Meet Dana Hof

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dana Hof. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Dana, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

I believe the core of optimism is built at the intersection of one’s faith and expectations. Many believe that optimism is having a sunny disposition, but optimism is simply the belief that it is possible to find a way through any obstacle you face. Sometimes the way through is the peaceful acceptance of what is.

Optimism doesn’t mean denying the full spectrum of emotions, including sadness, despair, or disappointment. We must allow ourselves to wholly feel all emotions, but those feelings should be followed by the question, “Now what?” or “How do I move forward from here?” Once you’ve made it through an unpleasant or painful experience grateful contemplation can bolster perseverance. Upon reflection, recognize that you are developing grit and resiliency- the traits needed for future, unavoidable adversity.

It is easy to be entrapped by the mentality that our pain is paramount to other people’s pain, but it isn’t true. Everyone on this planet deals with hardship at some level and while our current circumstances may feel deeper or more debilitating, we all trade places on our journey of life, pain, and healing. Often, comparison robs us of joy and growth.

I have been through many difficult situations in my life, including childhood trauma, divorce, illness, death of friends and family, and general disappointment. Some of those early traumas taught me the false belief that control was the best way to mitigate future pain. I thought if I strived for personal perfection in my behavior and choices, and remained vigilant and guarded against people and circumstances, I could prevent hurt and hardship.

This view was seriously challenged when we nearly lost our oldest son after a childhood illness and status epilepticus left him unconscious and on life-support. Nothing can prepare you for the trauma of watching a child face their death while you stand by helplessly. His survival was followed by three years of managing his chronic illness and learning that the only thing in life we can control is how we respond to it.

A huge portion of my optimism comes from accepting my mortality, the mortality of those I love most, and deciding how I want to spend the limited time I have on earth. Do I want to waste time in fruitless emotions and behavior or do I want to move forward with hope? Which one produces more abundant life and which one kills the days I should be living?

That optimism is bolstered by my faith and the support of an extraordinary circle of friends and family. If you don’t have a circle of support, I encourage you to take the vulnerable step of building one – sincerely invest in others, one selfless action or conversation at a time. Volunteer and bond over shared experiences. Before you know it, you’ll have created a network of love.

Will I stumble or regress in my optimistic belief? That’s always possible as the human experience is dynamic. But each day, we have choices; I hope I will always choose the perspective that moves me forward, in love, joy, growth, and…optimism.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My uncle regaled us with stories of the people and culture from the international places where he lived and worked. In his exuberant and captivating way, he mentally transported me out of my small town and on adventures, I never knew possible. I found the same exhilaration in reading books, which expanded my knowledge, creativity, and curiosity. In the same way, our family often spent much of our time together telling stories of the past and remembering cherished loved ones.

From this, I developed a deep love of people and curiosity about their conditions and experiences. I believe the best way to love people is to see them, hear their stories, share their burdens, and celebrate their joys. Many have the story or feel something deeply, but struggle to articulate or put pen to paper the condition of their heart or experience. That’s where I come in. I like to sit with people, hear a first-hand account of their story, and then retell it in a way that succinctly brings the reader along. When we know other’s stories, I believe it heightens our compassion for one another, something desperately needed in our society.

Beyond being a storyteller, I have years of experience in event and fund campaign management, fund development through communications & stewardship, marketing, and social media management. In all of them, my primary focus was telling a story and accomplishing a goal.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. Take nothing personally.
2. Listen to understand and don’t get out in front without enough gas to keep going. Sometimes in our youth, we are excited and motivated by our newfound skills and ideas. We want to bring changes and revolution to a workplace or experience. While innovation is good and necessary, we mustn’t forget to respect the people and the processes that existed long before our arrival. Sometimes things are stagnant because our new ideas and energy are needed. Sometimes, things are the way they are because years of experience have shaped them to be that way. By listening, we can gain valuable insight that prevents future folly.
3. A positive attitude, flexible spirit, strong work ethic, and a teachable heart will make you nearly unstoppable.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents and grandparents did for me was demonstrate fortitude, unconditional love, and integrity. They taught me that I have what it takes.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @danahof
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danahof
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danahof/
• Other: https://localpulse.com/