A Glimpse into my Story
Life is a journey and I have been on quite a journey for the past 7 years. At that time, I moved to my current location to care for my dad, whose health was declining. For the last 6 months of his life, I took care of him. After he passed, I stayed to look after my mom. It was during that time, I began investing in myself and my personal growth.
It was quite a time of self discovery overcoming obstacles and facing challenges.
After Covid changed the world and we started venturing out amongst people, I began attending conferences, and even traveled to The Dominican Republic.
Then, in March of 2022, life changed forever, after my mom fell and broke her hip. I became her full time caregiver until she passed away in November.
I hadn't been on a hiking trail since July of 2022. After the holidays, I was finally able to hit a trail. The day was warm, the air was foggy and the trail was 1.5 miles long. I made a discovery that day that set in motion the theme for my life for 2023.
My aha moment came when I realized how much my own health had declined. That is why I am calling 2023, The Year of Healing.
Follow my blog to see how this journey unfolds as I fight my way back.
Karen Siliven-Monnier
Karen is an Author, Artist, and international trainer, speaker and coach. As the owner and Executive Director of Dukoda, she assists businesses and individuals bridge the gap between where they are and where they want to be through programs customized to their needs.
Her passion is to help Caregivers navigate life's challenges.
An avid hiker, Karen enjoys being in nature and often draws inspiration from the various trails she hikes in the Ozarks.
Dukoda
I am often asked what does "Dukoda" mean? Where did the name come from? When considering a business name, I wanted something unique. What did I want my business to represent? Dukoda is a business that values all people. We strive to provide support, encouragement, and a safe environment to express your current challenges and the tools to help navigate through them.
So, what was the inspiration behind the name? I was inspired to create the name from the two loves of my life who offered me support, protection, companionship and unconditional love, my beloved German Shepherds, Duke and Dakota. I combined their names and "Dukoda" was created.
Duke
Duke traveled everywhere with me. He flew twice, played in the ocean in Connecticut and showed off his frisbee skills at a beach in Oregon. He was protective of me, but did so subtly, by simply standing between me and anyone he didn't want near me
Dakota
Dakota was my girl. She was fiercely protective of me and was my hiking buddy. She also traveled everywhere with me and enjoyed going for 'walker runs' where she would bark at people walking on sidewalks when we drove through towns.
