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!
It's Launch Day! This is the day we’ve been waiting for with anticipation!
For the last two months, we’ve been working behind the scenes to build a powerful platform and a brand new website. My memoir, “Steering Through It” was the beginning of this journey. Writing the book allowed me to move forward in many ways after my illness. But what happened afterward has been the driving force! I’ve met and gotten to know so many people around the world in the last year: fellow authors, entrepreneurs, survivors, caregivers, professional speakers and…and..and… These networks are exciting places to be as we all learn, inspire and grow with each other. Welcome to Lynn McLaughlin Co.
For the last two months, we’ve been working behind the scenes to build a powerful platform and a brand new website. My memoir, “Steering Through It” was the beginning of this journey. Writing the book allowed me to move forward in many ways after my illness. But what happened afterward has been the driving force! I’ve met and gotten to know so many people around the world in the last year: fellow authors, entrepreneurs, survivors, caregivers, professional speakers and…and..and… These networks are exciting places to be as we all learn, inspire and grow with each other. Welcome to Lynn McLaughlin Co.
We now offers several options to you:
1.
Public speaking has become near and dear to my heart. We each have the power within us to make positive choices and changes in our lives - today! It comes down to whether or not we choose to do so.
2.
When I wrote my first book, I was naive enough to think I could navigate the world of editing, publishing, marketing, promotion and… and… and.. It’s far too complex. If you are a writer/author, take a look at the consulting page. I’m thrilled to offer you an opportunity so you don’t have to struggle the way I did.
3.
I continue to write and am publishing another book this spring! It's very different than the first and I can’t wait to share it with you!
Building this website would not have been possible without the expertise of Francis Yap, Chief Digital Confidant of Mission Informatics. Francis is kind, caring, brilliant, creative and committed. Linking a number of platforms to this site was very complex, but Francis was able to make the connections with expertise. I recommend him, without question, to anyone who is looking to begin or improve their current site! He can be reached at 1-833-277-9400. Thank you to my new friend, Francis!
I hope you have fun with what we’ve created and please join our community! Feel free to reach out to me at any time through the “Connect Page” or by scheduling an appointment.
All the best of health and happiness to you and yours,
Lynn McLaughlin
“If we did not have each other, what really would matter?”
(Excerpt from the memoir “Steering Through It” by Lynn McLaughlin)
"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?"