Hi, Reader.

Here's something you can probably relate to.

You're finally retired!! 💃🏻 🥂 🥳

You know you should be excited and grateful. You have the time and you're healthy, for the most part. Now is your time, right?

But instead of excited, you feel a bit down, unmotivated, or maybe even a little depressed. To top it off, you know how crazy it is that you feel this way, so you beat yourself up with guilt. What the hell is wrong with you?

You’re not alone. And it isn't fear or uncertainty that's bringing you down.

It’s grief.

​(Read the whole article on Substack here.)​

Why Grief Comes With Transformation

You don’t often think of retirement in terms of grief, but you should. Grief isn’t just about losing people and pets you love. It’s about losing parts of yourself- identities, roles, versions of yourself that no longer fit. And that loss can be just as profound as mourning a loved one.

✔ You’re letting go of who you used to be. The role that once gave you meaning—career woman, leader, caregiver—has shifted, and the new you hasn't fully formed yet.

✔ You've lost the external validation. When you step away from traditional roles, the recognition and validation go with it.

✔ You’re stepping into the unknown. You're programmed for certainty and to gravitate towards safety.

Even though there is very little in our world that is "certain", we still want the illusion, making this time even more difficult.

What's Wrong with You?

Most people assume that if you’re struggling in this phase of life, it means you’re doing something wrong. "Why can't I figure this out?" you ask. Unfortunately, that's not how transformation works. It's not something you figure out but something you evolve through.

How to Move Through It

Grief isn’t something you “fix” or “get over.” It’s something you process, something you move through with intention. One of the most important things you can do is:

Surround Yourself with People Who Support the Emerging You

Not everyone will understand your transformation. Some will question it. Others will resist it. Seek out people who support you and your journey through this new phase of your life.

Rather than question or deter you, you want cheerleaders who encourage you to grow and who celebrate the unfolding version of you. ​

That's why community is so important. If you’re navigating a transition and want support, guidance, and cheerleaders, joining the inaugural Wayfinder Journey may be for you.

We get started in April. Space will be limited as this is the first group—more information is here. Let me know if you have any questions.

If you want to go deeper into my article on the grief of change, I’d love for you to read more on Substack.

You are not stuck. You are evolving. And the you that’s emerging is worth every moment of discomfort.

With gratitude,

Lynnelle

PS - If you. haven't already, please check out the YouTube channel. Subscribe if it resonates with you. And please, give me your feedback to help me improve this for others! ❤️

PSS - I've scheduled an informational call about the Wayfinder Journey for 18 March. If you're interested and have questions before signing up, register for the call.

If you want a bit more info before the call, check it out here.​

PSSS - The Messy Middle is at once blurry and messy yet beautiful if you sit with it and walk through it.