Conscious, positive choices
Yet, there is conflict, too often. Whatever our profession is, conflict is part of life. Not only in the professional world, but in our own homes. Aren’t conflicts a good thing? Shouldn’t they drive us to discussions and deeper understandings of the issue and possible resolutions? Without them, how would any organization move forward? Differences of opinion are wonderful and needed, but when we react and don’t use the tools at our disposal, the end result is increased worry, stress levels and negative affects on our own health. How do we take personal control and rise above it?
As an educator for 31 years, I loved my career. The concrete evidence of the direct impact I had on my students drove me forward every day, regardless of what role I was in. That’s what it’s all about, and should be.
Yet, there is conflict, too often. Whatever our profession, conflict is part of life. Not only in the world of work, but in our own homes. Aren’t conflicts a good thing? Shouldn’t they drive us to discussions and deeper understandings of the issue and possible resolutions? Without them, how would any organization move forward? Differences of opinion are wonderful and needed, but when we react and don’t use the tools at our disposal, the end result is increased worry, stress levels and negative affects on our own health. How do we take personal control and rise above it?
Awareness. The first step to facing conflict has to be becoming aware of our personal responses in any given situation. Do we engage in the negative dialogue in the lunchroom and perpetuate the downward spiral? Do we complain about co-workers, family members or neighbours? Do we argue with our partners over things that are inconsequential? Why do we initiate or engage in negativity?
What if? What if the next time someone tries to pull us into their own conflict, we choose to not engage? Do we choose to not enter that downward spiral? Do we choose to become aware that participating may have negative consequences? What if we could become aware that our own actions could be the cause of conflict before it even starts? I’m not suggesting we walk away from issues that matter, but how much of the stress in our lives is avoidable by conscious choice?
Over the holidays my husband and oldest son began a conversation about the pros and cons of proportional representation in Canadian politics. They are polar opposites, and needless to say, they each spoke their piece. I caught myself wanting to jump in, getting upset over some of the arguments that went against what I believed was right. I entered “defensive mode,” so to say. Because I caught myself, I immediately made a decision to not engage, but to listen and ask questions. I listened to understand, stopping myself from becoming upset. It made a difference. The conversation continued while I agreed to disagree with some, but not all of the points that were made.
I made a conscious decision not to engage and “argue” my points, finding middle ground. My blood pressure stayed steady, with no anger, no stress. I continued to enjoy our time together throughout the evening. No one walked away, upset about something we each care about.
As we move through our day, we can learn to be aware of what we bring to any given situation. We can pause before engaging and consider what other options are at our disposal. We can reset our reactionary mode by learning to be aware and making the conscious choice to rise above what is pulling ourselves and others down. We won’t only decrease our own stress levels, but those around us and maybe, just maybe… change the outcome to a positive one!
"The Ms. Camay Show" Interview
Sitting down with host Ms. Camay to share how I moved into the role of advocate after my life took an extreme detour was fun! My memoir, "Steering Through It" shares powerful experiences after a life-threatening diagnosis. It includes the voices and perspective of many of my family members. I ask questions, intentionally, so readers reflect on our own lives. Ms. Camay is kind, dedicated and works tirelessly to empower women. We connected on many different topics. Enjoy the full interview. I hope you find connections!
Sitting down with host Ms. Camay to share how I moved into the role of advocate after my life took an extreme detour was fun! My memoir, "Steering Through It" shares powerful experiences after a life-threatening diagnosis. It includes the voices and perspectives of many of my family members. I ask questions, intentionally, so readers reflect on our own lives. Ms. Camay is kind, dedicated and works tirelessly to empower women. We connected on many different topics.
Enjoy the full interview. I hope you find connections!
Book Signing Events
It’s been my pleasure to hold several book signing events this past year and inscribe each after meeting so many kinds and caring people. It’s one of the most important things I love to do, whether it is at a book signing, speaking, through consultations or at a community event. It’s through conversation that we learn something about each other and begin to build a connection.
It’s been my pleasure to hold several book signing events this past year and inscribe each after meeting so many kinds and caring people. It’s one of the most important things I love to do, whether it is at a book signing, speaking, through consultations or at a community event. It’s through conversation that we learn something about each other and begin to build a connection.
Thank you to Teri, Jan, Jen, Minelle, Heather, Patti and Isabelle who so graciously jumped into a photo with me. I hope you enjoy “Steering Through It’.
Steering Through It (Book Trailer)
A life-threatening illness crushes the world around you, and around those you love. How do we all cope with the diagnosis physically, emotionally, and spiritually? How do we move on? What are the most helpful ways to support others in crisis? In the end, what does it all mean?
This is a book trailer for “Steering Through It”. The author shares her most personal thoughts, fears and triumphs over the most challenging year of her life. The voices of friends and family members ring true and move the reader to a powerfully emotional and honest reflection of one’s own beliefs and life’s purpose.
A life-threatening illness crushes the world around you, and around those you love. How do we all cope with the diagnosis physically, emotionally and spiritually? How do we move on? What are the most helpful ways to support others in crisis? In the end, what does it all mean? The author shares her most personal thoughts, fears and triumphs over the most challenging year of her life. The voices of friends and family members right true and move the reader to a powerfully emotional and honest reflection of one's own beliefs and life's purpose.
"Your actions and positive mindset have the power to drive acceptance, survival and healing."
Lynn McLaughlin is a retired Canadian educator and author who has spent her life devoted to ensuring each of us meets our full potential. Mother of three grown children, she currently lives in Ontario with her husband, enjoying the most southern town of Canada. The day she received a life-threatening diagnosis, Lynn began journaling. Grateful for an amazing support network, she is now passionate about sharing her journey of fear and survival.
It is Lynn’s hope that by travelling with her and her family through experiences and reflections, you will be empowered to advocate for yourself and others regardless of any life-altering circumstance. Lynn is working on the completion of her next book. As a consultant, public speaker and advocate, she engages both small and large audiences. Lynn thoroughly enjoys leading book talks, both virtually and in person. An active volunteer for the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, Lynn lives by her quote, "Our mindset affirms each moment, each day, and every step we must take.”
"If we did not have each other, what really would matter?"
Spotlight on Lynn McLaughlin and her Award-Winning Audiobook
We are proud to share that Steering Through It has won an award for non-fiction audiobook in the Readers’ Favorite 2019 competition. It’s now time to thank Silvi from Silverton Audio, who graciously posted this spotlight. I love, “Get Your Story On” because we all have a story, don’t we?
We are proud to share that Steering Through It has won an award for non-fiction audiobook in the Readers’ Favorite 2019 competition. If you follow me, you ‘ve already read about the journey to select the amazing narrator, Marnye-Young. It’s now time to thank Silvi, who graciously posted this spotlight. I love, “Get Your Story On”, because we all have a story, don’t we? Sylvi has encapsulated many voices through our social media platforms, interviews and podcast.
As an author, there are countless decisions to make before your book is launched. One of the most important is what platforms to use. In this world of craziness, many of us are listening to podcasts, music or books or watching movies … all to find some balance. It may be what grounds us during a long drive to and from work, or something we do to relax. I thought it ws important to offer an audiobook version of Steering Through It to meet that growing need. If this is something you are interested in, there are many ways to find what you are looking for, at minimal cost including Audible, Itunes, Google Play and Downpour.
I hope you’ll check out this link and all that is has to offer. Thank you for following and celebrating this community of readers, writers, survivors, family and friends.