Honoring Women

There are so many to honor and celebrate today as I think of all the powerful women in my life. I am grateful. Here’s a short list with more to come as the day unfolds:

Mom

You taught me to speak fearlessly what God has put on my heart. At the same time, you taught me to enjoy serving the family and for that service to be loving and gracious. I fondly remember how much fun and laughter happened at your dinner table. You were ruthless about getting us there on time and then, the best fan to laugh at jokes with messed up punch lines.

Sis

You taught me to work hard and get it right. Your work ethic shaped me in ways that have blessed our family. You left a big hole to fill when you left to go to college in the United States. I was surprised that I could step up the plate and begin to serve in a new capacity. You had paved the way and in that pathway that I continued was birthed my greatest passion today – to connect with others in speaking.

Tough Bosses

I’ve had a series of tough women bosses who saw my potential and expected more of me than I ever thought I could do. I resented the pressure, yet benefited from the high standard. I quickly learned that I did indeed have a voice if I organized my thoughts and presented it with confidence.

Action Items

1. Make a list of women who have improved your life and taught you important lessons
2. Send them a note, email, text or letter giving details of the difference they made in a critical time in your life.
3. Be specific about their influence and direction.
4. Report back the ripple effect of gratitude toward key women in your life.

Karen Sebastian is an author, blogger, corporate trainer and gifted speaker who transparently shares the hope she has found in the darkest times of her life.  She is a seasoned entrepreneur who founded HOPEpreneurs, a consulting firm dedicated to helping women succeed personally and professionally. Karen is known as The Hope Lady because she  takes every opportunity to inspire hope by sharing her rich life experience with others – engaging them in adventurous discoveries of the beauty of hope in a dark, cloudy world.