The Art of Reinvention: Pia Larson on Life, Love and Letting Go
The third act of life is often a time for reflection, reinvention, and possibility. For Pia Larson, it became a journey of intentional transformation—a chance to let go of old patterns, trust the universe, and create a life that feels aligned with her soul. As the Chief Imagination Officer of Fingerprint Marketing, Pia is no stranger to creativity, but her personal story of growth and discovery offers wisdom for anyone navigating life’s transitions.
In this post, we explore Pia’s story of transformation, resilience, and her insights into building a fulfilling third act.
Letting Go of Old Chapters
For Pia, stepping into her third act began with difficult but necessary decisions. After 28 years of marriage, she faced the daunting task of starting over. Moving from Seattle to Sarasota, Florida, she left behind the overcast skies that no longer suited her and embraced the sunshine and warmth she craved.
This monumental shift wasn’t just physical—it was deeply emotional. “I spent about five or six years feeling unsettled,” Pia shares. “But I realized I was reacting to life instead of designing it.” That realization was a turning point. She began to ask herself: What would I love? What does my dream life look like?
By letting go of attachments to old roles and expectations, Pia opened herself up to new possibilities. It wasn’t easy, and she acknowledges the fear that came with stepping into the unknown. But she found that even small steps forward helped her embrace the future with excitement rather than dread.
Trusting the Universe and Redefining Success
One of the most transformative shifts for Pia was learning to trust. Whether it was in people, circumstances, or the universe itself, this mindset allowed her to let go of control and embrace uncertainty.
“Let go of timelines,” Pia advises. “Focus on how you want to feel, not how you think it’s supposed to happen.” She reflects on the magic that happens when you release the need to control every detail. “You might think you want one thing, but the universe could have something even better in store for you.”
Pia also reevaluated her definition of success. As a business owner, she once wore her busy schedule as a badge of honor. “I used to say, ‘I live and die by my calendar,’” she recalls. But after years of hustling, she realized the cost of that mindset. “I started asking, why do I want this? What’s the feeling I’m chasing? Once I let go of attachment to money or status, I found so much freedom.”
Navigating the Hard Days
While Pia’s story is one of triumph, she doesn’t shy away from the challenges. “Some days, I didn’t even want to get out of bed,” she admits. Loneliness was a new and uncomfortable experience for her after decades of living with family or a partner.
She uses a metaphor to describe the discomfort of sitting with those emotions: “It’s like stepping into a pile of warm, sticky mud. It’s uncomfortable, and all you want to do is jump out and take a shower. But the longer you sit with it, the easier it gets.”
For Pia, those moments of sitting with her emotions—and the support of friends and community—were essential. “Having a network of people to lean on made all the difference,” she says. “And for anyone who feels stuck, know that the struggle is temporary. Keep going.”
The Power of Manifestation
A pivotal part of Pia’s journey was learning to focus on what she wanted, rather than what she lacked. She started each day with a simple practice: imagining her ideal life as if it were already real. Whether it was picturing herself living near the beach or traveling the world, she let her mind and body feel those possibilities.
“Your brain doesn’t know the difference between imagination and reality,” Pia explains. “When you feel something as though it’s already happening, your mind starts looking for ways to make it true.”
This mindset helped Pia make bold decisions, like traveling solo in Europe for 11 weeks—a life-changing adventure. It also allowed her to weather unexpected challenges, like rebuilding her home after a hurricane. “When you trust that things will work out, miracles happen,” she says. “Even when my house was destroyed, the right people showed up to help me rebuild, and everything fell into place.”
Dating in the Third Act
Reentering the dating world after decades of marriage was another leap of faith. Pia describes the experience as both terrifying and enlightening. “I had to learn to be comfortable being alone first,” she says. “At first, I filled the silence with Netflix, social media, or wine. But over time, I learned to sit with myself.”
For Pia, dating wasn’t just about finding a partner—it was about discovering her worth. “Every relationship taught me something,” she says. “Even the ones that didn’t work out helped me see that I deserved more.”
Her advice for others in the dating pool? Stay open and trust the process. “Every person you meet brings you closer to the right one,” she says. “Don’t focus on the failures. Focus on the lessons.”
Gratitude as a Compass
Gratitude is a recurring theme in Pia’s life. She believes it’s one of the most powerful tools for shifting your mindset and attracting abundance.
“Gratitude is the highest-vibrating emotion,” Pia says. “It doesn’t have to be a big ritual. Just find little moments throughout the day to appreciate what you have.”
For Pia, that might mean savoring a meal, reflecting on the kindness of a friend, or simply enjoying the sunshine. “When you focus on what’s good, it multiplies,” she says. “More opportunities, more joy—it all comes back to you.”
What Pia Would Tell Her Younger Self
Looking back, Pia has one key message for her younger self: You don’t have to work so hard.
“Put the load down,” she says. “Enjoy where you are and trust that you’re enough.” She encourages others to let go of perfectionism and focus on what truly matters—relationships, joy, and the freedom to dream.
Pia’s Parting Wisdom
As Pia reflects on her journey, she leaves us with this advice: “Let go of attachment. Whether it’s to material things, outcomes, or timelines, focus instead on serving others. Relationships are what matter most. When you nurture those connections, everything else falls into place.”
Pia Larson’s story is a testament to the power of reinvention and resilience. By trusting the universe, embracing the unknown, and focusing on gratitude, she has created a third act that’s rich with possibility and joy. For anyone navigating their own transition, her journey offers a powerful reminder: it’s never too late to design a life you love.
About Pia Larson
Pia Larson is the Chief Imagination Officer at Fingerprint Marketing, where she helps businesses around the world craft impactful branding and marketing strategies. Learn more about her work at fingerprintmarketing.com.