Meet Kristina Hager

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kristina Hager. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kristina below.

Kristina, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?
To be honest, my heart doesn’t know how not to give. I was raised by two incredibly giving parents who love the Lord with all their heart, and they taught me that serving God starts with serving people. No matter what you may or may not get in return. You give and love unconditionally. Generosity is a matter of the heart. And it brings me joy to give that love and kindness to others.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Hey readers! My name is Kristina Hager, and I am the creator and owner of KM Hager Consulting, a consulting business located in Tampa, FL. We provide supervision for mental health counseling interns across the state of Florida, consultation services for licensed professionals, and mental health advocacy merchandise to show the world that #mentalhealthmatters.

Currently, we are working on new e-books and self-paced courses focused on a variety of topics in the field: working with children diagnosed with OCD, adapting to telehealth as a professional and the effects of therapist burnout, and a “group therapy for beginners” handbook… to name a few!

We also just created some new clothing items you can proudly wear to represent mental health awareness and your support in the fight to end stigma. In fact, anyone who purchases an item after reading this article can use special code VOYAGE for 25 percent off and free shipping!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I think the 3 qualities that helped me get to this place in my journey would be perseverance, drive/ambition, and grace. I had to choose to succeed. To find the desire and drive to push past obstacles. To want to help people in my own way on my own terms. To use my gifts to the best of my ability. I also had to overcome the inevitable challenges that you face when you encounter anything new or anything worth having, really. It’s going to be tough. But it’s also going to be worth it. If it’s what you feel you want to do with your life, you must continue to fight for that dream. And lastly, I had to learn to give myself grace to mess up. This is probably the most important one. I needed to learn that I didn’t have to be perfect. That I was going to fail. But all that mattered was that I got back up and kept trying, kept pursuing what I knew God had for me. Even if it took years to get there or a million rejections or redirections. In fact, I am still on the journey, I am still giving myself grace, and I am still pursuing my dreams. My one piece of advice is to keep looking ahead. Keep running your race. And believe that at the finish line, there is only goodness waiting for you. And it will all make sense when you get there.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
As a therapist and business owner, I have read many books and articles on the latest innovations in science and medicine, how we can better help and serve others, and how-to guides on becoming the best versions of ourselves professionally. But when it comes to what book truly shapes me and defines my life… it’s the Bible. Written by the most incredible Author, who sees me, loves me, and calls me by name. Creator of the Universe. My Lord and Savior, Jesus.

Since I was a child and started learning to read at 2 years old, my parents always put the bible in front of me. I had a picture bible I would read every day during my quiet time growing up. I still remember the pictures to this day. When I was in high school, I remember carrying my bible to school with me and relishing in any opportunity for someone to ask me what I was reading at lunch or “why I brought that”. I loved getting to talk about how good God is. Everyone knew that about me. And it is something I cherish being remembered for. In my adult years, I cling to God’s powerful words even more. If I had to choose one verse that speaks to me the most, it is the verse I often speak over my life: “And if not, He is still good” – Daniel 3:8. This verse reminds me that no matter what may happen to me (or not happen for me) in this life, whether I see all I want to see, do all I want to do, or have every desire of my heart, or I don’t – God is still good. He is good to me. And He loves me. His plan is perfect. And I can’t imagine a greater book to base my life upon. Incredibly thankful for the Word of God.

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