Interview by AllAuthor
A life-long educator, Lynn McLaughlin grew up on the outskirts of McGregor, a small town in Southern Ontario. In her book, Steering Through It, the author explains how it feels to find out she had a brain tumour as well as how she healed not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well. She shares her challenges and joys as a mother, a wife, a sister, a friend, a leader, and a survivor.
Where did you grow up as a child? What was your favourite holiday as a child and why?
I grew up on the outskirts of McGregor, a small town in Southern Ontario. When I was in grade 4, we moved two times and I attended three different schools that year. For a few months that year, we lived with our cousins in Wheatly, Ontario. There were 9 of us between the ages of 4 and 11. I will never forget that Christmas morning. Imagine nine children excitedly sneaking around before dawn, thinking we were fooling our parents. The gifts under the tree came right to the door of the room. Christmas was my mom's favourite time of year and I follow in her footsteps because it brings are families together.
What did being an author mean to you as a child? What does it mean to you now?
I was always an avid reader. I loved writing and entered contests in my elementary school with, "Our Little House" from the perspective of the oldest of four children in a single parent household. It was a winner when I was in grade 7 and I think what ignited my love of writing. I cherish the journals I wrote through high school until today.
What was the first memoir you ever read and how did it change you?
Not Without My Daughter by Betty Mahmoody. It opened up a world of which I had limited understanding of. The horrors of what was happening on the other side of the world became real because of the author’s talent in telling the story.
What is "Steering Through It' about? How did you come up with this name?
The book was written and had been formally edited. There were at least three titles but I was not happy with any of them. "Steering Through It' came as a result of a conversation between my husband and I while commuting one day. The title then lead to renaming chapter headings and linking the theme of sailing throughout the book. The design of the cover then began, with a talented artist (Sari Richter). The cover says it all!
Since how long have you been a member of 100 Women Who Care Windsor/Essex?
I joined 100 Women Who Care in 2018 after hearing about it from a friend. We make an immediate postiive impact in our neighbourhoods.
Why did you decide to retire from being the Superintendent of Education with the Greater Essex County District School Board in September of 2018?
That is not an easy question. I loved my position and was inspired by the difference my team was making for our students, staff and families. It was becoming more and more challenging to maintain a healthy lifestyle after I returned to work following my illness. I promised myself and my family that my health would be a priority. Although I don't dwell on it, I know there is a chance of a brain tumour recurence, which keeps me grounded. My career was very important to me but it does not identify me as a person. I am very active, have begun my own business, hosting a podcast called, "Taking the Helm", public speaking and loving every minute.
How was your experience of completing your first Detroit International 1/2 Marathon in November 2019?
Incredibly emotional! I was very committed to training for six months prior to the event but was still uncertain about whether or not I would be able to meet my goal. Rounding the bend for the last 1/2 mile was overwhelmingly triumpant and emotional. I joined my team members, all of whom crossed the finish line despite challenges.
What challenges do your face while teaching future Educational Assistants at St. Clair College?
I love teaching and was excited to be back with a group of students again. It's a very big part of who I am. My only challenge was learning the policies and procedures of the college.
What sparked the idea for "Steering Through It: Navigating Life-Threatening Illness...Acceptance, Survival and Healing?"
I began journalling when I was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Those journals kept me sane throughout the repeated triumphs and failures. A year after my surgery, it was very clear to me that my family and I could help others going through a life changing event.
How difficult it was to share your most personal thoughts, fears and triumphs over the most challenging year of your life with your readers?
My personal "story" is not difficult to share at all. There are countless life lessons that I speak about now, hoping to guide others to make decisions today, rather than waiting for that moment when life stops. It was the experiences of my family that were first difficult to share. Until they wrote about it, I really had no idea what had been happening behind the scenes. It was truly moving.
What kind of takeaway do you want your readers to get from readings your books based on issues that impact the search for justice and equal opportunity in the modern world?
Advocacy! We have to advocate for ourselves and if we are caring for someone who is not in the position to do so, then we must act on their behalf. We should first, understand the diagnosis and treatment options. Only do research on reputable medical based sites. There are many "words of advice" throughout the book.
How did you keep up your mental and emotional strength while dealing with and surviving a brain tumour?
I wouldn't let myself attack it in any other way. I kept negativity away and welcomed anything that anyone wanted to offer. Even if I was not feeling up to it, when someone wanted to visit, I opened the door. I set daily goals which were very small. After each week, the growth/change was incredibly celebratory. One small step at a time.
How do you think concepts such as Kindle, and e-books have changed the present or future of reading?
Books are more accessible. We can order them from the comfort of our own home. They are less expensive than paperbacks or hardcovers.
What book ideas are you currently working on?
My second book is about to go into the cover design stage and the release date will be early this summer. It's very different thank Steering Through It and I know is going to change lives! It's a very exciting time when something you have been working on for so long is coming to fruition! I will begin planning the launch in April.
Finally. what intrigued you most about the AllAuthor website? As a premium member now, have your thoughts about it changed?
A fellow writer recommended it. I had never heard of it before. There are many options, some of which I am not taking full advantage of. I love the mockups that I recieve monthy, with the option of flagging the ones I like out of the multitude of options. The seasonal and magic tool are very unique as well. I have been asked to "pilot" or "research" things before they are launched and provide feedback, which is fun to do as an author. The Magic Tool was one example. The GIFs, Tweets, video banners - many options available to us. Also, our facebook group is interactive and within a very short period of time, when someone asks a question, it is answered. That is greatly appreciated!
Meet our first three exceptional guests!
It’s time to celebrate the truly remarkable people we have surrounding us. “Taking the Helm” is all about just that. In each podcast episode, we’ll get to know people who have taken risks, who’ve thrown themselves out there - to create something they’ve dreamed of. Some have given up careers to pursue their passion. Others have ventured into becoming entrepreneurs. Each offers us inspiration through their own experiences and learning. It’s an honour to get to share these conversations and unique leaders with you. My guess is you will want to listen to each and every episode. There’s so much for us to learn and experience ourselves.
It’s time to celebrate the truly remarkable people we have all around us. I’ve been grappling with what I can do to share the strength, drive, passion and commitment of countless people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting.
The Podcast, “Taking the Helm” is my solution! In each podcast episode, we’ll get to know people who have taken risks, who’ve thrown themselves out there - to create something they’ve dreamed of. Some have given up careers to pursue their passion. Others have ventured into becoming entrepreneurs. Each offers inspiration through their own experiences and learning. It’s an honour to act as your host and share these conversations and unique leaders with you. I hope you will listen to each and every episode. There’s so much for us to learn and experience ourselves.
We’ve got three incredible episodes being launched today. You can listen directly from my web page or subscribe to one of the podcast platforms (Apple, Spotify, Anchor, Breaker or Overcast). I’d love it if you would join my mailing list for updates. Enjoy!
“Remember that there are two kinds of pain in life: the pain of discipline and the pain of regret. Choose one.”
Michael Angelo Caruso, from Michigan, is an internationally recognized author and speaker. Michael has educated and entertained audiences all over the world, including the Middle East, the Caribbean, and 49 of the 50 states. His presentations include keynote speeches, seminars and webinars. He now teaches presentation skills, drawing on his unique background. In this interview, Michael shares the life-changing event that moved him into this business, tricks of the trade, his “Present Like a Pro” course and much more!
“It is easier to build up a child than it is to repair an adult”
Amie Elias owns “Doors to Healing”, operating out of the Stone House, a lakefront wellness retreat privately tucked along Lake Erie. She is a certified Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) and Life Stress Reduction (LSR) Facilitator. Amie also runs one on one addictions programs and Mindfulness & Meditation workshops. That’s just a drop in the bucket! She shares much more in this podcast interview. Attestations from clients who have worked with Amie in person and virtually are indicative of the remarkable difference she is making in their lives!
“You can have it all- better health, unstoppable confidence, more energy and success. The ONLY thing is your way is the beliefs telling you that you can't!”
Tina Brigley of Essex Ontario, took a huge risk in her life when she left her career as a teacher to help us breakthrough to be unstoppable. You are a powerhouse and people fear the day you discover that! You can have it all- better health, unstoppable confidence, more energy and success. The ONLY thing in your way is the beliefs telling you that you can't!
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!