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What would you do if you had one year left?

Darlene Hawley

A Reflection on Time, Legacy, and Living Fully

What Would You Do If You Had One Year Left?

On the 4th of July, while many were celebrating, I was quietly sitting with a flood of memories. This year marked 24 years since my mom passed... she was just 49. I’ll turn 48 later this month.

That number is hitting differently this year.

I can’t stop thinking...
If my mom had known she only had one more year… what would she have done differently?
Would she have slowed down?
Traveled more?
Said something she’d been holding in?
Taken a chance she was scared to take?

And of course… I turned that question on myself.

I love the work I do. Helping women find and use their voice, speak up when it matters most, and step into leadership with authenticity and courage... it lights me up.

But even still… there are things I put off.
Places I keep saying I’ll visit “someday.”
Ideas I scribble into my journal.
Moments I rush through instead of soaking in.
Words I don’t say because they feel too vulnerable.

And if I’m being honest, sometimes I get caught in the same loop I help my clients untangle... second-guessing myself, overthinking and making up stories in my head, shrinking instead of taking up space.

So here’s what I’m sitting with.

What if “someday” isn’t a guarantee?
What would change if we treated the next 12 months like they really mattered?

Because they do.

Your story matters.
Your voice matters.
And how you choose to spend your time, energy, and brilliance… it all adds up to a life well lived.

It’s about alignment.
It’s about presence.
It’s about saying the thing, starting the project, booking the trip, showing up... even when your voice shakes.

That’s the kind of life I want. And that’s the kind of life I want to help my clients create.

Whether it’s through coaching, speaking, or leadership development, my work is always about one thing... empowering you to stop waiting for permission and start living on purpose.

If you knew you had one year left, what would you stop postponing? 

What would you say, do, create, or finally give yourself permission to feel?

Send me a message and tell me... I really want to hear. And if now feels like the time to speak up, shift something, or stop holding back, let’s talk. I’d love to walk beside you.
 
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💬 MadLips for Leadership: Living on Purpose Edition
"If I only had one year left, I would stop _________, start _________, and finally give myself permission to _________—because deep down, I know _________."

✨Ready to Own Your Story and Attract Your Dream Clients?✨

If you’re ready to stop second-guessing your message and start using storytelling as a powerful tool to connect, inspire, and sell—then I’d love to invite you to my It’s Time to Own Your Story: Mini-Course.

In this self-paced course, you’ll learn how to:
✔️ Identify the key moments in your story that captivate your audience.
✔️ Share your story in a way that builds trust and positions you as the go-to expert.
✔️ Use storytelling across your website, social media, and sales conversations to attract and convert more clients.


Plus, you’ll get a step-by-step workbook and personal feedback on your brand story—so you can start sharing with confidence.

Get Instant Access for just $47

10 Effective Communication Tips
Darlene Hawley, Personal Branding & Business Coach for service based entrepreneurs

Hey There!

I'm Darlene



As a mother, wife, connector, and dream builder, I’m Darlene Hawley, the founder of DarleneHawley.com and an Executive Leadership & Businesss Coach dedicated to empowering leaders like you.


My passion lies in helping ambitious professionals cultivate their unique leadership style while crafting an authentic and impactful personal brand. Through my coaching, we’ll work together to build a solid foundation that not only inspires your team but also drives results and growth within your organization.


Since 2007, I have been committed to guiding leaders and entrepreneurs in launching and scaling their businesses with confidence and clarity.


Today, I focus on supporting women in reaching their leadership goals and living their dream lives—all while balancing the joys of raising my family and creating meaningful memories each day.


Together, we’ll transform your challenges into opportunities, allowing you to lead with authenticity and inspire those around you.

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