Blog Post

We Can Do This

  • By Laurie McAnaugh
  • 16 Oct, 2020
Over the last several months, I've been taking a break from all the noise. I'm logged out of social media on most days, sometimes for weeks at a time. I've shut the TV. I've turned off the podcasts. I've set aside the blog. I've even put down my beloved books.

Of course I stay aware of pertinent current events and necessary facts as a responsible citizen. But only the facts (I know, I know- they are hard for me to find, too). I'm seeking common sense over wild opinions. And I'm seeking dialogs of strength with those who value compassion and humility. People who may even disagree with my own views but yet we still welcome an honest conversation where nobody actually has to walk away right. Yes, those people are actually out there. God, I love those people.

The break from the noise has allowed my focus to be limited to precious time with family and friends, and being present with my clients. Another major reason for shutting it all off though is so I can focus on the heavy lifting of the final round of edits to my first book (which for this girl, is one sloooow process!). Too many voices in my head and it's just too distracting.

The book is a mix of stories and coaching challenges. It's an invitation to reflect on what a life well lived looks like for each of us. Last week, I was working on a section that talks about how we want to show up in the world. It got me thinking about the current state of the world right now. There's no magic bullet for fixing the woes of our current society.

But we can do something.

As individuals, we can pay attention to how we are showing up- on social media, in our relationships, in our communities. We can ask ourselves important questions.   We can stop expecting one side or group to save us and we can each save ourselves.

We can open our minds beyond what we're being fed by the various bombarding and opinionated sources of all kinds. And we can take ownership of the messaging each of us is contributing to humanity. Is it hateful? Is it thoughtful? Is it poisonous? Is it open-minded?

Are we listening or are we just talking? Are we only focusing on the bad or are we seeking out the good? Yes, even the good in those we disagree with. It's there. Keep looking.

This is the work for every single one of us.

Here are a few powerful questions that can shift you into choosing more peace and less chaos, and therefore contributing to a society that we all are capable of creating. It's coming. There's plenty of positive coming from both parties if you're willing to see it and there's plenty of negativity coming from both sides as well. So it won't be dependent on who gets into office. It will be dependent on the individual choices and perspectives we allow to lead us as individuals.   This is something each of us can actually control.
  • Are my choices, words, actions and reactions contributing towards more drama and chaos or less? More noise? Positivity or negativity?
  • During this election year, how am I showing up? If I do a 30,000 foot view and watch my typical conversations, what might I see?
  • Am I offering anything valuable or am I simply complaining?
  • What are the perspectives that I'm choosing to lead me? Have I considered other perspectives?
  • How am I sharing my perspectives? Are my thoughts and perspectives increasing or decreasing stress?
  • How much time am I plugging into public opinion? What is the impact on my energy, stress levels and physical wellness? How are my choices impacting others?
     
Try stepping back and detaching from the noise and see what you notice. In that pause, we can better understand when we may be matching what we see as darkness with even more darkness. Imagine the impact if each of us committed to bringing just a little more light. Now that is something to stand up and vote for.

We can do this.
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By Laurie McAnaugh 16 Sep, 2021
Take Care of Yourself
By Laurie McAnaugh 05 Jan, 2021
We've all heard it over and over again these past few weeks. Maybe you've even said it yourself.

"Good riddance to 2020! Don't let the door hit you on the way out! Bring on 2021!"

I get it. It was a year that brought on many challenges.
Fear. Isolation. Illness. Discord. Unprecedented uncertainty.

Here's the interesting thing though. When I challenge this "Good Riddance" mantra, every single person is able to list so many beautiful moments from the last 12 months.

I would guess that's true for you, too.

So take a moment to breathe. Deeply. Right now.
What will you take with you from 2020?
What gifts? What insights? What habits? What non-negotiables? What unexpected treasures?

What changes do you want to keep?
Instead of rushing to slam the door on this past year, decide instead to gently close it with gratitude and positive anticipation of what's to come.
It has been a year that has created openings for entire paradigm shifts within each and every one of us.
And within our world.

Some of those shifts in 2021 will be amazing. Some may continue to feel like obstacles for awhile.

But we're all on this crazy ride doing the best we can with what we've got in this moment.
Let us continue to develop our own unique personal tool belts so that when life acts all "2020" on us, we've got the reserves to be able to hold our mental health strong while still seeing the multitude of blessings everywhere.

Let us seek to better honor our own humanity and the humanity in others by letting go of the self-defeating, stress-inducing burden of judgment.  And at the same time, let us hold ourselves accountable for rising up to higher ground.  

Because 2020 has strengthened us and we really are that powerful.


By Laurie McAnaugh 22 Dec, 2020
My husband, Todd and I recently spent a week in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. We make it a priority to spend time there at least a few times a year. It's a quiet, peaceful part of the world filled with mountains and snow-capped beauty.

We fill our days with simplicity. Long, scenic drives through the peaks and valleys, and hikes that lead us to places we’ll never forget.

The hikes are always an adventure. There’s just something about being alone in the woods, miles from civilization, without cell service.

As we navigate unfamiliar trails, the ground beneath our feet is sometimes wet and slippery. It takes all of our concentration and agility to safely stay the course (okay, just me- my husband is annoyingly fearless and freakishly agile). Occasionally, I can forget to stop, look up, and absorb the magnificent landscape.

Deep in the woods, the world becomes so still that every noise seems to intensify. The sounds of the scurrying wild, the forceful winter breezes that push the trees to their limits. The wind causes the bare birch trunks to creak, making haunting sounds that keep us on high alert. The sounds so intense at times, you wonder when a tree might fall, and where. But we brave the path ahead, not knowing exactly what the final destination will look like and what obstacles lie ahead. We just keep going.

To be in the middle of the cold, barren, breathless beauty completely disconnected to civilization, makes these excursions feel both risky and sacred at the same time. For this naturally cautious girl (did I mention my fear of wild animals?), these isolated walks in the wild bring on a mix of conflicting feelings and emotions:

Gratitude, concern, reverence, worry, wonder, apprehension, appreciation, uncertainty, and faith.

And when we finally arrive at an enchanting waterfall, I know it was worth the effort it took to get there.

Reminds me of 2020. So much to have felt anxious about. So much to appreciate. So much isolation. Yet so many reasons to trust that good is around the corner.

So we just keep going. We brave the unknown. No matter how slippery, and treacherous the journey has been, if we remember to pause and look around, we’ll find much beauty and opportunity to embrace.

Wishing you the sacredness of simplicity this holiday season and a 2021 filled with love, connection and exciting new adventures.
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