Some of the hardest decisions in life aren’t about choosing between something good and something bad. They’re about choosing between two good things—or two priorities that both matter.

In this episode of Courageous Retirement, Vona Johnson shares a few real-life decisions she’s been facing, from a long-awaited trip to Israel to finding time to write and simply getting this podcast episode finished. Along the way, she explores what it looks like to listen for the Holy Spirit, consider the risks, respect that others may be called to make different choices, and move forward without letting fear make the decision for us.

When priorities collide, we may not always know where a choice will lead. But we can pray, listen, take the next step, and trust that Jesus will walk with us wherever the journey takes us.

Because living your more isn't about having all the answers. It’s about trusting Jesus and going where He calls you to go.

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message!

Check out my YouTube Channel where I post the videos of my interview shows.

Learn more about the show, author Vona Johnson, and more at vonajohnson.com!

Schedule a free 15 minute Your Path to More call with Vona.

What if the opportunity that comes your way isn't actually the thing?

What if it's a stepping stone? Or a season? Or even a detour that God uses to prepare you for what comes next?

In this episode of Courageous Retirement, Vona Johnson gets personal about learning to tell the difference.

Retirement can give us something we didn't always have during our working years: the freedom to choose how we spend our time, where we invest our energy, and what we want this season of our lives to be about.

Vona shares her own journey from a 30-year career in housing to coaching, writing, and two unexpected post-retirement work opportunities. At first, those opportunities were exciting. But eventually, neither felt like the place she was meant to stay. Looking back, she began to wonder whether some of her old motivations—recognition, accomplishment, and earning—had followed her into retirement.

So how do we know when an opportunity is something God is calling us into—and when it may simply be a stepping stone, a season, or a distraction?

Vona explores the questions we can ask when something no longer feels aligned, the importance of prayer and discernment, and why creating quiet space to listen may be one of the most important things we can do in retirement.

Most of all, she offers an encouraging reminder: we don't have to get every decision right. God can redirect us.

Retirement isn't simply about having more time to do what makes us happy. It's an opportunity to intentionally use this season to pursue what matters, follow where Jesus leads, and leave a legacy of faith with the people we love.

If you're wondering whether something in your life is the thing—or merely a stepping stone—this conversation is for you.

Episode Timeline

00:00 Retirement Reframed
00:45 Podcast Introduction
01:04 Work Is Not Everything
01:44 Finding Your True Calling
02:59 Post-Retirement Detours
04:40 Questions for Alignment
05:20 A New Season, A New Focus
05:47 Discerning the Right Opportunity
06:50 Creating Space to Listen
07:18 Retirement Gives Us Choice
08:30 Redirected by Grace
09:04 Closing & Next Episode

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message!

Check out my YouTube Channel where I post the videos of my interview shows.

Learn more about the show, author Vona Johnson, and more at vonajohnson.com!

Schedule a free 15 minute Your Path to More call with Vona.

Transitioning to Retirement: Don't Let Fear Win!

Retirement is more than leaving a career—it's a transition that can challenge your identity, purpose, and faith. In this episode, host Vona Johnson welcomes transition coach, author, and podcast host Toni Thrash for an encouraging conversation about navigating retirement and other major life changes without letting fear have the final word.

Toni shares how her background in coaching athletes inspired her passion for helping women move through seasons of transition—from retirement and empty nesting to divorce and unexpected life changes. She introduces her book and podcast, Start Your Comeback, reminding us that it's never too late to get back in the game.

Vona reflects on her own unexpected early retirement at age 55 and the lessons she learned about surrendering the need to strive, trusting God's plan, and discovering a deeper purpose. Together, they explore practical ways to move forward with courage: identify fear as the real opponent, reconnect with the dreams God planted in your heart, take small steps into new opportunities, and trust God even when the path feels uncertain.

Whether retirement is around the corner or you're already navigating this new season, this conversation will encourage you to embrace change with confidence, purpose, and faith—because God isn't finished with you yet.

Episode Highlights:

• Why retirement is one of life's biggest transitions
• How fear keeps us stuck—and how to overcome it
• Rediscovering your God-given purpose after your career
• Practical ways to step into something new with confidence
• Learning to trust God's direction one step at a time
• Finding joy, beauty, and purpose in everyday life

Timestamps
00:00 Retirement Transition Matters
00:48 Meet Toni Thrash
01:09 What Transition Coaching Is
03:09 Vona's Early Retirement Story
06:12 Viewing Retirement Through a Biblical Lens
10:45 Start Your Comeback
12:51 It's Never Too Late to Begin Again
16:33 Getting Off the Bench
21:31 Doing It Afraid
28:14 Listening for God's Direction
33:35 Finding God in Everyday Beauty
35:36 Where to Connect with Vona & Toni
38:44 Final Encouragement

Learn more about Toni, her coaching, and find her book, Start Your Comback here: https://www.tonithrash.com/

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message!

Check out my YouTube Channel where I post the videos of my interview shows.

Learn more about the show, author Vona Johnson, and more at vonajohnson.com!

Schedule a free 15 minute Your Path to More call with Vona.