Hi, I’m Patti.
Inspired by Arthur Brooks’ book, Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life, I have transitioned into retirement to fully focus on what matters most to me—helping others navigate their own transitions into retirement. Supporting individuals through this life phase has become my purpose.
Finding Purpose in the Second Half of Life
Like many in the tech industry, I found myself swept up in a wave of layoffs as the economy slowed. It was a shock at first, but soon I embraced the freedom to explore new ideas and interests. For the first time in a long while, I had control over my time. I threw myself into volunteering, ticking off weeks on my life calendar, and feeling as though I was living with purpose.
But that feeling didn’t last. Not long after, I began to feel aimless, grappling with a loss of identity. I used to be a problem-solver, a contributor, an expert. Without my work, what was I? This sense of unease lingered, and after talking with others who had entered retirement, I realized I wasn’t alone. Many of us were navigating the same unexpected challenges and were unprepared for the emotional and psychological hurdles that come with this transition.
There are endless resources for financial planning, but very few that focus on how to live a fulfilling, purpose-driven life after retirement. We weren’t just asking ourselves, “What should I do with my time?” but more deeply, “Who am I now, and what gives my life meaning?
ABOUT ME
“Who am I now, and what gives my life meaning?”
I reflected on a time when I faced a similar sense of uncertainty—when I first took up open water swimming. Back then, I pushed myself to complete ultramarathon swims and raise money for causes I believed in. I sought advice from experts, built a training and mental resilience plan, and learned by trial and error. It was an incredibly rewarding journey, but not without its struggles. And as I found myself once again in uncharted waters—this time with retirement—I knew I didn’t want to go it alone.
Much like those early days of open water swimming, the second half of life is full of unknowns. Without the right guidance, it’s easy to waste time trying to figure it all out on your own. We all have blind spots and expectations that hold us back. And without a clear sense of purpose, our goals can feel draining instead of energizing. The feelings of restlessness, disappointment, and lack of direction can become overwhelming.
That’s why I started Spring Tide Coaching—to help others avoid those pitfalls and find their own sense of purpose and fulfillment. Retirement is an exciting time, but it’s also a time of transition that requires courage, clarity, and a willingness to dive deep. I’m here to help you navigate that journey, just as I learned to navigate the waves—so you can move confidently into a second half of life filled with meaning, growth, and joy.
