Inspiration to

Start Again

you’re NOT DONE yet, and neither is YOUR STORY

You did it — the kids are off at college. After 18+ years of raising a family, you know there’s something else waiting in this next act of life… but what? Your kids are starting their new life. Why not you too?

I help empty nesters discover what’s next — and Start Again with confidence.

I know the pain of watching your child leave home for the first time. That empty feeling is real — I’ve lived it.

Like almost crying in the college bookstore when it was time to say goodbye real. Yeah… that was me.

And in the quiet that followed, I started judging myself for not handling it better. “I should be fine… What’s wrong with me?” I wondered.

As painful as that moment was, I told myself I’d get through it and move forward. And I did. Which is how I know you can too.

Today, I’m passionate about helping parents just like me — people who want to discover what’s next in life.

does this SOUND LIKE YOU?

You happily traded a career to raise a family.
Your talents and skills were valued at school and on teams.
You built meaningful friendships with other volunteers.
You successfully launched your kids into the world.
Your house (and your life) have become a lot quieter.
And now you find yourself thinking, what do I do next…?

you hear JUST MOVE ON

Sure, some people you see on Facebook are suddenly living their best lives. But you’re smart enough to know this Instagram-fueled “look-at-me-I’m-so-happy!” thing might just be a veneer covering up a deeper pain.

you wonder IS IT JUST ME?

Actually no. It’s not just you going through this. Every year, over three million high school graduates start college in the fall, leaving at least three million parents thinking, “How did this happen so fast?”

you think WHO AM I NOW?

When someone asks, “What do you do?,” gone are the days you could say, “I’m a stay at home parent.”

Because, well, if your kids aren’t home anymore, technically you aren’t a stay at home parent anyway. You need a new answer to that question. You need a new you.

you feel STUCK IN SELF-JUDGMENT

You tell yourself you should be doing more. You wonder why you haven’t figured this out yet. You compare yourself to people who seem to be thriving. You replay every “wrong” turn in your head. You quietly ask, “What’s wrong with me?”

There is nothing wrong with you.

You’re just in the space between identities — and judging yourself for not already being on the other side.

you are in THE RIGHT PLACE…

**I know what that first year of life is like for a former stay-at-home-parent.**

The pain of them leaving is a wound that never heals.
You won’t see them again for 3-4 months, an eternity.
You’re a little jealous, TBH. They’re having this amazing adventure, and you’re stuck in a now-empty house.
All the friendships you made as a volunteer have withered
Even if you did start something new, what if it didn’t work out?
Nobody else understands your pain. Worse, your spouse tells you to “just get over it.”

And maybe the most painful question:

What if raising a child is the best thing you ever do in life?

I CAN TELL YOU IT GETS BETTER

There’s more to life than wasting away in some cubicle till retirement or settling down at home, waiting to become a grandparent. There’s a whole new version of you to discover.

Yet many of us make the mistake of thinking we have to instantly figure out the rest of our life.

Crazy, right?

Yes, you need to move on with the rest of your life. But not all at once. Give yourself time.

Start with one night, followed by one day, then two months, and finally, build to a year.

So where do you begin? With encouragement. With stories. With someone who gets what you’re going through.

That’s what Encore Living is all about.

It’s my weekly podcast where I share practical ideas, reflections, and inspiration to help you build a meaningful next chapter—without having to figure it all out at once.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

what PEOPLE ARE SAYING

“As an empty nester, I was tentative to jump back into the business world. Thor provided insights and encouragement to make that transition less daunting!”

— Juliane D.

“Having Thor in my corner is the extra support I need to be able to successfully navigate the ever transitioning world of parenthood as well as entrepreneurship”

— Lisa P.

“Thor is funny, patient, warm and engaging, and it’s clear to see how much he enjoys connecting with people and helping them get to the next level.”

— Linda H.

“Daunting as it may seem, Thor is always there to help guide those in need in the right direction. He rises above the ‘noise’ with clarity and vision.”

— Suzi L.

ready for your NEXT BEGINNING?

Here are two simple ways to Start Again — with support and clarity.

join MADE FOR MORE

I created a free, welcoming community where you can meet others on the same path, join monthly calls, and enjoy uplifting surprises — all designed to help you Start Again with confidence. Join for free!

JOIN MADE FOR MORE

let’s work TOGETHER

If you’re looking for more personal support, the Encore Roadmap Strategy Session offers focused one-on-one guidance to help you get clear on what you want and where you’re headed next.

ENCORE ROADMAP SESSIONS