An Imperfectly Perfect Life with Shari Leid

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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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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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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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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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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 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