Summary: It’s almost a given: At some point in our lives we’ll all find ourselves in a position where we simply just want to give up. The outcome of the challenge we are facing is unknown and, since we can’t control the future, why even try? Just because life doesn’t always deal us what we feel is the perfect hand, is that a genuine reason to disappoint the people we love and ourselves by just giving up? Absolutely not! On this episode, I interviewed Maryann Makekau, Founder of Hope Matters, and Rob Harris, Founder of Rob Cares, about why hope is so important in the mix of what it takes to change the direction of your life. Together we covered: what hope is why hope matters how to develop hope when you don't feel it how to hold onto hope when new experiences challenge it Listen in as the discussion addresses not only the benefits of hope and a positive approach to change but includes action-oriented details you can begin using today to strengthen your process. MEET MY GUESTS: MARYANN MAKEKAU is an author, inspirational speaker, talk radio co-host, and spirited entrepreneur. She is also a veteran, spouse of a retired member, and mother of two grown military children. Maryann’s experience in the mental health field spans over 20 years, with the evaluation of learning, memory and executive brain function disorders, and research contributions in geriatric memory recognition and military training stress factors. Her ability to blend those experiences into compassionate writing and hands-on practical tools has appealed to mass audiences. Maryann founded Hope Matters on the desire to make a difference in hurting lives worldwide. That motivation began with her Little Pink Book series. From the first book to bless a friend in need, a channel of hope was born. She makes it her mission to inspire others with the infectious quality of hope by reaching “the child within.” Her nationwide book tours and speaking engagements offer interactive workshops, creative exhibitions, hope-filled speeches, radio and television interviews, and dedicated signings. National spotlights include TIME series, Huffington Post Live, Leeza’s Place, Coping with Cancer Magazine, and numerous others. In addition to advocacy and writing, she dedicates a portion of sales proceeds to The After Breast Cancer Program, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, The Children’s Treehouse Foundation, and The National Military Family Association. In 1990, Rob Harris, a career Human Resources professional and family man, had never encountered the word “caregiver.” He had no idea what the word represented. But then he and his wife learned she had cancer when she was just thirty-one years old, and everything changed. Harris was thrown into the role as caregiver in a matter of hours, and he had no idea what to do, where to seek help and guidance, or how to provide selfless support to his wife. Now, 22 years later, and after being a caregiver for a good part of those two decades, he wrote a poignant story of love, compassion and dedication, strategically interspersing each event with 70 vital caregiving tips (learning lessons) that educates all readers, including caregivers, patients, family members, friends and colleagues. We’re In This Together: A Caregiver’s Story has been a number #1 bestselling ebook on Amazon.com in the Physician & Patient Caregiving category. His second book, We’re In This Together: A Caregiver’s Guide is currently in production. Harris’ work extends well beyond his book. He is a speaker, radio show co-host (“Because Hope Matters Radio Hour”) and has pioneered a caregiver and patient support organization, RobCares LLC, of which he is the president. His mission is to communicate with caregivers worldwide through blogs, speaking engagements, coaching and advice so that the best caregiving services possible can be offered to their loved ones. Harris has received the endorsement of celebrities and medical authorities.
