Author: Karen Cooper

The Emails We Dread Writing (But Shouldn’t Avoid)

June 14, 2026, Issue #46 There are certain emails that make even the most organized, capable person pause. You open a blank message, type one sentence, delete it, retype it slightly differently, then wonder if you should just “think about it a bit more” and come back later (which we all know sometimes means never).… Continue reading The Emails We Dread Writing (But Shouldn’t Avoid)

Know Your Numbers (Even If It’s Scary)

May 24, 2026, Issue #45 Let’s be honest. Most people don’t start a business because they dream of spreadsheets and tax deductions. They start because they love helping people, creating something meaningful, or escaping the traditional 9-to-5 world. Then somewhere along the way, receipts start piling up, expenses multiply mysteriously, and terms like “profit margin”… Continue reading Know Your Numbers (Even If It’s Scary)

Watching Golf Is Much More Relaxing Than Playing It

Fun fact: I like watching golf on TV. I find it relaxing, almost Zen-like. Especially during winter where I live, when the courses are in warm climates filled with green grass, flowers, trees, and birds chirping away. It somehow makes winter feel a little more bearable. Now, I am sure some of you are thinking… Continue reading Watching Golf Is Much More Relaxing Than Playing It

Temper, Time, and Growing Older

Have you ever wondered why one person can stay calm in a difficult situation while another person explodes with anger? Is it genetics? The way someone was raised? Or is it the constant exposure to violence in movies, television, and video games? Is it emotional intelligence? Patience? Personality? And does it change as people get… Continue reading Temper, Time, and Growing Older

A Rambling Reflection on Growing and Changing

It is  interesting how we all grow and change over time. Our likes, our dislikes, what we care about, what we worry about… none of it stays the same. When I was a child, my favourite colours were pink and purple. Pretty standard for a little girl, I suppose. These days, it’s black… and still… Continue reading A Rambling Reflection on Growing and Changing

From Owls to Emails – Managing Your Inbox Like a Room of Requirement

May 10, 2026, Issue #44 If you have ever opened your inbox and immediately wanted to close it again, congratulations. You officially know what it feels like to walk into a Room of Requirement that has gone completely off the rails. In the world of Harry Potter, the Room of Requirement magically becomes whatever you… Continue reading From Owls to Emails – Managing Your Inbox Like a Room of Requirement

The State of the World (and My Blood Pressure)

Does the state of the world ever get you down? I’ll be honest… sometimes it really does for me. Some days, I turn on the news and think, “Well, that escalated quickly.” And I haven’t even had my tea yet. It feels like everywhere you look; there’s conflict, tension, and a steady stream of bad… Continue reading The State of the World (and My Blood Pressure)

Motivation? I’ve Heard of It.

April 25, 2026, Issue #43 Ever stare at your To-Do List like it personally offended you? Same. Unfortunately, this isn’t one of those lists you can pass off to your virtual assistant (VA). It’s the stuff you have to do. But here I am, a VA still helping, just indirectly, with some motivational tips. Some… Continue reading Motivation? I’ve Heard of It.

Passwords, Protection, and Locking Things Down (Part 2)

April 11, 2026, Issue #42 In the last issue, we talked about phishing and scams. This is part two of that conversation, where we move from spotting the problem to locking things down. Today’s topic: passwords. I know. Riveting stuff. Stick with me.  If you reuse passwords, you’re not alone Most people do. It’s easy,… Continue reading Passwords, Protection, and Locking Things Down (Part 2)