🌿What my 80-year-old mom taught me about next chapters

July 30, 2025

We’ve long been told that retirement is a finish line—something you cross at 65, after which life slows down.

But what if retirement isn’t the end of your story… but the start of your next chapter?

My mom is living proof. At 80, she just retired from her second career—15 years working at our local public library.

She started that role at 65, an age when many step away from work and start winding down. But for her, it was a step toward purpose, connection, and community.

Her story is a reminder that meaningful next chapters aren’t reserved for a certain age.

Whether you're thinking about a career change, starting a business, writing that book, going back to school—or yes, retiring—you deserve a chapter that reflects your passion and purpose.

The truth is, your next chapter can start anytime you decide.

But here’s the key: you need a plan.

When you have a clear plan, you’re in control. And when you're in control, your options open up. You get to define what your next chapter looks like—on your terms.

So as you start thinking about what’s next—whatever that may be—write it down. Once you put it on paper, it becomes real. And once it’s real, it becomes actionable.

Here's a little homework for you: This weekend take just 15 minutes to journal about your next chapter.

Don't overthink it. Pick up pen and paper and just start with...“What I really want is…” And then let the magic happen.💫 

Happy Wednesday...and let me know how it goes! 🌿

Lisa White Burns

Founder of Her Path, LLC

Financial Wellness for Women

PS: Don’t forget to check out the RESOURCES tab on my website for tools to help build your financial confidence—including podcast episodes and helpful downloads. Enjoy! 💚

🌿. . . I created this "Wednesday Wisdom" blog to provide women-focused content that includes tips, tools, and my own (yes, sometimes crazy!) stories to inspire you to grow personally and financially. If you’d like to be part of this journey, please join at www.herpathbegins.com/subscribe.com. Thanks for being here with me!