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?"
What's it all About?
Last week, my husband and I were on a highway in Maine, after a long road trip relocating our son to the east coast. We were heading for a two-day vacation in Boston. It was raining very hard and I was getting quite nervous, to the point of repeatedly asking my husband to slow down. He was in total control, an excellent driver, yet I was imposing my discomfort on him. I realized that it was me causing the stress between us in the truck, not to mention distracting him. I consciously decided to take my eyes off the road, trust him to do what he was doing so well, and focus on a Sudoku Puzzle. Talk about a difference! Being aware of what we bring into a situation can give us the power to change our mindset and the circumstances in which we find ourselves. Try it!
Last week, my husband and I were on a highway in Maine, after a long road trip relocating our son to the east coast. We were heading for a two-day vacation in Boston. It was raining very hard and I was getting quite nervous, to the point of repeatedly asking my husband to slow down. He was in total control, an excellent driver, yet I was imposing my discomfort on him. I realized that it was me causing the stress between us in the truck, not to mention distracting him. I consciously decided to take my eyes off the road, trust him to do what he was doing so well, and focus on a Sudoku Puzzle. Talk about a difference! Being aware of what we bring into a situation can give us the power to change our mindset and the circumstances in which we find ourselves. Try it!
So what is it all about? How many times have we asked ourselves this question in our quest to understand our purpose in this life? My guess is much more frequently than we realize, but we don't dig deep enough because the answers are not staring us in the face. They're hard to find, even more difficult to understand sometimes. When tragedy strikes, what do we do with that? How do we grapple with the next question, "Why"? Our answers are moving targets, or so I have discovered. What I knew to be my self ten years ago is very different than the person I am today. Experiences teach us, or should, to consider things from a different perspective. Otherwise, will we grow and evolve to become the best person we can be? If we are stuck in our mindset from 10 years ago, is that healthy? Maybe it is for some who feel they have accomplished their goals and given all they have to offer. From my point of view, it's not that easy.
My illness 6 years ago was quite frankly, the kick in the teeth I needed. I was giving to others, committed to my roles as mother, wife, friend, daughter and sibling. BUT so caught up in the whirlwind of "Gotta do it now". That mindset almost cost me my life. I ignored symptoms. Other things were too important - the meetings, the phone calls, errands, cheering on my teenage children, planning schedules... you name it. Were some of those things important? Absolutely, but they should never have taken priority over my health. Even now, retired for almost one year (September 1st), and working part time, I have to take steps back and ask, "Is this really what I need to be doing right now?". Is this going to make a difference to anyone? Can my time be better spent giving, learning and growing as a person? We need to turn ourselves off, actually take time to reflect and consciously make decisions to not only lower our stress levels, but truly bring happiness to ourselves and others.
All the best of health and happiness to you and yours,
If I asked, "What is your number one priority in life, at this very moment in time?" what would be your answer?
I posted this question on my Twitter page and was not surprised by the number one response - 53% stated it was "my family". I would have answered exactly the same way a few years ago, but not any longer.
I posted this question on my Twitter page and was not surprised by the number one response - 53% stated it was "my family". I would have answered exactly the same way a few years ago, but not any longer.
Pardon? I don't value my family as my number one priority? I wish it were that easy. When I was diagnosed with a brain tumour, do you think I could say that my family was #1? Of course, I could if I were living in a fantasy world. The tables had turned. Whether I wanted to be there for them or not, it really wasn't a choice. My health immediately became OUR priority. I was blessed to have a family that wrapped around me and supported what I needed, every minute of every day. As we coped with the diagnosis, the medications, the medical opinions, craniotomy and...and... and... It went on and on. I could not drive, cook, cheer on my children during their sports events, meet a teacher, was easily confused when they spoke to me, lacked short and long- term memory. How in the world did they do it? My husband and three teenage children jumped into the roles of protectors, schedulers and chauffeurs. Bottom line - my health became THE priority for every single one of us.
Should that priority have changed as I recovered and stepped back into the role of mother and wife? Maybe, but it hasn't. Without my health, I know I cannot be there for my family as I would want to be. I've seen the other side of the fence all too clearly. I will do anything within my power to never be thrown over it again, separated from those I cherish the most in my life.
It has become "normal" in this crazy society to leave the house first thing in the morning and juggle countless things every day. Why can't we take 1/2 hour to ourselves? 1/2 hour to sit on a bench and enjoy the view and sounds of nature and those around us? 1/2 to close the door and enjoy time reading a book, listening to a podcast, watching a comedy show? 1/2 hour to take a long bath listening to the music we love? 1/2 hour to regroup or take a walk! We deserve nothing less. Run, run, run. Really?
My health is my priority so I can be here for my family in every way possible, as long as possible. People talk about "balance" in their lives? What does that even mean? The definition is different for everyone. From my perspective, balance comes with time every day to focus on health - whether that is physical, emotional or spiritual. It shouldn't be considered selfish, but expected.
Six years ago, my answer to the question would have been, "My family". Not anymore. My family is my world but I can no longer take my health for granted. I'll be here to meet, hold and love my grand babies - If I have anything to say about it!
"The present time has one advantage of every other - it is our own." (Charles Caleb Colton)
Why? I asked myself this question repeatedly ...
Why? Over the past week, I have consciously asked myself this question. Why did I wave off the man behind me who honked because I wasn't moving fast enough in the Tim Horton's drive-through? Why was I upset when my husband asked a simple question? Why, when I was out walking and came across a woman picking up debris on the greenway, did I not ask her name and thank her?
"Why?"
Over the past week, I have consciously asked myself this question. Why did I wave off the man behind me who honked because I wasn't moving fast enough in the Tim Horton's drive-through? Why was I upset when my husband asked a simple question? Why, when I was out walking and came across a woman picking up debris on the greenway, did I not ask her name and thank her?
Asking myself, "Why" is all well and good, but stopping and reflecting on something that could have or should have happened does not change a thing. Or does it? It won't change what happened in that moment, but could it alter our mindset and responses in the future? I think the power in reflection is that we CAN change what we do and how we respond to similar situations.
Perhaps next time someone honks at me because the line is moving too slowly, I smile at them rather than waving them off and purchase their beverage with a kind message. We can be proactive and send positive energy rather than perpetuate the negative. That's exactly what I did in that particular situation. It also bothered me, for quite some time. Did he think by honking I was going to move faster? What was his real intent? What caused him to act in such a way? What stressors was he feeling in that moment? Why did I feed into it? I spent tons of energy kicking myself for what I did. Some may say that's ridiculous because it was no big deal. Perhaps though, that energy in the future, will be celebratory because I rose above it.
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.