I am so honored to be joining Brenda in her vision for 1010 Park Place. Like Brenda, I have a passion for helping women become stronger and more vibrant, with a new definition of what is truly important in life. As we age, with wisdom and grace, we want more than a great pair of jeans or a new skin care regime. Instead, we find freedom in not really caring what others think of us as we become more accepting of who we are. We want to make a difference in the lives of others, creating a lasting legacy that goes beyond material possessions.

We want to leave the world a better place because we planted seeds of joy, blessings, character, generosity and compassion along the way.

A few years ago, during a major crossroads in life, I was searching for resources for women over 50. In 2009, the world had not awakened to the value of women this age, and there was little to satisfy my quest for help. So, with no experience in publishing or web design, I launched a site that soon became a globally-recognized lifestyle blog for women over 50, FlourishOver50.com. I connected with women all over the world and provided tips from experts on style, food, fitness, reinventions, travel and finances. My one goal in life was to be on the first page of Google, and I worked relentlessly to get there.

Well, I did it. I became one of the top five resources for women over 50, and I thought “so now what?” It didn’t speak to my soul, and I began wondering why I was even doing it. There was no longer any passion behind it, and I longed for a way to support my new community on a deeper level. Just like me, women were searching for identity. They were navigating divorce, empty nest, career burnout or simply wanting more out of life, but they had no idea where to start. They wanted their lives to count for something, and I wanted to show them they already had purpose and value that just needed to be awakened.

In 2011, I became a life coach, and later a Certified Life Purpose Coach. I transitioned from providing the “outer fluff” as I called it, and began serving women through workshops, speaking, self-study programs and VIP coaching. Since then, I have engaged in hundreds of deeper conversations that have led women to find their true calling and rediscover their passion in life. I transitioned from Flourish Over 50 to The Flourishing Life where I inspire and equip women to flourish as they successfully integrate faith, family and career–on their own terms–not the world’s. Today I simply cannot imagine a better life.

When I spoke with Brenda and heard her vision for 1010 Park Place, it sparked a memory of my own beginning as an over-50, empty-nester who wanted to make a difference in the lives of midlife women. I also heard the same heartfelt desire to dig deeper and to provide a platform for women to be authentic, transparent and supportive. As this new vision unfolds, I encourage you to share your thoughts; ask bold questions, and allow yourself to be vulnerable. I promise you that I will! Not one of us is perfect! And isn’t that a relief!

I am looking forward to “talking” with you here on 1010 Park Place. Please ask me any question and let me know how I can serve you best!

Ask Susan…

Want to ask Susan your most intimate questions and have her address it in a future blog post? We keep everything anonymous, so ask those bold questions, ladies!