Beyond Retirement

In this episode, I dig a bit deeper into the idea Sairan Aqrawi brought up in her interview: that we all have "hidden gems" within us, and that as we hit midlife, we have the opportunity to uncover them.My suggestions for you from this conversation are:Allow yourself time for reflectionExperiment and exploreBuild a supportive communityReframe your mindset about agingGive back or mentor othersTake care of your body and mindIf you're struggling to figure out your next step, reach out! Talk to me at [email protected] TO RAMP UP YOUR RETIREMENT JOURNEY?Start here: https://beyondretirement.ca/start-here/Book a FREE call with Jacquie: https://calendly.com/jacquiedoucette/discoveryCheck out the Beyond Retirement Library: https://placeforbooks.com

In this inspiring episode of Beyond Retirement, Jacquie sits down with Sairan Aqrawi, a civil engineer, certified coach, and founder of the Gem Thrive Academy. From STEM to soul-searching, Sairan shares how she helps women over 50 rediscover their “hidden gem” — a unique passion, gift, or calling buried under years of work, family, and obligation.Whether it’s painting, public speaking, or building furniture in your garage, your gem doesn’t need to make money to be meaningful. Sairan’s bold, no-nonsense approach helps women reclaim midlife.To find out more about Sairan and the GemThrive Academy, visit sairanaqrawi.com

What happens when your carefully planned retirement takes an unexpected turn? On this week’s episode of Beyond Retirement, I reflected on this question.Here are 3 key takeaways for anyone planning their next chapter:Build Your Lifeline Early: Relationships with family, friends, and community are just as crucial as financial planning. The support Susie and Tony received made all the difference during their toughest days.Nurture Your Anchors: Whether it’s faith, creativity, volunteering, or something else—identify what keeps you grounded. Start strengthening those anchors now, so you’re ready when challenges arise.Embrace Flexibility: Plans are important, but adaptability is essential. The most meaningful moments often come from the unexpected detours and from helping others, even while facing your own trials.Retirement is a new beginning—sometimes bumpy, but always full of opportunities for growth, connection, and purpose.READY TO RAMP UP YOUR RETIREMENT JOURNEY?Start here: https://beyondretirement.ca/start-here/Book a FREE call with Jacquie: https://calendly.com/jacquiedoucette/discoveryCheck out the Beyond Retirement Library: https://placeforbooks.com

On this episode of Beyond Retirement, host Jacquie Doucette welcomes Soozie and Tony Cisneros, a couple whose retirement dreams took an unexpected turn. Just as they prepared to embark on new adventures together, both received life-changing cancer diagnoses—on the very same day. In this candid conversation, Soozie and Tony share the shock and uncertainty of facing treatment, the ways their family and community rallied around them, and the powerful role faith played in their journey. From setbacks to milestones, and finally reclaiming their freedom, their story is one of resilience, hope, and finding new meaning in life after the unimaginable. Whether you're approaching retirement or already there, this episode offers inspiration and wisdom on facing the unexpected and supporting one another along the way. Key Topics Covered: · Retirement Expectations vs Reality o Planning a life of travel and freedom o Receiving simultaneous cancer diagnoses · Navigating Treatment as a Couple o Different journeys: radiation vs non-surgical care o Emotional and logistical challenges of supporting each other · The Role of Family and Faith o Support from kids, including shaving their heads o How spiritual grounding helped them persevere · Redefining Retirement After Illness o Embracing each day with intention o Reframing 'lost time' as a second chance · Lessons in Resilience o What they've learned about strength and partnership o Advice for others facing unexpected setbacks

Retirement doesn't need a master plan. In this follow-up solo episode, Jacquie Doucette reflects on Lynn Katz's journey from school principal to author and community leader, showing how freedom, curiosity, and small daily goals can guide a deeply fulfilling retirement. Whether you're newly retired or still figuring it out, this episode offers practical insight into designing a path that fits you—not someone else's vision. Key Topics Covered * Intentional Retirement Choices No burnout, just clarity * Passion Rediscovery Childhood dreams reignited in retirement * Goal Setting Over Scheduling Daily writing targets instead of rigid routines Flexibility fuels sustained engagement * New Experiences in Later Life Saying yes to unexpected roles and hobbies * The Power of Openness Embracing "flailing" and slow starts Staying curious and adaptable * Community and Learning Lifelong learners never retire Connection as a pillar of post-work life