Flip the Box® with Shari Leid

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What happens when you start dating again after 27 years of marriage? Spoiler: it’s awkward, hilarious, a little cringey… and surprisingly fun.

In this episode of An Imperfectly Perfect Life with Shari Leid, I pull back the curtain on what it’s really like to date in midlife — from fish photo profiles 🐟 to first-date experiments and everything in between.

Along the way, I share pieces of my own dating journey and bring in wisdom (and laughs) from:
 ✨ Justina Chen – award-winning YA author, who knows all about the messy magic of love.
✨ Connie Curlette – psychotherapist and relationship coach, with real tools for navigating dating in midlife.

Whether you’re single, married, divorced, or just here for the laughs, you’ll walk away with stories, strategies, and maybe even a little hope for your own imperfectly perfect adventures.

Grab your coffee or your wine 🍷 (no judgment here) and join me — because dating after divorce? It’s not just about finding someone new. It’s about finding yourself again.

🎥 Want to watch my journey? Subscribe on YouTube at youtube.com/sharileid 

💌 And don’t forget to grab my free 52 Weeks of Connection email series—one weekly challenge to help you feel more connected and build real friendships as an adult. It’s free, simple, and you can unsubscribe anytime. Sign up at: https://zc.vg/ZDPo2

And if you’re ready to go even deeper,  learn more about my Flip the Box® LIVE - The Connection Conference and Flip The Box® Women's Retreat  at https://animperfectlyperfectlife.com/working-together

To purchase my latest book, Table For 51, visit: https://a.co/d/cL7uYIy

Let’s dive in—reinvention, real talk, and a whole lot of laughter start NOW!

#animperfectlyperfectlife #sharileid #newbeginnings #theartofreinvention #lilfecoach #midlifecoach #selfhelp #livewithpurpose #divorce #tablefor51 #50statesproject #flipthebox #keynotespeaker #connectioncoach #belonging #creatingbelonging #keynotespeaker #relocation

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Returning to the workforce after years as a stay-at-home parent can feel like jumping into the deep end without knowing how to swim. Where do you even begin? How do you translate your life experience into marketable skills? And most importantly, who are you now compared to who you were when you last collected a paycheck?

Executive coach Tammy Gooler Loeb joins us with transformative insights that flip the script on career transitions. Rather than seeing yourself as "starting over," Tammy encourages embracing everything you've done—including raising children—as valuable experience that shapes who you are today. The conversation dives deep into understanding your current values, creating a personal mission statement, and developing a three-tiered approach to job seeking that balances dreams with practical realities.

We explore the surprisingly fuzzy boundaries of today's workplace, including navigating unexpected social dynamics that can catch midlife job-seekers off guard. Tammy shares wisdom on establishing clear boundaries while remaining authentic, and how to prepare for uncomfortable situations before they arise. The discussion reveals how the integration of work and personal life represents a significant shift from previous generations, offering opportunities for greater fulfillment when your career aligns with your overall life purpose.

Perhaps most powerful is Tammy's reminder that the stories we tell ourselves fundamentally change our experiences. If you view yourself as "too old" or "inexperienced," these narratives will limit your opportunities. Instead, recognizing your unique value allows you to approach transitions with confidence in what you genuinely have to offer.

Whether you're contemplating a return to work, facing unexpected life changes, or simply seeking greater alignment between your values and career, this conversation offers practical guidance rooted in self-understanding. Listen now to discover how working "from the inside out" creates the foundation for meaningful work at any life stage.

To learn more about Tammy, purchase her book, "Work From The Inside Out" or learn about her podcast visit her website at: Tammygoolerloeb.com

🎥 Want to watch my journey? Subscribe on YouTube at youtube.com/sharileid 

💌 And don’t forget to grab my free 52 Weeks of Connection email series—one weekly challenge to help you feel more connected and build real friendships as an adult. It’s free, simple, and you can unsubscribe anytime. Sign up at: https://zc.vg/ZDPo2

And if you’re ready to go even deeper,  learn more about my Flip the Box® LIVE - The Connection Conference and Flip The Box® Women's Retreat  at https://animperfectlyperfectlife.com/working-together

To purchase my latest book, Table For 51, visit: https://a.co/d/cL7uYIy

Let’s dive in—reinvention, real talk, and a whole lot of laughter start NOW!

#animperfectlyperfectlife #sharileid #newbeginnings #theartofreinvention #lilfecoach #midlifecoach #selfhelp #livewithpurpose #divorce #tablefor51 #50statesproject #flipthebox #keynotespeaker #connectioncoach #belonging #creatingbelonging #keynotespeaker #relocation

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What truly prepares us for life's biggest transitions? In this deeply personal episode, I'm sharing audio from my YouTube vlog that follows my journey from Seattle to Dallas – but it's about so much more than a change in location.

After nearly 30 years of marriage, I find myself building a completely new life: establishing community in a strange city, launching a career, creating a conference from scratch, and rediscovering who I am as a single woman in my 50s. The experience has shown me that our past challenges actually equip us for current ones in unexpected ways.

My childhood as an adopted only child taught me to walk into rooms alone. A devastating car accident at 22 revealed humor as my default stress response. My breast cancer journey transformed my perspective on what truly matters. These experiences weren't just random hardships – they were preparation for this season of reinvention.

I take you through my practical city selection process (with some brutally honest observations about dating prospects in different locations), the emotional challenge of decluttering decades of possessions, and the inevitable mishaps that come with any major life change. Through it all runs a thread of finding purpose in transition and embracing the "imperfectly perfect" moments.

Whether you're facing your own major life transition or simply appreciate honest storytelling about reinvention later in life, this episode offers both practical insights and emotional resonance. Watch the full video version on my YouTube channel at youtube.com/ShariLeid under the "vlogs" playlist, and join me next week when I tackle dating apps after 27 years of marriage!

🎥 Want to watch my journey? Subscribe on YouTube at youtube.com/sharileid 

💌 And don’t forget to grab my free 52 Weeks of Connection email series—one weekly challenge to help you feel more connected and build real friendships as an adult. It’s free, simple, and you can unsubscribe anytime. Sign up at: https://zc.vg/ZDPo2

And if you’re ready to go even deeper,  learn more about my Flip the Box® LIVE - The Connection Conference  Learn more about the conference at https://animperfectlyperfectlife.com/working-together

To purchase my latest book, Table For 51, visit: https://a.co/d/cL7uYIy

Let’s dive in—reinvention, real talk, and a whole lot of laughter start NOW!

#animperfectlyperfectlife #sharileid #newbeginnings #theartofreinvention #lilfecoach #midlifecoach #selfhelp #livewithpurpose #divorce #tablefor51 #50statesproject #flipthebox #keynotespeaker #connectioncoach #belonging #creatingbelonging #keynotespeaker #relocation

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Starting over is never easy, but it's often where our most profound growth happens. Welcome to Season 3 of "An Imperfectly Perfect Life," where I'm taking you along on my journey of reinvention after divorce, transitioning from stay-at-home motherhood, and relocating to Dallas—a city where I currently have zero established connections.

Feeling overwhelmed by change? You're not alone. My secret weapon against paralysis is asking, "What's the easiest next step?" These small, consistent actions don't just change outcomes—they transform how we see ourselves and our possibilities. From practical moving strategies like dedicated daily time blocks and digital organization tools to psychological techniques like mentally placing myself in Dallas before physically arriving, I'm sharing my real-time process of rebuilding from the ground up.

Creating community in a new environment is perhaps the greatest challenge of relocation. As someone who professionally advises others on building meaningful connections, I'm now putting my expertise to the personal test. By proactively researching and contacting organizations aligned with my interests—from professional speaking groups to dance communities—I'm laying groundwork for future relationships before even arriving. This season has already brought unexpected opportunities: an invitation to the prestigious Renaissance Weekend think tank, joining a major speakers bureau, and evolving my small retreat concept into "Flip the Box Live: The Connection Conference" scheduled for 2026. Join our waitlist and access the 52-week friendship challenge through the links in our show notes. What's your easiest next step toward the future you're dreaming of? Share your journey with us!

🎥 Want to watch my journey? Subscribe on YouTube at youtube.com/sharileid 

💌 And don’t forget to grab my free 52 Weeks of Connection email series—one weekly challenge to help you feel more connected and build real friendships as an adult. It’s free, simple, and you can unsubscribe anytime. Sign up at: https://zc.vg/ZDPo2

And if you’re ready to go even deeper,  learn more about my Flip the Box® LIVE - The Connection Conference  Learn more about the conference at https://animperfectlyperfectlife.com/working-together

To purchase my latest book, Table For 51, visit: https://a.co/d/cL7uYIy

Let’s dive in—reinvention, real talk, and a whole lot of laughter start NOW!

#animperfectlyperfectlife #sharileid #newbeginnings #theartofreinvention #lilfecoach #midlifecoach #selfhelp #livewithpurpose #divorce #tablefor51 #50statesproject #flipthebox #keynotespeaker #connectioncoach #belonging #creatingbelonging #keynotespeaker #relocation

#animperfectlyperfectlife #sharileid #newbeginnings #theartofreinvention #lilfecoach #midlifecoach #selfhelp #livewithpurpose #divorce #tablefor51 #50statesproject #flipthebox #keynotespeaker #connectioncoach #belonging #creatingbelonging #keynotespeaker #relocation

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Michael Neece shares his powerful perspective on kindness as a transformative force in both personal relationships and professional environments. He demonstrates how small acts of kindness create ripples of connection, trust, and opportunity in ways we can't always predict.

• Defining kindness versus being a pushover – kindness benefits others while recognizing we're fortunate to have each other
• How kindness transforms workplace culture by creating psychological safety for innovation and creativity
• Personal story of navigating divorce, family crisis, and loss through a practice of kindness
• Leadership requires vulnerability – when leaders admit mistakes, they model kindness that inspires team engagement
• The importance of being kind to yourself and embracing your unique "weirdness" (from wyrd meaning fate/destiny)
• Finding silver linings and practicing gratitude even during life's most challenging moments

This week's challenge: Practice three acts of kindness – one for yourself, one for a family member or friend, and one for a stranger. These small gestures can transform your perspective and ripple outward to create meaningful change.

To learn more about Michael, visit his website at OurFuture is Kind (www.ourfutureiskind.com)

🎥 Want to watch my journey? Subscribe on YouTube at youtube.com/sharileid 

💌 And don’t forget to grab my free 52 Weeks of Connection email series—one weekly challenge to help you feel more connected and build real friendships as an adult. It’s free, simple, and you can unsubscribe anytime. Sign up at: https://zc.vg/ZDPo2

And if you’re ready to go even deeper,  learn more about my Flip the Box® LIVE - The Connection Conference  Learn more about the conference at https://animperfectlyperfectlife.com/working-together

To purchase my latest book, Table For 51, visit: https://a.co/d/cL7uYIy

Let’s dive in—reinvention, real talk, and a whole lot of laughter start NOW!

#animperfectlyperfectlife #sharileid #newbeginnings #theartofreinvention #lilfecoach #midlifecoach #selfhelp #livewithpurpose #divorce #tablefor51 #50statesproject #flipthebox #keynotespeaker #connectioncoach #belonging #creatingbelonging #keynotespeaker #relocation

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Reinvention doesn't come with a roadmap. At 55, I'm uprooting my entire life in Seattle – the only city I've ever truly called home – to start fresh in Dallas. This journey of saying goodbye to familiar streets isn't just about changing ZIP codes; it's about honoring who I was so I can fully become who I'm meant to be.

Join me as I revisit the landmarks of my life: my childhood home in what was once America's most diverse ZIP code, where my Japanese-American father bought our house for $18,000 in 1967 despite racial covenants limiting where he could live. The elementary school I attended briefly before mandatory busing changed Seattle's educational landscape. The church where I married, which I hadn't visited since my wedding day. Each place holds pieces of my story – some joyful, some painful, all formative.

What struck me most was how unplanned detours led me to places of profound transition rather than just happy memories. Standing in front of my childhood home, dramatically changed from when I lived there, I realized how many of my childhood friends didn't make it out – lost to drugs, incarceration, or worse. Yet these reflections weren't just about nostalgia; they revealed how far I've come and reminded me that confidence isn't avoiding challenges but knowing you can handle whatever life throws your way.

Whether you're contemplating your own major life change or simply curious about how we navigate transitions, this episode offers both practical wisdom and emotional resonance. I share tools for your own journey of reinvention and invite you to walk alongside me as we learn from each other. After all, we're better together on this twisting, imperfect, perfectly wonderful journey called life. Ready to embrace new beginnings? Subscribe now and let's build something beautiful out of change.

🎥 Want to watch my journey? Subscribe on YouTube at youtube.com/sharileid 

💌 And don’t forget to grab my free 52 Weeks of Connection email series—one weekly challenge to help you feel more connected and build real friendships as an adult. It’s free, simple, and you can unsubscribe anytime. Sign up at: https://zc.vg/ZDPo2

And if you’re ready to go even deeper,  learn more about my Flip the Box® Retreats for women—three unforgettable days designed to bring you home to yourself. While most retreats take you away, these retreats are about helping you reconnect with who you are, what you want, and the life you’re meant to live.  Learn more about the retreats at https://animperfectlyperfectlife.com/working-together

To purchase my latest book, Table For 51, visit: https://a.co/d/cL7uYIy

Let’s dive in—reinvention, real talk, and a whole lot of laughter start NOW!

#animperfectlyperfectlife #sharileid #newbeginnings #theartofreinvention #lilfecoach #midlifecoach #selfhelp #livewithpurpose #divorce #tablefor51 #50statesproject #flipthebox #keynotespeaker #connectioncoach #belonging #creatingbelonging #keynotespeaker #relocation

#animperfectlyperfectlife #sharileid #newbeginnings #theartofreinvention #lilfecoach #midlifecoach #selfhelp #livewithpurpose #divorce #tablefor51 #50statesproject #flipthebox #keynotespeaker #connectioncoach #belonging #creatingbelonging #keynotespeaker #relocation

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Ever wondered if you're too giving in relationships? That nagging feeling that you're always putting others first might not just be generosity—it could be codependency.

The revelation hit me hard. As someone who prided myself on independence—building businesses, attending law school, traveling solo—how could I possibly be codependent? That was for "weak" people, right? Wrong. In this deeply personal episode, I'm joined by licensed psychotherapist Connie Curlett to unpack what codependency actually means and why successful, capable people often struggle with it most.

Connie breaks down how codependency manifests as giving too much while receiving too little, driven by an underlying fear of abandonment. We explore the critical difference between genuine support and codependent behavior (hint: it's all about internal versus external motivation), and why setting healthy boundaries feels so terrifying when you've been conditioned to prioritize others' comfort above your own needs.

This conversation offers revelatory insights for anyone questioning their relationship patterns. Whether you're recovering from divorce, rebuilding your identity, or simply wondering why your relationships leave you feeling depleted, Connie provides practical strategies for healing—from increasing self-compassion to recognizing when fear is driving your decisions. She explains why others might resist when you begin setting boundaries and offers guidance on staying the course despite pushback.

Ready to become the star of your own life rather than perpetually playing supporting roles in others' stories? This episode provides the roadmap for moving from codependency toward authentic connection—with yourself and others. Your journey to healthier relationships starts here.

To reach Connie, visit her website at Conniecurlett.com

🎥 Want to watch my journey? Subscribe on YouTube at youtube.com/sharileid 

💌 And don’t forget to grab my free 52 Weeks of Connection email series—one weekly challenge to help you feel more connected and build real friendships as an adult. It’s free, simple, and you can unsubscribe anytime. Sign up at: https://zc.vg/ZDPo2

And if you’re ready to go even deeper,  learn more about my Flip the Box® Retreats for women—three unforgettable days designed to bring you home to yourself. While most retreats take you away, these retreats are about helping you reconnect with who you are, what you want, and the life you’re meant to live.  Learn more about the retreats at https://animperfectlyperfectlife.com/working-together

To purchase my latest book, Table For 51, visit: https://a.co/d/cL7uYIy

Let’s dive in—reinvention, real talk, and a whole lot of laughter start NOW!

#animperfectlyperfectlife #sharileid #newbeginnings #theartofreinvention #lilfecoach #midlifecoach #selfhelp #livewithpurpose #divorce #tablefor51 #50statesproject #flipthebox #keynotespeaker #connectioncoach #belonging #creatingbelonging #keynotespeaker #relocation

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Season 3 kicks off with a bang! I’m answering YOUR burning questions about my midlife plot twist—moving from Seattle to Dallas after my divorce, starting over in a brand‑new city, and launching a YouTube series to show you exactly what reinvention really looks like.

From the fears and ridiculous mistakes to the lessons I’ve learned (and the pitfalls you should avoid), this Q&A episode is raw, honest, and just a little bit funny—because if we can’t laugh at the messy parts, we’re doing it wrong.

🎥 Want to watch my journey? Subscribe on YouTube at youtube.com/sharileid 

💌 And don’t forget to grab my free 52 Weeks of Connection email series—one weekly challenge to help you feel more connected and build real friendships as an adult. It’s free, simple, and you can unsubscribe anytime. Sign up at: https://zc.vg/ZDPo2

And if you’re ready to go even deeper,  learn more about my Flip the Box® Retreats for women—three unforgettable days designed to bring you home to yourself. While most retreats take you away, these retreats are about helping you reconnect with who you are, what you want, and the life you’re meant to live.  Learn more about the retreats at https://animperfectlyperfectlife.com/working-together

Let’s dive in—reinvention, real talk, and a whole lot of laughter start NOW!

#animperfectlyperfectlife #sharileid #newbeginnings #theartofreinvention #lilfecoach #midlifecoach #selfhelp #livewithpurpose #divorce #tablefor51 #50statesproject #flipthebox #keynotespeaker #connectioncoach #belonging #creatingbelonging #keynotespeaker #relocation

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Ready for some big news? I've decided to trade in my lifelong home of Seattle for a brand-new chapter in Dallas, Texas! This isn't just a change of address—it's a complete reinvention at age 55.

When I ended my 27-year marriage a few years ago, I wasn't sure if I'd even qualify for a mortgage after decades as a stay-at-home mom with no paycheck history. The thought of not having my own home—a place where I could paint my walls without worry—genuinely scared me. But here I am, not only qualifying for that mortgage but building a new life in a community where my two Labradors will have their own neighborhood dog park and I'll create connections with neighbors all starting fresh together.

The journey from stay-at-home mom to appearing on the Today Show, writing for major publications, and launching a meaningful career didn't happen magically. It required connection, curiosity, and courage—three elements that have opened unexpected doors at every turn. And now I want to share what I've learned through my "Flip the Box" three-day retreats for women navigating major life transitions. Whether you're experiencing divorce, becoming an empty nester, pivoting careers, or simply feeling that quiet knowing that you're meant for more—this retreat isn't about escaping your life but coming home to it.

Not ready for a retreat? I'm also offering 52 weeks of free connection tools—science-backed actions delivered weekly to help deepen your relationships with others and yourself. And this fall, I'll be taking you along virtually as I make my move, documenting the real-time transformation on YouTube and through more podcast episodes. You'll see the fears, struggles, mistakes, and triumphs as they happen. Because if there's one thing I've learned, it's that sometimes doors have to close to make room for answered prayers. Ready to flip the box with me? Check out the links in the show notes to connect!

Sign up to receive retreat information: Fill out this quick form

Sign up for 52 free connection tools - a challenge and tool delivered to your email box each week! Sign up here

Purchase Shari's latest book, "Table For 51" here

To learn more visit: www.animperfectlyperfectlife.com

For Media and Event Planners - to book Shari - Please contact her publicist Kourtney Jason at [email protected]

#animperfectlyperfectlife #sharileid #newbeginnings #theartofreinvention #lilfecoach #midlifecoach #selfhelp #livewithpurpose #divorce #tablefor51 #50statesproject #flipthebox #keynotespeaker #connectioncoach #belonging #creatingbelonging #keynotespeaker #relocation

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The journey of selling a home isn't always tied to joyful life milestones. For many, it happens during challenging transitions like divorce, health issues, or major life changes. In this enlightening conversation with Jen Cameron, managing partner at The Agency Seattle, we explore the nuanced process of selling homes during difficult times.

Jen brings her wealth of experience working with divorcing couples to the table, sharing how a skilled agent creates strategies tailored to complex situations. "Hope is not a strategy," she emphasizes, revealing that 90% of a successful home sale happens before the property ever hits the market. While many sellers focus on commission rates when interviewing agents, Jen suggests asking instead about their specific strategy for your home and what sets them apart from others.

For those navigating divorce while selling property, timing doesn't have to align perfectly with legal proceedings. Jen explains how home sale proceeds can go into trust accounts while other aspects finalize, creating flexibility during an already stressful time. She also addresses the importance of proper staging, noting that personal belongings rarely make effective staging elements, no matter how beloved they might be to the seller.

What truly distinguishes exceptional agents is their ability to handle special circumstances with sensitivity. Whether accommodating special needs family members, health concerns, or emotional triggers, Jen describes how customized showing protocols can protect sellers while still maximizing property exposure. Her practice of vetting potential buyers before showings ensures only serious, qualified prospects enter your home.

The takeaway is clear: knowledge is power in real estate transactions. Consulting with a professional early—sometimes a year before listing—provides invaluable guidance and removes unnecessary stress from the process. By finding an agent who understands your unique situation and creates a strategy before the sign goes in the yard, you transform what could be an overwhelming experience into a manageable one with optimal results.

To connect with Jen, please visit his website The Agency Seattle  and/or contact Jen via email at [email protected]

To connect with Shari visit www.animperfectlyperfctlife.com

For media and speaking inquiries please contact Shari's publicist, Kourtney Jason, at [email protected]

To purchase Shari's latest book, Table For 51 - Lessons Learned While Sharing Meals Across America please visit Simon and Schuster for buying options. 

To purchase the transformational online course Flip The Box For Yourself click here and enter code for $20 off

To watch the video version of this podcast, please visit our channel at Youtube/sharileid

#theagency #theagencyseattle #homesale 

#animperfectlyperfectlife #sharileid #newbeginnings #theartofreinvention #lilfecoach #midlifecoach #selfhelp #livewithpurpose #divorce #tablefor51 #50statesproject #flipthebox #keynotespeaker #connectioncoach #belonging #creatingbelonging #keynotespeaker #relocation