Episode 224: How to "Graduate" into a Joyful, Fulfilling Retirement, with Author and Retirement Expert Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons

“The happiest people in retirement are the ones who stay curious.” Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons ~ Retirement Transition Expert, Former Attorney and Author of Encore, a High Achievers Guide to Thriving in Retirement. 

 

When you began your work life, do you remember thinking about retirement? 

For many decades, retirement was the 65-year-old's goal: the end of the "job" and the entry into leisure and relaxation until...um...the end???

Too often, though, the relaxation didn't materialize--at least not in the way it was intended, especially for those who not only enjoyed working, but whose work life seemed to define them. Too many retirements seemed less than satisfying, maybe downright boring.

Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons challenges the traditional narrative of retirement. Using a Brilliantly Resilient mindset and adjusting perspective, Elizabeth advises viewing retirement as a "graduation" instead of a final chapter. She reframes retirement as a vibrant reset—a time to step into freedom, creativity, and self-defined purpose. With warmth and humor, she reminds us that “nobody really wants 365 Saturdays,” because lasting fulfillment comes from living with intention, not just endless leisure.

By encouraging curosity, Elizabeth offers those in retirement the opportunity to explore passions they may have set aside during their working years, and see retirement as a season for growth rather than retreat. Whether that growth comes from volunteering, traveling, starting a new venture, or learning a skill just for fun, she proves that energy and excitement aren’t bound by age or career stage.

Here at Brilliantly Resilient, we know that our Brilliance is always available to us. As Elizabeth notes, it doesn't "retire when we do." Our knowledge, experiences and passions can be transferred into this life phase, creating excitement and repurposing our lives with possibilty, resilience and joy. 

Get your copy of Encore, a High Achievers Guide to Thriving in Retirement. here, and tune into this week's episode of the Brilliantly Resilient podcast to hear more of Elizabeth's wisdom. Be sure to listen for these additional bits of Brilliance (note the relationship of the quotes to the Brilliantly Resilient method):

 

1. Retirement isn’t the end of your story—it’s the start of a whole new chapter you get to write.”
   Reset: See it as a fresh beginning, not a closing door.

2. “If you wait for life to slow down before you start living, you’ll wait forever.”
   Rise: Take action toward the life you want now.

3. “The goal isn’t to stop working—it’s to start living with more freedom and joy.”
   Reveal: Redefine what work and purpose mean to you.

4. “Your identity isn’t your job title. Who you are goes far deeper.”
   Reset: Separate self-worth from professional labels.

5. “You can bring your brilliance into retirement—it doesn’t retire with you.”
   Rise: Use your skills and wisdom in new, meaningful ways.

6. “The happiest people in retirement are the ones who stay curious.”
   Reveal: Curiosity keeps you engaged, joyful, and resilient.

7. “It’s not about filling your time, it’s about fulfilling your soul.”
   Reset: Align your days with your core values.

8. “Retirement is your opportunity to finally create without constraint.”
   Rise: Give yourself permission to explore bold new ideas.

9. “Every transition is an invitation to grow—even the ones we think should be all rest and relaxation.”
   Reveal: Brilliance evolves through every life stage.

10. “Nobody really wants 365 Saturdays in a row.”
    Reset: True happiness blends leisure with purpose.

 

Let's be Brilliantly Resilient together!

XO,

Mary Fran