What happens when the retirement you dreamed about doesn't turn out the way you expected? Mary Zahorsky thought she knew what her retirement would look like. She had a vision for her life in Florida and took the leap—only to discover that something important was missing. Eventually, she made another bold decision: she returned to Minnesota. Was that a failure? Or was it actually the beginning of understanding what she truly wanted from her next chapter? In this honest and inspiring conversation, Mary and I explore what was behind her decision to move to Florida, what she discovered once she got there, and what she realized she needed that ultimately brought her back home. And along the way, we uncover a powerful question that every woman approaching or living in retirement may want to ask herself: What if changing your plans isn't failing? What if it's how you find your way to the life that really fits you? Retirement today is no longer simply about stopping work and filling your days with travel, gardening, or time with the grandchildren. It can be a third act filled with purpose, passion, connection, possibility—and perhaps even income. Mary and I also talk about some of the practical pieces that can help create a more successful retirement, from building your social connections before you retire to being thoughtful about debt and making strategic Social Security decisions. But this conversation goes much deeper than financial or lifestyle planning. Because sometimes the things we label as "failures" are actually turning points. They give us the courage to look again, listen to ourselves, and make a different choice. If your retirement plans have changed—or if you're wondering whether the life you imagine after work will truly make you happy—this episode is for you. You don't have to get retirement "right" the first time. You have permission to explore, adjust, begin again, and create a next chapter that feels authentically yours. AFFIRMATION of the MONTH: This chapter is a fresh canvas for my passions and creativity. GUEST BIO Mary Zahorsky is a Spiritual Life Coach who works with people through the later seasons of life to escape the relentless hustle of corporate life to design a life aligned with what they truly desire. Through ZVision, Mary guides her clients to experience authentic transformation through reconnecting, clarifying, and committing to building a life that feels genuinely theirs. Working with curiosity and powerful questions, Mary believes that lasting change happens when people are able to uncover their own wisdom. Her approach honors both the practical and the profound, grounding clients in real action while inviting them to connect with something larger than themselves. Mary's signature offering, Drift Less, Manifest More is a weekend retreat designed to help people move from the scattered energy of drifting through life into a state of aligned flow connecting with their deeper desires. Through her coaching packages and retreat experiences, she supports clients across the full spectrum of their transformation journey, from initial clarity and vision work through sustained commitment and action. Mary draws inspiration from nature, travel, and the profound practice of stillness. Here is how to get in touch with guest speaker Mary Zahorsky: mary.z@zvisioncoaching.com Website: www.zvisioncoaching.com Y ou can get the free self-assessment resource Mary mentioned in the podcast here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/WY5Z4bp/ZVision The Future is calling you. This assessment is designed to help you recognize the subtle patterns shaping your life and reconnect with the possibilities calling for your attention. Through a self-assessment, reflection, and Mary Zahorsky's 5D Framework, you'll discover how to move from reacting to circumstances toward consciously creating what comes next. What You'll Discover: Why some people seem to create their future while others wait for it The hidden impact of drift and doubt on your decisions How daydreams often reveal clues about your deepest desires Practical ways to create greater direction and momentum Which element of the 5D Formula deserves your attention right now A simple next step toward a more intentional future Mary also has a retreat planned for September 18-21, 2026. Drift Less, Manifest More; Flow into the future A transformational retreat at the confluence of the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers. Consciously shifting the direction of your life and leadership You can get all the details for this special event here: https://www.wetravel.com/trips/drift-less-manifest-morezvision-3300943351#about-this-trip Other ways to learn from Mary or connect with her: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryzahorsky CONNECT with MARIA Want to meet like-minded women that are just like you discovering their next chapter in life? Join the Facebook group Women Seeking Blissful Retirement HERE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WomenSeekingBlissfulRetirement Love to hear from you! Get in touch with Maria for questions or topic suggestions: maria@marialucassenHQ.com or use the contact page. ACTION STEP If you are retiring soon or made this step recently, and you are worried about being bored, not longer valuable for what you do and wonder what is next, knowing that there's more that you want from life, I get it. As someone who's been single all her life and had to adapt to feel at home, build new connections and find a new identity, I know that it takes effort, time and curiosity to create a happy fulfilling life. I work with women who are anxious and worried about the transition into their retirement so they can see the opportunities this next chapter offers. How can you create more fun and enjoyment outside your career and family? Are you looking for quiet time and less distractions so you can finally focus on what you want in retirement? How many dreams have you placed on hold while waiting for "someday"? Do you want to meet and share your thoughts, ideas and plans with other women who are in the same situation in a safe place knowing you will be heard? There is something that happens when women come together in person—especially at this stage of life. You realize you're not alone. You hear your own thoughts spoken out loud by someone else. You tell the truth—sometimes for the first time in years. This kind of shift doesn't happen in isolation. It happens in relationship, reflection, and real conversation. I think there is a moment that we realize that something we keep delaying needs our attention. If this resonates with you I developed a small intimate program for women who want to dream and explore possibilities to create a blissful next chapter with vitality, joyful experiences and empowering connections. The Your Blissful Next Chapter Retreat take place from September 18-20, 2026 in beautiful St. Petersburg, Florida. This Retreat is a 3-day, in-person experience for women who are done circling the same questions and are ready to step forward with clarity and confidence. Through guided reflection, honest conversation, and shared experience, you'll release outdated expectations, reconnect with what truly matters to you, and practice showing up as the woman you are becoming. This is not about reinvention or starting over—it's about claiming your next chapter with intention, courage, and support. You don't need to know exactly what's next. You just need to know you don't want to stay where you are. Choosing yourself now doesn't just change your life. It changes how you show up in every relationship you care about. This is not a leap. It's a step—into the life you've been preparing for. If you're ready to explore who you are becoming, I would be honored to walk with you. Registration is now open. https://marialucassen.kartra.com/page/yourblissfulnextchapter Spots are limited by design, because the experience is personal. If you would like to talk about whether the retreat is right for you, call me. I'd be happy to have a conversation. https://MariaLucassenHQ.as.me/NextChapter or email me at Maria@blissful-retirement.com
