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Today’s guest is Dawn Fleming, an adventurous soul who traded the fast-paced lifestyle of Southern California for something much more fulfilling — retirement overseas.
After weathering the storm of the 2008 financial crisis, Dawn and her husband embraced a new beginning by sailing 5,000 miles to Florida, eventually settling in Mexico.
In this episode, Dawn shares her journey of reinvention, from being an attorney and network marketing professional to truly living her dream life in retirement.
She discusses the concept of “midlife retirement,” her perspective on aging, and what it really means to find purpose beyond 50.
To help others discover the dream life she enjoys, Dawn also wrote a book about her experiences. Dawn’s book, “Claim Your Dream Life: How to Retire in Paradise on a Shoestring Budget,” offers practical insights for people who want a different type of retirement.
But as Dawn pointed out, true paradise isn’t a place — it’s a mindset.
Dawn is a vibrant example of what it looks like to claim your dream life — not someday, but right now.
Her journey from financial hardship and professional burnout to building a purpose-driven lifestyle on the shores of Mexico is both courageous and inspirational.
She and her husband now live in a beachfront property they initially purchased as a rental investment. What started as a trial run turned into a full relocation, giving them the freedom to live on their own terms.
Her YouTube channel, Midlife in Paradise, dives into many of the non-financial aspects of retirement that are often overlooked, such as purpose, longevity, community and personal reinvention.
More than just relocating abroad, Dawn is passionate about helping others break free from outdated ideas of retirement. She believes the soul wasn’t meant to retire, but to be repurposed, and she’s proving that message by living with enthusiasm, curiosity and generosity every day.
Her philosophy emphasizes the importance of not waiting for permission or the perfect time to pursue your ideal life.
Whether it’s sailing across oceans, building community, launching new creative ventures, or simply exploring what brings you joy — Dawn reminds us that it’s never too late to start over and live boldly.
To learn more about Dawn’s journey, visit ClaimYourDreamLifeBook.com, or check out her video content on the Midlife in Paradise YouTube channel. If you’re ready to design a fulfilling life after 50, Dawn’s story is a masterclass in how to begin.
Dawn’s book, “Claim Your Dream Life: How to Retire in Paradise on a Shoestring Budget,” is available on Amazon and at other bookstores.
That’s all for this week’s show. If you’d like to start living a more meaningful life, I encourage you to download our free guide to finding purpose, which is available at www.forwardfrom50.com.
I’ll have another inspirational interview on the next episode of the Forward From 50 podcast. Thanks for listening. If you like this show, please consider leaving a review wherever you download the episodes.
If you order Dawn’s book from a link above, Forward From 50 may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
After closing his business and enduring several painful years of uncertainty regarding what to do with his life, Greg founded Forward From 50 to help men and women over 50 to live more purposeful lives by pursuing things they are passionate about. A Wisconsin native, Greg currently lives in Arizona.