An Imperfectly Perfect Life 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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Wondering if 50 is too late to start something new? Let me shatter that myth right now. After decades as a stay-at-home mom, I completely reinvented my career at 50—and the results have exceeded my wildest expectations.

My journey began with a simple project: sitting down with 50 women before my 50th birthday to share what I’d learned from them. This experience unexpectedly became my first book, “The 50-50 Friendship Flow.” One book led to another, then another, and another—each opening doors I never imagined possible. Soon I found myself on the Today Show, featured in People Magazine and appearing across major networks nationwide.

What makes this transformation even more remarkable? I once abandoned my law career because debilitating anxiety made it impossible for me to speak in court. My fear was so extreme that even introducing myself at a PTA meeting would trigger shaking and voice cracking. Yet today, professional speaking has become my “bread and butter.” The turning point? A champagne-inspired decision to try stand-up comedy that miraculously cured decades of speaking fear.

My story illustrates something powerful: sometimes the doors that close in your life are making room for everything you’ve ever prayed for. Whether you’re returning to work after raising children, navigating post-divorce transitions, or simply craving meaningful change—your age isn’t a limitation but your greatest advantage. The wisdom, resilience, and self-knowledge you’ve gained create the perfect foundation for success.

Ready to “flip the box” on your own life? Join me on this journey and discover that what seems like the end might actually be the most exciting beginning. Register for my upcoming women’s retreat in Frisco, Texas this March—or follow along as I prepare for my first major conference in 2026. Your second act might just be your greatest yet!

🎥 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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Hello! Welcome to An Imperfectly Perfect Life – Life Unscripted. I’m Shari Leid, and I’m here to guide you through an adventure – one that’s part life coaching, part laughter, and all about transformation.

This Podcast is beginning just a few days before by 54th birthday – while I am in process of ending a 26-year marriage, I’m turning the page to a new chapter – but here’s the twist: this podcast isn’t about the end. It’s about beginnings, opportunities, and the joy of crafting the next act of our lives with a little more wisdom and a lot of heart.

Every episode is a journey into the art of reinvention. We’ll chat about the rollercoaster of emotions, sprinkle in some practical life hacks, and share stories that’ll make you laugh and think. It’s like a heart-to-heart with your best friend.

Whether you’re navigating similar life changes or just love a good story of triumph and transformation, this is your spot. We’re here to explore, to learn, and most importantly, to find joy in the unexpected.

So, let’s open our hearts, share some laughs, and embark on this incredible journey together. Welcome to An Imperfectly Perfect Life – Life Unscripted, where every moment is an opportunity to fully embrace and love your imperfectly perfect life.

Let the adventure begin!

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

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Sharí, applying her professional skills as a life coach to her own life, shares her journey of self-coaching. She brings in themes from her week, emphasizing this week –  the power of perspective with mantras like “You See What You’re Looking For.” This approach helps to shift focus from loss to opportunity, encouraging a positive outlook on life’s challenges.

Today’s podcast includes stories from Sharí’s “50 States Project,” where she dined with strangers across the U.S., learning unique life lessons. Shari shares a story about Megan, a makeup artist from Virginia who adopted her husbands last name when they married and how she humorously encounters cultural mix-ups, exemplifying how people see what they are looking for.

Sharí shares personal experiences that serve as examples of transforming daily tasks into moments of joy and appreciation. She advocates for a mindset shift from catabolic (destructive) to anabolic (constructive) states.

Call to Action: Sharí encourages listeners to experiment with changing their perspectives, to find hidden opportunities in difficult situations, and to seek joy in simple things. She stresses the importance of building happiness and relationships over the fleeting joy that comes from acquiring material things.

Conclusion: The podcast closes on a note of hope, reminding listeners that every day presents an opportunity for rediscovery and reinvention, emphasizing the mantra, “You see what you are looking for,” helping listeners to find joy even during challenging transitions.

Shari Leid, is a former litigate who currently operates An Imperfectly Perfect Life, LLC, a professional mindset coaching business primarily serving clients who feel stuck and helping them to create the life of their dreams. She is a national speaker and author of The Friendship Series, including The 50/50 Friendship Flow: Life Lessons From and For My Girlfriends, Make Your Mess Your Message: More Life Lessons From and For My Girlfriends and Ask Yourself This: Ultimate Life Lessons From and For My Girlfriends (September 2022). Throughout 2023, she traveled to all 50 states where she shared a meal with a stranger in every state. The 50 States Project kicked off in Albuquerque, New Mexico in January 2023  and wrapped up in Nebraska at the end of September 2023. Shari is currently writing about her journey which will be published in February 2025. She has been seen on ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, CTV and featured in Huff Post, Real Simple, Pure Wow, Woman’s World, Toronto Sun, and Shondaland, Yahoo News, Buzzfeed, and Apple News, and AARP.

To work with Shari visit www.animperfectlyperfectlife.com
For media inquiries contact Kourtney Jason at Kourtney@pacificandcourt.com

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

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What happens when your life takes an unexpected turn? You push through with a sprinkle of humor and a whole lot of self-awareness. That’s exactly what I did when I found myself navigating through the emotional labyrinth of divorce. I discovered the subtle, yet crucial differences between emotions and feelings, and how they deeply impact our communication style. This episode is a candid concoction of my personal anecdotes, a bit of banter, and a lot of learning. I’ll take you through my journey of using these emotions and feelings as alarm bells to detach, communicate more effectively, and ultimately embrace my beautifully imperfect life.

As we are heading into the holiday season, let’s unwrap some joy and resilience. I promise you that I’ll be there with you, sharing my goal of living in joy, regardless of life’s curveballs. Let’s learn together how to transform our challenges into opportunities for growth. So, whether you are dealing with a personal upheaval such as divorce, looking for ways to manage your emotions and feelings better, or simply love stories of resilience and transformation, you are in the right place. Let’s laugh a little, learn a lot, and find joy in our wonderfully imperfect lives, shall we?

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

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Navigating the social labyrinth during and after a divorce can feel like trying to untangle a set of headphones that’s been in your pocket all day. That’s why we’re toasting to fresh starts and the art of maintaining friendships amidst life’s unexpected curveballs. Shari here, and in our latest heart-to-heart, we’re tackling the tricky dynamics of post-divorce friend circles with the same ease as balancing two brimming cups of coffee. You’re not alone if your social scene looks more like a complex Venn diagram these days, and I’m spilling the secrets on keeping those friendships flourishing without a drop of drama.

As your go-to friendship expert, I’m diving headfirst into the world of boundaries and balance because let’s face it, it’s okay for your friends to stay pals with your ex. We’ll laugh, share stories, and maybe shed a tear or two as we address the juggling act of friendships both during and post-split. So, plug in, pour yourself a drink, and get ready for a real talk that promises to leave you feeling empowered to navigate those friendships with grace and maybe even a dash of mischief. No guests, just us, and an honest conversation that’s all about embracing our fabulously, imperfectly perfect lives.

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

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In this heartening episode of “Life Unscripted,” host Shari Leid delves into the intricacies of navigating life’s transformative journeys, with a special focus on those experiencing divorce in 2024. However, the insights and resolutions discussed are universally applicable to anyone facing challenging times.

Shari starts by debunking traditional goal-setting, advocating instead for behavior-based resolutions that align with desired emotional states. She emphasizes the possibility of simultaneous joy and grief, using her own life as an example of finding happiness amidst the logistical and emotional complexities of divorce.

The episode unfolds in a series of thoughtful segments:

1. Hydrate Your Body and Soul: Shari discusses the importance of water not just for physical health but as a source of emotional nourishment.
2. Share a Smile, Share a Moment: The power of a smile and human connections is highlighted, encouraging listeners to find joy in everyday interactions.
3. Meditate to Find Clarity: Meditation is presented as a tool for emotional steadiness, particularly useful during the ups and downs of divorce.
4. Nurture Meaningful Friendships: The role of friendships in providing support through tough times is explored.
5. Emotions as Insights: Emotions are reframed as valuable insights rather than defining aspects of identity.
6. Discover Opportunity in Setbacks: Shari encourages a perspective shift to view setbacks as opportunities for growth and new beginnings.
7. Reframe Challenges as Growth: The importance of breaking down challenges into manageable steps and finding the silver lining in difficulties is discussed.
8. Release the Need to Fix: The episode touches on the liberation found in letting go of the compulsion to fix everything.
9. Build a Support Toolbox: Shari talks about the importance of seeking help and building a support system.
10. Healthy Boundaries: Setting healthy boundaries is highlighted as a key to self-worth and personal well-being.
11. Live in the Present: The benefits of living in the present and not being weighed down by past or future worries are emphasized.
12. Organize for Clarity: Organizational strategies for bringing order and clarity to life are discussed.

The episode concludes with Shari reinforcing the idea that these resolutions are meant to guide listeners through their transformative journeys, empowering them to face life’s challenges with resilience and grace. She invites listeners to engage with her one-on-one coaching sessions for personalized guidance.

The episode is a blend of personal anecdotes, practical advice, and empathetic guidance, offering listeners a roadmap for navigating the complexities of transformation and change in 2024.

To work with Shari one-on-one visit An Imperfectly Perfect Life

To find out more about Paula Rizzo who is mentioned as the list expert in this episode, visit her at List Producer

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

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Peel off those sticky labels and join me, Shari Leid, as we redefine what it means to be, well, us. In the wild aftermath of seismic life shifts,  there’s a spectrum of emotions and a quest to rediscover our identity. This episode is a raw, candid exploration of how we’re often shoved into boxes with labels—some of which can stick with us longer than we’d like. I’ll take you through my first solo flight at a Christmas party since my marriage ended, sharing the humor and discomfort that comes with being a plus-one to your old self.

As your navigator through re-authored personal narratives, I’ll encourage you to grab the pen and start writing your own story. It’s about moving past the labels and stepping into a space where you can be fabulously, imperfectly perfect – understanding what makes you unique – or dare I say, weird – as you uncover your identity as this stage of life. With anecdotes that will have you nodding along and insights to light the path, this conversation is for anyone who’s ever felt confined by a label. Whether you’re an empty nester, recently divorced, or someone forging a new path later in life, let’s toast to the growth, confidence, and liberation that come with focusing on the journey of discovery our unique identities, shedding the labels that can hold us back.

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

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Are you feeling like you’re on a tumultuous ride through the ups and downs of divorce? Strap in for a journey with Shari Leid, your guide in mastering the art of detaching from the outcomes of your divorce. Say goodbye to the pain of clinging to expectations, and welcome the freedom that comes from embracing the unknown and the unexpected twists in your life story. With Shari’s wisdom, you’ll learn to find humor in the face of life’s curveballs, transforming your divorce journey into a source of strength and resilience.

In this candid episode, we delve into more than just the challenges of divorce; we explore the surprising joys and opportunities it can bring. Become the master of your own story, skillfully navigating emotional challenges with the practical strategies Shari provides, designed to keep you level-headed. This isn’t about erasing the past but about celebrating new beginnings and the beauty of life’s imperfectly perfect chapters. From lowering your expectations of your former partner to learning the delicate balance of letting go of minor issues, this podcast is an emotional survival kit, akin to a heartfelt conversation with a close friend.

Prepare for authentic conversations, a hint of playful mischief, and maybe even a few unexpected moments of happiness. Join us as Shari Leid transforms the way you view divorce, turning it into an opportunity for growth, new beginnings, and self-reinvention.

To book  a free 45 minute discovery session  with Shari  — please visit www.animperfectlyperfectlife.com 

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

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Welcome back to “An Imperfectly Perfect Life – Life Unscripted,” the podcast where personal growth, life’s lessons, and deep connections converge to guide your transformative journey.

Today, we embark on a transformative four-part series designed to reshape your perspective and revitalize your aspirations. As your life coach, I’m here to guide you, especially through the tumultuous phase of divorce. Our series, “Envision a Fuller Life,” starts with Part One: The You Vision. This crucial foundation sets the stage for the upcoming phases: The Friendship Vision, The World Vision, and The Partner Vision.. 

In this episode, we tackle the creation of a Personal Mission Statement, a reflective journey demanding introspection into your core values, passions, and aspirations. This living document serves as the cornerstone of your self-identity and future decisions. 

We’ll explore questions like: 

• What are my core values and passions? 
• How do my past challenges shape my worldview? 
• What does a balanced life of success and significance look like to me? 
• How can I envision growth in my personal and professional life? 

This week’s homework: 

• Draft the first two sentences of your personal mission statement:
•  I, [Your Name], am committed to living a life that reflects my deepest values of [Core Value 1], [Core Value 2], and [Core Value 3]. I understand that my journey is unique and pledge to approach each day with [Quality or Trait 1] and [Quality or Trait 2].

This exploration paves the way for a richer, more authentic life, laying a sturdy foundation for the subsequent visions we’ll build together.

Join us next week for Part 2: The Friendship Vision, as we continue crafting your fuller life. And don’t forget, exciting news awaits—I’ve just launched a brand-new website and am eager to support your journey in 2024. Let’s make it a pivotal year together! 

Tune in for the next enriching episode of “An Imperfectly Perfect Life – Life Unscripted.” Cherish this week and the introspective journey it brings. 

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