Happy First Day of Summer

21 Jun

FIRST DAY OF SUMMER

It’s summer! For many of us that does not change much what we do and means mainly that it will get hot. Here are some Hope Strategies to assist you in making the most of the daylight hours:

Summer Hope Strategies

  1. Enjoy what others complain about  – okay, I know it’s hot and that weather is a safe topic to commiserate with total strangers. Stop complaining … period. Replace the complaint with gratitude for the season. What do you like best about summer? I love that the kids get to stay up later and we can share fun times.
  2. Exercise every day – swim, walk at sunrise or sunset, buy a DVD so you can exercise indoors. Do not hide behind the excuse of “It’s too hot…” You will feel great and will find renewed stamina and energy. 
  3. Seize every opportunity to create unique memories – Seek out free concerts, new  parks, run in the sprinklers, buy a ‘slip-n’slide’ and use it, or buy a kiddie pool. It may be as simple as eating popsicles in the backyard where it doesn’t matter if they drip on the ground.
  4. Take lots of pictures (and create a photo album) – capture the fun with lots of selfies, pictures and then do something with them. Create a slideshow or a photo book. Make sure you are in a lot of them also.

What other ideas do you have to share? Would love to hear from you!

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.

 

 

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Clean Out the Clutter Today

10 May

clean room day - may 10

I love to look up random days on the national day calendar. Today is National Clean Your Room Day.

So  what does a clean room have to do with being a successful entrepreneur. I often have so many things going that my surroundings get cluttered and messy. Then, when it’s time to find something it takes forever. Frustration sets in and I just want to sit down an cry.

Here’s are some easy solutions to this cluttered scenario:

  1. Set a timer – work in increments of 15 – 20 minutes.
  2. Work on one area at a time. Avoid getting overwhelmed as you move forward. Pick one spot and clear it off.
  3. Once an area is clutter-free, establish new habits that keep it that way.
  4. Celebrate all progress.

I will be writing more on this topic as it is one that has been an issue in my life for many years. I am enjoying a clutter free office and I am more effective. At the same time, I still allow the creative juices to flow while working on a project. The difference lies in finishing well.

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.

 

Reach As High As You Can Today

14 Apr

4-14-Reach as high as you can day

Take the leap!

Go for it!

Jump!

Some times I just need the reminder the get back up and go for it. I don’t know about you but sometimes I just wish I was not an entrepreneur. It’s only for a few thoughts and then I go back to all that I enjoy about I what do and the incredible ride I have had in my life.

To all HOPEpreneurs out there – today is your day to be reminded why you have not given up on your dreams.

Hope Strategies:

  • Pick up that big project that was overwhelming you last week. It’s okay to take a break every once in a while. Remember, you can get it all done — just not at the same time.
  • Rethink what looks impossible. There is a reason that you are attracted to the possibilities. What would you do if you could be certain that there was absolutely no way to fail. Here’s the secret… Treat it all as lessons learned for the next time and GO FOR IT!
  • Take out your ‘Some Day List’ and plan the next one. Jump higher even if it’s just on a trampoline. Or go sky diving – at least in the indoor one. Enjoy the ride.

What are you doing today? What are you encouraging others to do?

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.

 

Honoring Women

8 Mar

HOPEprenuers-Int'l Women's Day

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. 

Breathe

3 Feb

breathe

Secret to Success #5

Breathe

It sounds so simple until you can no longer do it. My late husband suffered from Muscular Dystrophy. This muscle weakening disease affected his core so that during his last years with us he could no longer breathe on his own. He became dependent on a ventilator for his very breath. What is so interesting about this issue was that his lungs remained strong. So what happened?

At the beginning of this process we tried a multitude of solutions. None of them worked. The main lesson that I learned from this experience was to stop trying to second-guess what is wrong and get input from an expert. He landed in the hospital and finally went to ICU. It was a great thing because it was there that the experts were able to diagnose exactly what was going on. His diaphragm stopped working and, although everything seemed fine, he could not take a deep breath in or out.

Get the help you need to analyze your business problems today. Surround yourself with those who can see with eagle eyes what you may not see as you are so close to the situation. It may take some drastic measures or it may be something simple.

Even if everything is going well stop for a few minutes to take a deep breath. If you can do that, extend a word of gratitude to your creator for keeping you healthy enough to do that. Slow down the process by breathing through your nose, hold the breath for 10 seconds and exhale slowly through your mouth. Do this every time that you feel stress building up!

This is another secret to your success – BREATHE!

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. 

Secrets to Success in the New Year – #4

2 Jan

today-i-forgive

Forgive Freely

Why is it so hard to let go of the things others have done against us? They become padlocks on the gate to our next steps.

Start the new year with a fresh slate by choosing to forgive those who have wronged you. They may have not ever apologize or even be aware of what they have done. So why are you holding on to it.

Find a quiet spot and explore the ones you need to forgive. Maybe it’s yourself for not accomplishing all that you had proposed to do. Make a list of each one and the main offense you feel against them.

Here is the key step in this. Make an action plan to speak to them if that is appropriate. If not, you can set them free completely from your side. Let go of the expectation of how it should look and allow yourself the freedom to move forward.

Please let me know if this has helped you. I would love to celebrate your victory over false expectations and lies about needing to please everyone as you move forward.

Karen Sebastian is an author, blogger, corporate trainer and gifted speakerwho 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 experiences with others – engaging them in adventurous discoveries of the beauty of hope in a dark, cloudy world.

 

Secrets to Success in the New Year – #3

12 Dec

success-secrets-3

Today I enjoy *walking*!

(Fill the space between the ** with your favorite form of exercise.)

Successful people exercise consistently. My favorite way to stay in shape is walking. What’s yours?

Most of you know what to do but can find excuses not to do certain things even when you know it can add years to your life. What are your excuses for not exercising consistently?

My top excise was lack of time so I do it first thing in the morning. The second one has been lack of energy. That one has been solved because as I walk every day I have so much  more energy.

Consistency depends on motivation. I find that when I enjoy doing something I will make time for it. For that reason, I suggest that you provide all the reasons that you enjoy your particular form of exercise. Here’s my example:

I enjoy walking because…

  1. Walking gets me outside where I can be on the lookout for amazing hope rays on sunny days, sunrises when I’m early and sunsets when I am walking in the evening. Besides enjoying the beauty of creation, I get more vitamin D.
  2. Walking protects my joints and strengthens my ligaments without excessive soreness.
  3. Walking costs nothing other than time.
  4. Walking is fun to do with others as it allows me to talk or pray with my walking partner.
  5. Walking is strength bearing so it helps my body build stronger bones.
  6. Walking strengthens my heart and firms my muscles.
  7. Walking clears my mind and protects me from mental decline.
  8. Walking lowers the risk of diseases like diabetes and several forms of cancer.
  9. Walking improves my mood because it releases endorphins.
  10. Walking increases my energy level.
  11. Walking improves insomnia.
  12. Walking improves circulation by increasing heart rate and lowering blood pressure.
  13. Walking improves my breathing
  14. Walking helps me maintain or lose weight.
  15. Walking adds years to my life so I live longer and enjoy those years more than thoseo who do not exercise.

 

You make time to do what you enjoy doing. When you focus on the benefits the exercise provides your motivation increases as well.

Karen Sebastian is an author, blogger, corporate trainer and gifted speakerwho 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 experiences with others – engaging them in adventurous discoveries of the beauty of hope in a dark, cloudy world.

 

 

Secrets to Success in the New Year #2

9 Dec

success-secret-2

TODAY, I enjoy eating healthy food!

So many people believe diet is a bad word! They go on a diet so they can lose weight and then enjoy that ice cream sunday. Success means that on a consistent basis I choose healthy food and enjoy the benefits of health and energy. I change my eating habits and my desires so that I crave frozen berries that are loaded with antioxidants. I enjoy green smoothies and the taste of the beet, carrot, apple juice that I drink every day.

Successful people make consistent choices to do what is good for them. Rather than complaining about what they cannot have, they fully enjoy the abundance of food that makes them stronger and healthier.

Your choices make you powerful. Make healthy choices today in the area of your eating. Bolster your immune system, charge up your metabolism and gain energy and stamina for the awesome days ahead in the new year. The added bonus is that you won’t be worried about how much you weigh.

What is your favorite healthy snack? Mine is hummus.

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 experiences with others – engaging them in adventurous discoveries of the beauty of hope in a dark, cloudy world. 

Secrets to Success in the New Year

8 Dec

success-secret1

Today I am grateful!

Gratitude is your biggest weapon against failure because it allows you to embrace the current situation. When you look around with gratitude, you see opportunities rather than offenses. You see the imperfections of those around you with greater kindness as you see their efforts on your behalf even if the result was less that you had hoped for. You are on your way.

So to be successful in the New Year – start every day with gratitude. I am grateful for opportunities, challenges and breakthroughs.

What’s on your gratitude list? Please add at least one in the comments section of this post.

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. 

Success

21 Nov

SUCCESS

Success is to spring to meet the day with a thrill at being alive. It is to go forth to met the  morning in an ecstasy of joy – Lillian Whiting

How do you define success?

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. 

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