On this week’s episode of The Sharon Fitzmaurice Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with the radiant and resilient Yvonne Reddin - a woman who embodies the message that it’s never too late to begin again.

Yvonne’s story is one of strength, courage, and reinvention. At the age of 49, after more than two decades as a stay-at-home single parent, she took a leap of faith and stepped into the world of freelance journalism, travel reviewing, and public relations. What’s even more inspiring? She did this while raising her 11-year-old twins - a testament to her unstoppable spirit and deep love for her children.

But Yvonne's journey wasn’t always paved with clarity or confidence. She openly shared the challenges she faced - the emotional, mental, and financial strain of single motherhood. There were many days when simply getting through was the goal. Although she was supported by family and friends, she reminded us that true understanding often comes from those who have walked a similar path.

What struck me most about Yvonne’s story was her courage to begin again - to return to education, to seek out new opportunities, and to allow herself to dream of a life beyond survival. Her passion for storytelling led her to travel writing and journalism, where she now thrives - using her voice to highlight the beauty of places, people, and experiences.

Yvonne also channels her love for books by offering PR support to new authors, encouraging others to share their stories — just as she so bravely has.

This conversation is for anyone who has ever wondered if it’s too late to start something new. It’s a heartfelt reminder that reinvention is possible at any age, and that our life chapters are not bound by age or circumstance, but by belief, passion, and purpose.

Yvonne’s message? "You can do hard things. You can begin again. And yes, you can thrive."

Tune in to this uplifting episode and let Yvonne’s story ignite something within you - because your next chapter might just be your most powerful one yet.

Here’s to you

Sharon Fitzmaurice

Holistic Wellness Coach, Author & Host of The Sharon Fitzmaurice Podcast

Life is an open sea - vast, unpredictable, and filled with both breath-taking beauty and stormy chaos. Each of us is given a ship at birth, and whether we realise it or not, we are the captains. No one else can truly steer our ship. Others may try to influence us, advise us, or even attempt to grab the wheel - but the truth is, only you can decide the course you take.

Our compass? It’s not made of metal - it’s our heart. That quiet inner knowing, the subtle nudges, the dreams that refuse to die even after we’ve pushed them aside… they are pointing us towards true north. That’s the direction of purpose, peace, passion, and soul-alignment.

Just like any ship braving the open waters, we sometimes lose direction. Storms roll in - the griefs, the fears, the unexpected life turns - and we get knocked off course. It’s easy to feel lost in those moments, drifting without knowing where land is. But here’s the gift: every storm teaches us something. About ourselves. About our strength. About how much we’re capable of enduring and overcoming.

And we begin to realise - we are more resilient than we ever imagined. We are more powerful than we give ourselves credit for. And we are the only ones who can truly navigate our way back to clarity, back to the essence of who we are and what we came here to do.

So I ask you now…

What is your compass?
What pulls at your heartstrings? What fills you with fire, even if you’ve long buried it beneath “real life” responsibilities? What lights you up from the inside?

What direction are you heading in life right now?
Are you moving with intention, or simply floating with the tides?

If you're unsure of your direction, take a deep breath and look inward. Think back to a dream you once had - the one that made your heart beat a little faster, the one that felt so you. You may have pushed it aside, convinced yourself it was unrealistic or selfish. But what if it wasn’t? What if it was your soul speaking truth?

Close your eyes. Picture yourself living that dream.
What does it look like?
What does it feel like?
Let your heart guide you through the vision. Let your inner compass begin to stir again.

Because no matter how far off course you think you've gone, you're never truly lost. Your compass is still within you. And the wheel is still in your hands.

You are the captain. You always have been.

So steady your ship. Trust the wisdom of your heart. And set sail in the direction that calls you home.

Enjoy a 15-Minute Guided Meditation for new beginnings. Every breath is a chance to start again in each moment. We learn to focus on our breath as it enters and leaves the body allowing all things to flow naturally and easily. We find peace within the breath and within our mind, body and spirit.

With love and purpose,
Sharon 💖