Written by Karen D. Swim
I am not sure if pigs are flying but I almost feel like they should be. Below is a 3 minute video of me (yes me!) in which I discuss reinvention. In many ways, this represents a new chapter for me too. I so believe in the power of change that I braved my video fears to share with you three quick tips on reinventing your life.
I have had more than a few new chapters, and each time I think I’m all out of gas, I learn that we all have hundreds of “new starts” if we’re willing to face them.
Have you ever had to reinvent yourself? What lessons did you learn from the process?
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August 30th, 2009 on 9:23 pm
Hey, it’s you! That was really awesome Karen, and I look forward to seeing more
Reinvention. It is always possible. That’s why I’ve been so quiet on my own blog, to be honest. I’ve been focused on three core projects and will share once they start to blossom (one is almost there, another to follow).
Great stuff!
Brett Legree´s last blog ..small changes.
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Karen Swim
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August 31st, 2009 at 8:48 am
Hi Brett! LOL, yes, it’s me and good golly was it hard! I knew you were cooking up good things in your silence. I am cheering you on and will be there with balloons when you’re ready to reveal!
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Brett Legree
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September 1st, 2009 at 7:39 pm
It has been a long time coming, but it will be worth the wait. Some things improve with age (wine, pretty ladies, and my ideas!)
Brett Legree´s last blog ..small changes.
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Karen Swim
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September 1st, 2009 at 9:07 pm
Brett, ha! I love that! You really are the kilted super hero!
August 31st, 2009 on 5:21 am
Karen, it’s so great to see you beating that video critic at last! The video is great, and packed full of really useful tips. I’m sure it will inspire people who are thinking about how to really push for that new chapter. Well done
Joanna Young´s last blog ..How Does Writing Help to Make Things Possible?
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Karen Swim
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August 31st, 2009 at 9:02 am
Joanna, you had a hand in this with all of your impossible to possible encouragement! Thank you so much for giving me a shot of confidence to get this done! It was extremely nerve wracking but I plan to do more (gulp!).
Will we see more of you too? 
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August 31st, 2009 on 5:26 am
Karen,
It’s so wonderful to see your gorgeous smile. You’re a natural. Great message and great job.
Lillie Ammann´s last blog ..New Comment Policy: No Name, No Comment
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Karen Swim
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August 31st, 2009 at 9:03 am
Thank you so much Lillie! The easiest part was talking and the hardest was the little tweaks after but once I got the audio/video sync thing figured out it went quickly. Next time should be much easier and I hope with fewer butterflies.
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August 31st, 2009 on 5:33 am
Yay! It’s *you*! So exciting to see and hear you
I don’t think I could ever be so brave – but you are definitely inspiring me!
Emma Newman´s last blog ..Battling the demons of doubt
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Karen Swim
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August 31st, 2009 at 9:04 am
Emma, I would love to see you do a video! It’s only one smidge up from podcasting and you’ve done that remarkably well. You’re so warm and funny you’ll be a natural at video!
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August 31st, 2009 on 7:19 am
Hi Karen, The video is fantastic – you are a natural! Reinvention really is hard, but you make a great point: it’s so much easier when you remember there are people around you who want to help.
Brad Shorr´s last blog ..How Should You Select Categories for Your Business Blog?
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Karen Swim
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August 31st, 2009 at 9:06 am
Brad, having rewritten a few chapters myself, I can honestly say it can be tough and you have to choose your support team carefully but it’s possible! Thanks for your support Brad, you really help make it easier!
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August 31st, 2009 on 7:44 am
Hey Karen,
Very natural and great flow
Great tips too. I’m re-launching with a new CD soon and will definitely take them on board.
Keep the videos coming!
Conor
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Karen Swim
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August 31st, 2009 at 9:07 am
Hey Conor! Wow, can’t wait for the CD, please don’t forget to come here and share. Congratulations! Thank you also for your support Conor. With a cheering section like this, I can tackle any challenge.
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August 31st, 2009 on 9:04 am
I am so proud of your Karen. You gave great tips on reinventing yourself to bounce back after life deals hard blows. Congrats in overcoming your fear of video. Now I have to join you someday in recording videos too!
Kim Beasley´s last blog ..Calling Coaches To Join YPB Coaching Team
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Karen Swim
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August 31st, 2009 at 9:41 am
Kim, you are such an inspiring leader, I can only imagine that you would totally rock video! I hope my leap inspires you. I’d love to see you on video, and I am confident that you will be amazing!
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August 31st, 2009 on 12:31 pm
Congratulations!!! There’s that tug boat I was talking about.. out here in the river guiding all the other ships to port or out to sea… I am awed at your willingness to put yourself out there and with really good points on any reinvention project…so “usuable” so doable.. love the confidence you exude…
Janice Cartier´s last blog ..One Thing
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Karen Swim
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August 31st, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Awwww, thank you Jan! Joanna made a great point about intention beating the inner critic. It is so true, I wanted to share how I was inspired in hopes of encouraging someone else so I didn’t fret over my hair, if I looked fat, my pedicure (don’t laugh!) or any of the things that normally make me say, um maybe another time! Now what would be really cool is a video of the fabuloso artist in action. What say you?
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August 31st, 2009 on 12:33 pm
Great video, Karen, and wonderful advice! Always tough to imagine, and sometimes hard to take that first step, but once you do, you’ll find it smooths out a mite. Usually.
But I’ll tell ya; it’s always worth a shot. I mean, if what you’re doin’ over and over isn’t workin’, well… you know the rest, right?
Tip o’ the hat for the bravery it took to do the video! I tend to freeze up like a deer in the headlights when I try it, but hey, you never know. One of these days…
Robert Hruzek´s last blog ..The Umbrella
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Karen Swim
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August 31st, 2009 at 1:10 pm
Robert, you’re right I really now feel I could do this again. I would love to hear one of your stories spoken by you, I hope you’ll try it. Just tape a picture of Mrs. MZM behind the camera and talk to her instead of that scary thing.
I thought of chocolate pudding. 
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September 1st, 2009 on 11:49 am
Hi Karen,
Great video presence. You should do more!
Necessity is the mother of *re*-invention too. Sometimes a full-on foundation up reworking is in order. Toyed with the idea myself now and then.
Very nice post – inspiring.
George
Tumblemoose´s last blog ..10 Outstanding Picture Writing Prompts
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Karen Swim
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September 1st, 2009 at 9:06 pm
Hi George! Thank you so much for your kind words of support!
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September 4th, 2009 on 2:08 pm
I’m catching up with watching podcasts and video posts today and loved seeing you. There’s a greater impact that I’m starting to get from seeing a person speak their own words (or I’m getting to where I can’t concentration on reading a lot of words..). You look and sound fabulous, Karen!
Reinvention — something I’m working on right now. Your insights are great food for thought and encouraging. Thank you!
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Karen Swim
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September 4th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Hi Wendee! Thanks so much for those encouraging words. I agree with you that it is nice to see people, so much of our interaction is text based that it adds another dimension when you can connect through video. I hope you’ll keep me posted on your reinvention. You have my support!
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