Melanie Hope's Blog, page 2

The Discomfort Zone

Today’s Lesson of Hope was about getting out of your comfort zone. Below is the full-sized word graphic. I don’t just believe, I know with my whole heart that you choose your own destiny. I struggle every day to relearn this fact, because society wants us to be victims, and it’s too easy to fall… Read More

The Turf War

Melanie Hope takes second place in Toastmaster's District 33, Division D Tall Tales contest with her speech, "The Turf War". See it here.

Bratty Sister

Did you have a bratty baby sister? Were you ever able to get away without her tagging along? This story is absolutely true, conversation is verbatim.

365 Lessons of Hope Project guest post: Gene Dunford

Are you grateful for even the invisible things in your life, such as electricity? Guest poster Gene Dunford presents a peek into what would happen if it went away.

Reexamine your beliefs

Today’s Lesson of Hope said the following: You shouldn’t throw rice at weddings because it will harm (or even blow up) pigeons and other wild birds. The Great Wall of China is the only man-made structure visible from space. Going outside with wet hair in winter weather will give you a cold. Mother birds will… Read More

Hope Kersplats

I just received an e-mail with the following subject line, “Now panic and freak out…” Some sort of advertisement about low prices – but who wants to waste that kind of energy on a sale? I have been blessed with a rare skill that no one else in my family possesses, and it has saved… Read More

List Obsession

Have you ever had so much to do that you can’t seem to get anything done? Do you make lists, hoping that you’ll keep yourself on track and get all the really important things crossed off? Have you ever added the things that you actually did do to the bottom of that list, just so… Read More

The Snuggie Debacle: Final draft

The award-winning humorous speech by Melanie Hope about the dangers of Christmas with the family, especially when mom wants a Snuggie. Bad.

RIP Mandela

When I was in High School, I was part of a group named SOTA – Students Opposed to Apartheid. I learned a lot from seeing movies such as Cry Freedom, talking to teachers and other adults about these things, and reading – a lot. My world view was forever changed. Many, many years later I… Read More

Helping women through divorce

I am honored to announce that my story is one of those featured in Carol Harper’s newly released book, Extraordinary Divorce! Though these women’s stories of surviving and thriving even through the worst case scenarios, others will find hope and encouragement in their time of need. Congratulations, Carol! Written by Mélanie HopeTwitter | Facebook |… Read More