Reinvention & Starting Over for Women over 40 | Your New Chapter
This show helps women over 40 on their reinvention journey to get unstuck, decide what they want next and create a plan to make it happen.Sharlene Lee is a certified life coach for women over 40. She specializes in coaching women in how to reinvent, transform or start over in life, to create a life that aligns with who they are becoming.The show offers expert coaching, helping women with identity, clarity, direction and purpose.If you’re looking for expert insights on life transformation, reinvention and starting over, from a certified and experienced coach, this is the show for you.Th...
Journey of Reinvention: Signs You're in Major Life Transition (Ep: 93)
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In this episode I walk through how to recognize you are in a major life transition and share some steps on what to do if you are.
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DISCLAIMER
The information provided in this podcast is for education purposes only and should not be taken as mental health, professional or health advice.
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Avoid These 4 Mistakes on your Reinvention Journey (Ep: 92)
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SUMMARY
In this Episode we look at 4 things to avoid if you don't want to get stuck or overwhelmed on your reinvention journey.
This episode will answer questions like:
Why do I feel stuck?, How do I reinvent myself after 40? How do I start over after 40? How do I navigate life transitions? What are some tips for starting over in your 40s?
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Get unstuck on your Reinvention Journey: Coaching Episode (Ep 91)
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SUMMARY
In this episode, I help one of my coaching clients to get unstuck in one area of her life so that she can accomplish one of her reinvention goals.
RESOURCES
Claim your spot in the BETA group for the "Get Unstuck" coaching program https://sharlenelee.com/unstuck
Support the show
DISCLAIMER
The information provided in th...
4 Essential Tips for Your Reinvention Journey (Ep: 90)
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SUMMARY
In this episode, Sharlene shares four essential things to expect as you navigate the journey of starting over and reinventing yourself. She offers practical guidance for women who are in that "in-between" space, helping you move forward with clarity and purpose.
RESOURCES
Claim your spot in the BETA group for the "Get Unstuck" coaching program https://sharlenelee.com/unstuck
Starting Over: From Classical Musician to Life Coach (Ep: 89)
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SUMMARY
In this episode, Sharlene talks with Kate Kayaian about her fascinating journey of starting over, leaving a successful career as a classical cellist to reinvent herself as a coach and author. Kate shares the realities of navigating a major life change when you don't have a clear next step, and how to find clarity in the in-between.
WHAT TO LISTEN FOR
• How does a childhood crush lead to a four-d...
Stop Calling It a Midlife Crisis & Start Calling It What It Is - Life Transformation (Ep: 88)
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SUMMARY
In this episode, we tackle the widely used phrase "midlife crisis" and explore its surprising origins, revealing why it's a misnomer for women navigating major life changes. We'll unpack how the words we use shape our reality and offer empowering ways to reframe your journey of starting over or reinventing yourself, moving from panic to purposeful action.
WHAT TO LISTEN FOR
• Discover the fascinating history behind the term "midlife crisis...
Life Reinvention: Uncover the Internal Blocks that Keep You Stuck (Ep: 87)
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SUMMARY
Feeling stuck when you're starting over or reinventing yourself can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you don't know what's holding you back. In this episode, Sharlene Lee dives into four quiet internal blocks that often keep capable women from moving forward, helping you gain clarity on what might be operating beneath the surface in your own life.
WHAT TO LISTEN FOR
• Discover why trying to build a new future on an old sense of self can le...
Reinventing Your Finances: Overcoming Money Stories (Ep: 86)
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SUMMARY
In this episode, I'm joined by finance expert Linda Grizley to explore how our personal money stories shape our financial lives. We dive into understanding our unique relationship with money and how to rebuild our finances effectively as we navigate starting over and reinventing ourselves.
WHAT TO LISTEN FOR
• How do our past experiences and beliefs create our 'money stories' and impact our financial decisions today?
• Why do capable women often feel behind with money, e...
Why "I Feel Stuck" Means Different Things — And How to Find Your Way Forward in your Reinvention Journey (Ep; 85)
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SUMMARY
Feeling stuck when you're starting over or reinventing yourself is a common experience, but what if 'stuck' isn't just one thing? In this solo episode, Sharlene Lee explores two distinct reasons women feel stuck and offers practical guidance on how to move forward, helping you find the clarity you need to take your next step.
WHAT TO LISTEN FOR
• Discover why two women can say they feel 'stuck' and be describing completely different experiences.
• Which ty...
Starting Over Doesn't Mean Starting From Nothing (Ep: 84)
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SUMMARY
Many women believe that starting over means starting from nothing, but this episode challenges that idea. Sharlene helps you discover that you're actually bringing a wealth of experience, skills, and wisdom into your new chapter, making rebuilding and reinventing your life an empowering journey. You are not starting from scratch; you are starting from everything you've become.
WHAT TO LISTEN FOR
• Why does it feel so real to believe you're starting from nothing, even after significant loss?
• What essential assets are you truly brin...
Reinvention: Tools for Starting Over (Ep: 83)
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SUMMARY
Feeling the pull toward a new chapter but unsure how to actually get there? In this solo episode, Sharlene dives into coaching as a powerful tool for women who are starting over or reinventing themselves. Discover what coaching truly is, how it differs from counseling, and how it can help you gain clarity and direction in your life.
WHAT TO LISTEN FOR
• The crucial distinction between coaching and counseling
• How can coaching help you uncover your own wisdom as you rebuild your life?
...
Reinventing Yourself: How to Design Your Next Chapter With Intention | Interview with Sunaina Mehta (Ep: 82)
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SUMMARY
In this insightful episode, Sharlene chats with Sunaina Mehta, the "queen of starting over," about the art of rebuilding your life after major changes. They explore how clarifying your identity is the foundation for moving forward, especially when you're navigating life transitions and reinventing yourself.
WHAT TO LISTEN FOR
• What does it mean to evolve rather than just reinvent yourself when starting over?
• How can clarifying who you are make moving forward so much easier?
• Why is restlessness actually a powerful sign that y...
Reinvention: Uncover Your True Self | Identity Work for Starting Over (Ep: 81)
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SUMMARY
Feeling lost when starting over? In this episode, Sharlene Lee guides you through the five key areas of identity work, helping you shed false identities and clarify your true self. Discover how this internal work is the foundation for rebuilding your life with clarity and purpose.
WHAT TO LISTEN FOR
• What are the five essential areas of identity work?
• What happens when you clarify your true self, define your values, and set clear boundaries?
• How does your unique purpose naturally emerge when y...
Reinventing Yourself: A Holistic Approach to Rebuilding (Ep: 80)
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SUMMARY
Starting over can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be a mountain to climb. In this episode, Sharlene breaks down the external work of rebuilding your life into clear, manageable areas, showing you how a holistic approach helps you gain clarity and direction. Discover how to reinvent yourself by focusing on what truly matters for your new chapter.
WHAT TO LISTEN FOR
• What are the key areas of your life that require attention when you're starting over?
• Why can't you simply compartmentalize your...
Starting Over by Choice: Reinventing Your Life (Ep: 79)
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SUMMARY
Have you ever considered that starting over doesn't always come from a place of difficulty? In this episode, Sharlene explores the exciting side of reinventing yourself by choice, celebrating women who proactively decide to embark on a new chapter. Discover the compelling reasons why women are choosing to rebuild their lives with intention and clarity right now.
WHAT TO LISTEN FOR
• What if starting over isn't about something going wrong, but about choosing something more?
• Uncover three powerful, evidence-based reasons women are choosing to r...
Why Identity Is the Key to Reinvention and Starting Over (Ep: 78)
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SUMMARY
In this episode, Sharlene Lee dives deep into why your identity is the foundational key to starting over, exploring how identities are formed and what happens when we try to rebuild without first getting clear on who we truly are. Discover why the internal work of understanding your identity must come first for lasting change.
WHAT TO LISTEN FOR
• Why it can feel like something is still off, even after making big changes?
• How are our identities truly formed, and why do w...
Rebuilding & Reinventing Your Life: The Two-Layer Approach (Ep: 77)
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Summary
In this episode, Sharlene introduces her powerful two-layer approach to rebuilding your life, revealing why you can't just fix one thing in isolation. Discover the internal and external work necessary for women reinventing themselves, and gain clarity on where to begin.
What to listen for
• Why starting over isn't always about something going wrong, and how it can be a courageous choice.
• The common pitfall of trying to fix just one area of your life, and why it leaves you feeling incomplete.
...
Rebuilding Your Life Starts With Letting Go of Who You Used to Be (Ep: 76)
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SUMMARY If you've been trying to move forward but keep feeling pulled back toward who you used to be, this episode is for you. In this episode of Your New Chapter, Sharlene Lee — women's life coach and starting over specialist — explores why the self you've been grieving may never have been your truest self to begin with. Whether you are starting over, rebuilding your life, or reinventing yourself after a major life change, this season of transition is actually an invitation to finally discover your true identity and move forward with clar...
What Brings us to the Point of Starting Over or Reinventing Ourselves? (Ep: 75)
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SUMMARY Life shifts happen to all of us — some forced upon us, some chosen, and some that quietly creep up without warning. In this episode of Your New Chapter, women's life coach Sharlene Lee breaks down the specific life shifts that bring women to the point of starting over or reinventing themselves, and why those shifts leave us feeling stuck even when we desperately want to move forward. Most importantly, she introduces the two key things that must be addressed in order to get unstuck and begin rebuilding your life with cl...
Starting Over and Reinventing Yourself: Understanding Why You Feel Stuck (Ep: 74)
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SUMMARY If you've ever felt like the life you have no longer fits the woman you're becoming — this episode is for you. In this first episode of Your New Chapter, women's life coach Sharlene Lee introduces the concept of the "in-between" — that disorienting space between the season you're leaving and the one you haven't stepped into yet. Whether you are starting over, rebuilding your life, or reinventing yourself, this episode will help you understand why you feel stuck in this season of transition, why that's a completely natural part of the proc...
Why this Podcasts Name is Changing (Ep: 73)
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SUMMARY
In this milestone episode, Shar announces a transformative evolution for the podcast. Moving from "Life After Narcissism" to "Your New Chapter," the show expands its mission to support women standing at the threshold of any major life transition. Whether you are recovering from a difficult season or simply outgrowing an old identity, this episode explores why we feel stuck and how to begin rebuilding holistically—from the inside out. Shar shares her personal journey of identity work and introduces a new framework for discovering who you were always designed to...
From Surviving to Thriving: Reclaiming Your Life with Ariel Collin (Part 2)
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SUMMARY
In Part 2 of this moving interview, Shar and Ariel Collin dive deep into the "after" of narcissistic abuse. Ariel opens up about the difficult but rewarding journey of rebuilding her life, from the initial pain of the breakup to the unexpected joy of business ownership. They explore the mindset shifts required to heal, the power of pushing through discomfort, and the importance of guarding your "ear gate and eye gate" during recovery. Ariel’s story is a testament to the fact that there is not just life after narcissism, but a...
Recognizing the Red Flags: A Survivor's Story with Ariel Collin (Part 1)
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SUMMARY
In the first part of this moving interview, Shar talks with Ariel Collin about her personal experience of falling into and navigating a relationship with a narcissist. Ariel opens up about how the relationship started as a fun whirlwind during the isolation of COVID, only to slowly transform into a web of control, guilt, and isolation. They discuss the difficulty of identifying red flags when you're in the middle of it, the impact of moving away from support systems, and the "beads in a jar" analogy for realizing when a...
Finding Your Voice After Narcissistic Abuse: With Public Speaking Expert Natasha Cruz
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SUMMARY
In this powerful episode, Shar sits down with her dear friend, communication strategist and public speaking coach Natasha Cruz, to discuss the journey of reclaiming your voice after it has been silenced by narcissistic abuse. Natasha shares her personal story of overcoming the fear of public speaking and how she discovered that our voice is more than just sound—it's a carrier of our inner confidence and authority. They explore the signs of a lost voice, the paralyzing power of regret, and why "running towards your Goliath" is...
Turning Challenges into Triumph: Survivor Story with Julie Barth
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SUMMARY ✍🏽
In this episode of Life After Narcissism, I share a powerful thriver's story with Julie Barth—a writer, mother of six, and survivor of narcissistic abuse. Listen as Julie opens up about her journey from surviving to thriving and the hard-won lessons that helped her reclaim her life and her identity.
WHAT TO LISTEN FOR 🎧
What are the internal signs to look for when forming new relationships after narcissistic abuse?How do we deal with the uncharacteristic ways narcissistic abuse can cause you to behave?Unc...Why You Can't Just "Pray Away" Narcissistic Abuse: Interview with expert therapist Jennifer Oneil
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SUMMARY
In this powerful episode, I sit down with Jennifer Oneil, a psychotherapist with 30 years of experience and author of the new book, Surviving the Narcissist. Jennifer shares her deep insights into the consistent dynamics of narcissistic abuse and why it often leaves victims feeling "crazy" and dysregulated. The conversation explores the necessity of radical acceptance, the "death of hope" as a path to realistic healing, and the strategic importance of building a support team when navigating or leaving a toxic relationship. Whether you are currently in a relationship with a...
Creating a New Normal: Antoinette Lee's Guide to Thriving Post-Abuse (Part 2)
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SUMMARY
In Part two of the interview with Antoinette Lee, she share her story of creating the purposeful and fulfilling life that she desired. We also discuss the practical steps of creating the new life you desire after narcissistic abuse.
WHAT TO LISTEN FOR
The Key questions you should ask yourself when rebuilding your new lifeHow to dream big and not worry about how everything will work outRESOURCES
Episode on the cycle of narcissistic abuseFree guide: ⛓️💥 Guide to...Creating a New Normal: Antoinette Lee's Guide to Thriving Post-Abuse (Part 1)
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SUMMARY
Today's episode features a miraculous survivor story combined with expert insights on rebuilding after narcissistic abuse, infused with hope. Our guest, Antoinette Lee, shares her journey from a traumatic brain injury to a flourishing life, offering wisdom on early awareness of narcissistic abuse.
WHAT TO LISTEN FOR
Early awareness of abuse - what to look out forThe number one boundary you must set in relationshipsThe Key questions you should ask yourself when rebuilding your new lifeRESOURCES
Episode on t...Faith, Fitness and Food: Healing After Narcissistic Abuse
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SUMMARY
Shar speaks with health and fitness expert Michelle Spadafora about why so many fitness and health plans fail —not because women don’t know what to do, but because years of manipulation and criticism have shaped the beliefs and stories they quietly tell themselves Michelle shares spiritual and practical truths to help listeners in their health and wellness journey as they heal from narcissistic abuse.
WHAT TO LISTEN FOR
How faith is connected to fitness and wellbeingWhy it’s necessary to look beyond only on...Breaking Free from Narcissism: Mia Hanks Survivor's Story
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SUMMARY
Mia Hanks shares her transformative journey from surviving a 29-year marriage to a narcissist to thriving in her new life. Through her story, she highlights the complexities of living with a narcissist, the awakening to the truth, the challenges of leaving, and the healing process that follows. Mia emphasizes the importance of self-care, building a support system, and recognizing red flags in relationships.
WHAT TO LISTEN FOR
What are the complexities of leaving a relationship with a narcissist?How to deal with guilt an...Healing Your Nervous System After Narcissistic Abuse: Why You’re Not Broken
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SUMMARY
In this episode of Life After Narcissism, we unpack how narcissistic abuse impacts your nervous system and why you may not be feeling like yourself after the abuse. You’ll discover how patterns like gaslighting, love-bombing, and constant criticism can leave you hypervigilant or shut down, and why neuroplasticity—means you are not stuck this way forever. By the end, you’ll walk away with faith-filled encouragement and gentle, evidence-based tools to start calming and healing your nervous system.
WHAT TO LISTEN FOR
How your nervous...How to Break the Narcissistic Abuse Cycle: No One is Coming to Rescue You
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In this episode of Life After Narcissism, we unpack a hard but freeing truth: no one is coming to rescue you from narcissistic abuse. Whether you’re still in the relationship or you’ve left but feel stuck, you’ll learn how manipulation, gaslighting, and distorted reality keep others from truly seeing what you’re going through, and why your own clarity and self-validation are the keys to your healing. By the end, you’ll see how educating yourself about narcissistic abuse, trusting your experience, and partnering with God can become the rescue you’ve been...
What Narcissism Really Is (And What It Isn't): 8 Narcissistic Traits Explained (Ep: 61)
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SUMMARY
In this episode of Life After Narcissism, you’ll learn what narcissism really is—and what it isn’t, so you can stop doubting yourself and start seeing patterns clearly in your narcissistic abuse recovery journey. We’ll unpack common narcissistic traits in everyday language, clear up myths (like “everyone who lies is a narcissist”), and explain why someone doesn’t need a formal Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) diagnosis for their behavior to be deeply harmful.
WHAT TO LISTEN FOR<...
Where Am I in Narcissistic Abuse Healing? 3 Stages to Find Clarity (Ep: 60)
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Episode summary
Healing after narcissistic abuse is not a straight line, and it can be hard to tell if you’re actually making progress or still stuck. In this foundational episode, you’ll learn a simple 3-step map—Recognize, Recover, Redefine—to understand where you are in your healing journey and what gentle next step to take.
What to listen for:
Why narcissistic abuse is uniquely disorienting and often leaves you questioning your reality, worth, and sanity.The 3 R’s framework—Recognize, Recover, Redefine—and how it gives you a...How to Handle Narcissistic Sabotage (Ep: 59)
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SUMMARY
In this episode of Life After Narcissism, we dive into the ways narcissists sabotage holidays and special occasions—and why this behavior is so common. You’ll learn how recognizing predictable patterns can help you feel prepared and confident, rather than caught off guard. We’ll share practical strategies and spiritual insights to help you set boundaries, protect your peace, and navigate the season with grace.
WHAT TO LISTEN FOR
Why narcissists commonly disrupt holidays and special eventsTypical behaviors narcissists use to sabotage gatheringsHow recogn...Boundaries After Narcissistic Abuse: Why You Need Them and How to Set Them (Ep: 58)
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SUMMARY
In this episode of Life After Narcissism, we explore the vital role boundaries play in healing after narcissistic abuse. Discover why setting boundaries is essential for reclaiming your peace, confidence, and well-being, along with practical steps to start establishing healthy boundaries today.
WHAT TO LISTEN FOR
Why do women in narcissistic relationships often struggle to set boundaries?What does a healthy boundary look like, and why are boundaries so important for your emotional healing and recovery?How can you begin setting clear and loving...Exciting Show Updates!!!!! (Ep: 57)
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This episode marks a new chapter for Life After Narcissism, and I’m excited to share the show’s fresh direction with you. Moving forward, I’m shifting to a guest-focused format featuring inspiring interviews with women from all walks of life, alongside expert guests in fitness, wellness, finance, and biblical counseling. My goal is to bring you even more practical support, real-life stories, and encouragement to help you recover from narcissistic abuse, restore your confidence, and rebuild your life on your own terms—all anchored...
How to Use God's Word to Heal from Narcissistic Abuse and Restore Your Identity (Ep: 56)
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If you're a Christian woman healing from narcissistic abuse, this episode reveals how God's Word can be your most powerful tool for complete recovery and restoration. Host Shar shares three transformative biblical practices that helped her experience profound emotional freedom and will empower you to reclaim your confidence and God-given identity through Scripture.
Discover how biblical meditation, scripture writing, and praying the Word can replace the lies of shame with God's truth about who you are. This faith-based approach to narcissistic abuse recovery...
Why Christian Women Must Discover Their True Identity After Narcissistic Abuse (Ep: 55)
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Do you feel completely lost after narcissistic abuse, like you don't even know who you are anymore? Christian women healing from abuse often struggle with identity confusion after narcissistic abuse because their sense of self was systematically dismantled. In this episode, we explore why discovering your identity after abuse isn't just another step in recovery—it's the vital foundation for everything else.
What You'll Learn:
How narcissistic abuse systematically erodes your identity through four deliberate phasesWhy Christian women are particularly vulnerable to identity loss after em...Why Gaslighting Erodes Confidence & How to Rebuild it (Ep: 54)
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Are you experiencing signs of gaslighting and wondering why your confidence has completely disappeared? Many high-achieving women find themselves going from making boardroom decisions to standing paralyzed in the grocery store, unable to choose what to buy. In this episode, we explore exactly how gaslighting effects systematically erode your confidence and why understanding this process is crucial for narcissistic abuse recovery. You'll learn to recognize emotional manipulation tactics AND discover that your confidence after abuse is completely recoverable through healing from gaslighting.
In this episode, you'll discover the real signs of...
