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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 _________."

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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.

Darlene Hawley is sitting together at a picnic, sharing stories and laughter.

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Confident businesswoman Darlene Hawley speaking during a women's conference.

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Darlene Hawley discussing marketing analytics, depicting growth in website traffic.

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By Darlene Hawley • June 3, 2025

Uncover effective website strategies and analytics tips from digital marketing expert Philippa Gamse on attracting the right audience and enhancing your online presence.

Darlene Hawley standing confidently, symbolizing empowerment, leadership, and the reclaiming of wome

Speak Like You Mean It: Lessons from The Handmaid’s Tale and the Power of Using Your Voice

By Darlene Hawley • June 2, 2025

Discover how The Handmaid’s Tale finale mirrors the real-life journey of reclaiming your voice. In this powerful blog, communication and leadership coach Darlene Hawley explores how resilience, healing, and speaking up go hand in hand—and why now is the time for women to lead with clarity, confidence, and courage.

Darlene Hawley juggling work, school, and home responsibilities—showing the mental load we carry.

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Confident business leader speaking to a team in a bright, modern office, representing vocal empowerm

How to Speak with Confidence: A Vocal Empowerment System for Business Owners and Leaders

By Darlene Hawley • May 27, 2025

Discover how to overcome fear, clarify your message, and lead with confidence using the Step into Your Moxie® Vocal Empowerment System. In this practical guide, communication coach Darlene Hawley shares five powerful strategies to help business owners and leaders speak up, build presence, and move people to action—without losing their authentic voice. Perfect for entrepreneurs, executives, and teams ready to amplify their impact.

Darlene Hawley leading a virtual strategy session, helping service-based business owners review KPIs

Why Tracking Your Business Metrics Monthly Gives You a Competitive Edge

By Darlene Hawley • May 20, 2025

Learn why data-driven decision-making is essential for service-based business owners. Discover the key metrics to track monthly to scale sustainably and grow your revenue with confidence.

Darlene Hawley with a podcast microphone representing ongoing conversations and storytelling.

Ep 112 - Unlocking Healing and Empowerement with Dr. Shradhdha Shah