER too late (or early) to be yourSELF.

Last year you said "it wasn't the right time". What about now?

“It is time to speak your truth. Create your community. Be good to each other. And do not look outside yourself for your leader... We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.” --Hopi elders

Participating in a women's retreat - $197. KNOWING you live true to yourSELF with love and consideration for others. - PRICELESS

Be BOLD enough to look for the beauty.

hmmmm. I could go either way with this. What do you think?

If you want to see what you truly are, open the window, and everything you see is in fact the expression of your inner reality. Can you embrace all of it? - Adyashanti

Planning ahead.

Chanel lipstick - 43 Euro Rouge Coco Bloom #122 Zenith - Priceless Who knew finding the perfect lipstick color would be life-changing?!

When you can « pop up to Paris for the day », you know you’ve done something right.

The shadows and the reflections, both, tell as important a story as the objects themselves. Together, it is a symphony. #LivingMyDream

Saturday market in Beaugency. If you would have asked me 5 years ago if I would be living this dream, I would have laughed. And then cried and dropped into a heap. Don’t Retire. ReWire.

The French summer season ends officially on August 31. Every year. Always. It's the way it's always been. Your next chapter doesn't have to be "retirement". It may be the way it's always been, but it doesn't have to be. Not if you want something different.

Happy National Pablo Day! 😉

31 August back to France. Planning my meals.

You know those times when you're reminded of your age? Today I participated in a virtual event and was introduced as a wise "Elder". I don't know which term surprised me more.

Silence is the key. First, you must STOP.

Some say that when you're "retired", everyday is a Friday (or Saturday, of Sunday, or....) I disagree. I love Fridays! Enjoy!

Barely a month before I head back to my heart home for September!!! If you have a dream, don't be afraid to keep it alive. YOU CAN (and MUST) keep it alive. One thing I wish I had been more prepared for was the closer my dream came to reality, the more threatened those who didn't understand my dream seemed to become. I assume it was feeling threatened because I refuse to believe they were not happy for me. Don't give up. You must not give up. Your post-career life should be ALL about not giving up on your SELF.

This poor tree. I'm trying to keep it alive through this wickedly hot, dry summer. But like most things, I can only do the best that I can do. If it makes it, I've done my best. If it doesn't, I've done my best. What I haven't done is won or failed. Trust the process and let go. Trees, people, dreams. Do your best and let the rest be.

Dang, if this isn't the truth. --and he doesn't stop after you turn 65, either. Just sayin'.

Don’t wait. If not now, when?

Don't Retire. ReWire! Link in bio.

Imagine, waking up every day excited to get started. ⁠ ⁠ You sit with your morning cup and smile. You know you're in the place and are doing what fulfills you, what excites you, what is meant for you. ⁠ ⁠ This is the main reason I'm hosting the retreat on 7-27. You shouldn't just imagine it. You should live it. ⁠

The year is almost half over.⁠ ⁠ How do you feel about that?

I'm always asked how I got so comfortable going to France solo. ⁠ ⁠ Short story, being in France is, for me, more like being home. It's difficult to explain. It's a place I have to be, something I. have to do.⁠ ⁠ What is something your soul calls you to do, or a place your soul calls you to be? Are you listening? Or are you telling yourself you're being selfish or foolish or you don't have the time, money, support, energy...? ⁠ ⁠ You don't have the time, money, support, or energy to NOT listen. Watch for the invitation for the BW 1-Day Virtual retreat. July 27. ⁠

With every advancement or change, you face new and different challenges. ⁠ ⁠ Be prepared, if you want to continue to advance and grow.

Only 36 days until the BW 1-Day Virtual Retreat!! 💃🏻⁠ ⁠ Don't Retire. ReWire! ⁠ ⁠ I'm so excited! July 27, 2022. Block the Day.

I'm always asked how I can be so comfortable eating out, traveling, or just being by myself.⁠ ⁠ Short story, when my soul calls me to do something or to be someplace, I listen. If I'm alone when that happens, so be it. Besides, I work very hard to be someone I like.

This is a tough one. If your soul calls you to learn, experience, and continue growing - those around you who are comfortable staying the same may push back. ⁠ ⁠ Be kind, but be BOLD. ⁠

France, my heart home, is calling. It's not a permanent move (yet), but September is my France month. ⁠ ⁠ What BOLD decision have you made for your SELF lately?⁠ ⁠

"In my mid-60s I would have thought that I had arrived at a secure, stable, coherent sense of self. But if I'm honest about it, my sense of myself continues to go up and down. There's this mythology out there that if someone were truly successful, they wouldn't be going up and down. This just isn't the way it is for most people." --Dr. Ron Seigel (and me)

What would your 25 year old self remind you about yourself?

Getting to know your SELF is a walk in the park compared to setting up an automated email system. To those who just got an email from me addressed as « Welcome, Lynnelle! »… please forgive me. I’m a business owner in training. 🤭

Look to the weekend and keep last week where it belongs.

Let's start this week right - Say NO to network news. Both sides - both colors. There is so much good in the world that we just can't see for all the focus on the bad. At this point in our lives, ladies, let's just say NO. I want to see the good.

A favorite saying that grows more meaningful as the days go by.

Some things can make you feel so small…but in a good way.

Let’s redefine what it means to be a senior woman. Who’s on board with that?

And with the new month I begin the march into my 65th year. Looking back 5-years to 2017, I moved to Austin, turned 60, quit my long career in global banking, and buried my Mom. I spent the next 5 years processing the seismic shifts in my life, and rediscovering/redefining who I am and what I stand for. While I feel I’m 90% of the way there, I plan on spending the next 5 years exploring that remaining 10% and validating the 90. What are your plans for the next 5 years?

Breath new life into her!

Not everything comes out in the wash, thank goodness. The real you will show through, wet or dry.

Do you know where you're going to?⁠ Do you like the things that life is showin' you?⁠ Where are you going to?⁠ Do you know?⁠ ⁠ --Gerry Goffin

No matter how BOLD you are, some days you just need your PoohBear.

How long has it been since you've seen yourself? I mean, the way we all really need to be seen? ⁠ ⁠ Take a good long look. Or, take a picture. It lasts longer.