Ever wondered what happens when you say "yes" to life's weird coincidences and let them lead you somewhere completely new?

In this episode I talk to Joy France, a retired teacher turned poet, performer, and battle rapper about her wild ride into creativity and adventure… all by simply following unexpected doors as they opened.

Joy shares her story of evolving after retirement: from socially anxious, shy, and "ordinary" to poet-in-residence, rap battler, stand-up comic, and "collector of chance encounters."

If you're feeling stuck, bored, or ready for change, Joy's approach to following coincidences, no matter how leftfield, will have you rethinking what's possible, and might just nudge you to open a new door to creativity.

Here are the highlights:

​​00:00 The retired teacher who followed coincidences and said yes to opportunities

09:09 Retirement sparked a creative adventure

10:37 Pitching a free creative space for all art forms, and they said yes!

19:57 Embrace courage, ignore opinions, and the world becomes limitless.

28:15 Take opportunities for change without fear of judgment.

Joy's change toolkit:

Soundtrack: "Brimful of Asha" – Cornershop

Book: "I used to read a lot when I didn't have a life. Now I barely read, I'm too busy living!"

One Piece of Advice:

"People are presented with opportunities for change but don't step into them. My advice? Don't be terrified. If you're not hurting anyone, why not do the thing? Don't wait for 'one day', you never know what's ahead. If there's something, why not go for it now?"

About Joy France:

Joy's life has been one of 2 halves. She was a quiet, unassuming teacher, always worrying about what others thought. That is, until her mid-50's when she finally found her voice and the courage to embrace life. Joy challenged herself to do 60 new things at the age of 60 and had so much fun that she's continued to "grow old playfully." Joy is an all round creative - a multiple slam-winning poet, stand-up comedian, and writer who travels around delivering talks, running workshops and performing at a variety of festivals and unusual venues. There is nothing Joy loves more than helping others find their voice and embrace their potential.

Watch Joy's Documentary:
Joy Uncensored – search online for the uncensored version (and be warned: it's not for the easily offended!)