Women Seeking Blissful Retirement

EPISODE DESCRIPTION Losing the person you've shared your life with changes everything. Along with the heartbreak comes uncertainty, loneliness, and the question so many women quietly ask themselves: "What does my life look like now?" In this heartfelt conversation, I sit down with grief recovery expert Dr. Lynn Banis to talk about one of life's most difficult transitions—losing a spouse and learning how to move forward with hope. Together, we explore why grief can feel so isolating, why so many people struggle to talk about it, and what truly helps during the healing process. Dr. Banis shares her own personal journey through loss and the lessons she learned as she rebuilt a meaningful life after becoming a widow. We also discuss: • Why grief is different for everyone—and why there is no "right" timeline. • Simple but meaningful ways to support someone who is grieving. • How a woman begins to rediscover herself after years of being part of a couple. • The difference between traditional grief support groups and the personalized guidance Dr. Banis offers to help women create a fulfilling future. If you've experienced the loss of a spouse—or you love someone who has—this episode offers compassionate encouragement, practical wisdom, and a gentle reminder that while grief becomes part of your story, it doesn't have to define the rest of your life. Healing doesn't mean forgetting. It means honoring your past while giving yourself permission to embrace the future. I hope this conversation reminds you that even after life's deepest losses, new possibilities can still unfold, and it's never too late to create a life filled with purpose, connection, and hope. AFFIRMATION of the MONTH: Grief gives me wings with which I spread love GUEST BIO Best-selling author Dr. Lynn Banis is a transformational speaker and life reinvention expert who helps individuals navigate life's most profound challenges. After experiencing the loss of her mother, brother, and husband within three years, she turned personal tragedy into a powerful mission. Dr. Banis provides a compassionate approach to guide individuals through grief and major life transitions, offering practical tools to re-evaluate priorities, redesign their future, and rebuild a fulfilling life. Her message goes beyond resilience, focusing on reinvention and empowerment. Through heart-centered talks and transformational coaching, Dr. Banis helps her audience move forward with clarity and confidence. She empowers individuals to break free from the weight of loss, fear, and uncertainty, guiding them towards a life that feels meaningful, authentic, and truly their own. Discover how to reclaim purpose, joy, and create an extraordinary next chapter with best-selling author Dr. Lynn Banis. Here is how to get in touch with guest speaker Dr. Lynn Banis: lbanis@ameritech.net Website: womenrisingtogether.org You can get the free resources Dr. Lynn Banis mentioned in the podcast on her website: How to support a grieving friend : https://widowsrisingtogether.com/grieving-friend-landing Also, a great guide for women who become widow: https://widowsrisingtogether.com/roadmap-landing Other ways to learn from Dr Lynn or connect with her: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lbanis/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-banis-36987b2aa/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/banislynn/ 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 takes 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. 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