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Steering Through It: Navigating Life-Threatening Illness...Acceptance, Survival and Healing
Whether you are experiencing a life-changing event, or you are a spouse, friend, partner, or any relative of someone who is struggling, it is the author's hope that this book will move you to believe that your actions and positive mindset have the power to drive acceptance, survival and healing.
Lynn McLaughlin 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.
Lynn McLaughlin 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.
- GenresMemoirNonfiction
100 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2017
5 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
About the author
Lynn McLaughlin
7 books61 followersAs an award-winning and best-selling author, Lynn is an active Rotarian, dedicated to community causes. She is a member of 100 Women Who Care Windsor/Essex and works tirelessly to support the goals of the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada.
"I Have Choices" released in the spring of 2022, was on Amazon's Hot New Releases for Children's Books. It is the first of a five-book series she is co-authoring with her niece. Both are passionate about children's mental health! The second book of the series, "Is What I'm Thinking True?" is also now published (November 2022).
Lynn's book, "Jackson" released in November 2020 rose to Best-Seller status on Amazon in Canada. It has also received the national award of best Fiction Audiobook from the Independent Press. Although fictional, the characters evolved from the real-life stories of many.
In her award-winning memoir, "Steering Through It", she 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.
Lynn McLaughlin served on three different school boards as a Superintendent of Education, Principal, Vice-Principal, Teacher, and Educational Consultant. Now retired, in addition to her business, Lynn continues to be active in education, teaching future Educational Assistants at her local College.
Lynn hosts the inspirational podcast “Taking the Helm” and speaks with guests who have overcome crises in their personal or professional lives. Each of them is inspiring new possibilities for listeners and viewers. She is celebrating her third year!
Her professional speaking experiences have been local, provincial, and international as she leads us in tackling our barriers so that we can move forward to new and exciting possibilities.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/kindle-dbs/enti...
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkye...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnmcla/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lynnmclaughl...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-mcla...
"I Have Choices" released in the spring of 2022, was on Amazon's Hot New Releases for Children's Books. It is the first of a five-book series she is co-authoring with her niece. Both are passionate about children's mental health! The second book of the series, "Is What I'm Thinking True?" is also now published (November 2022).
Lynn's book, "Jackson" released in November 2020 rose to Best-Seller status on Amazon in Canada. It has also received the national award of best Fiction Audiobook from the Independent Press. Although fictional, the characters evolved from the real-life stories of many.
In her award-winning memoir, "Steering Through It", she 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.
Lynn McLaughlin served on three different school boards as a Superintendent of Education, Principal, Vice-Principal, Teacher, and Educational Consultant. Now retired, in addition to her business, Lynn continues to be active in education, teaching future Educational Assistants at her local College.
Lynn hosts the inspirational podcast “Taking the Helm” and speaks with guests who have overcome crises in their personal or professional lives. Each of them is inspiring new possibilities for listeners and viewers. She is celebrating her third year!
Her professional speaking experiences have been local, provincial, and international as she leads us in tackling our barriers so that we can move forward to new and exciting possibilities.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/kindle-dbs/enti...
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkye...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnmcla/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lynnmclaughl...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-mcla...
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 10, 2019
Author Lynn McLaughlin's hope in writing this book, will help those who are experiencing a life-changing event or you are a loved one of someone struggling, to believe that what you do and having a positive mindset have the power to drive acceptance, survival and healing.
I truly believe she has accomplished just that!
I am grateful for her journal keeping as it takes us through her life-threatening diagnosis, high risk surgery and ultimately her recovery. She has also included much appreciated notes from her family as they experience this with her.
Lynn McLaughlin you are truly an inspiration and I thank you for sharing your journey of fear and survival.
I truly believe she has accomplished just that!
I am grateful for her journal keeping as it takes us through her life-threatening diagnosis, high risk surgery and ultimately her recovery. She has also included much appreciated notes from her family as they experience this with her.
Lynn McLaughlin you are truly an inspiration and I thank you for sharing your journey of fear and survival.
July 15, 2019
Inspirational, insightful, emotional and engaging! I love when strong survivors share their story of overcoming tough challenges and the lessons about loving life that they learnt along the way. I admire Lynn's courage and commitment to helping others who are facing similar struggles. Well written story that's definitely worth reading.
May 12, 2019
Lynn has documented her experience dealing with and surviving a brain tumour in a way that offers extreme strength and positivity to the reader. Steering Through It is not just a story of survival of a life-threatening diagnosis, but also a story of perseverance and the belief that one’s mindset plays an imperative role in one’s success. A quick read that I would recommend to anyone in need of motivation in their lives.
November 10, 2019
With such an intimate topic I thought there this would have a more gritty account.
It was all very guarded and felt too polished.
Perhaps in trying to make it more palatable for the masses some of the more messy feelings were missing?
This will likely be quite comforting to anyone dealing with a brain tumor (or a loved one who is), but I think it was too subdued for me.
Thank you to the author for my signed copy.
It was all very guarded and felt too polished.
Perhaps in trying to make it more palatable for the masses some of the more messy feelings were missing?
This will likely be quite comforting to anyone dealing with a brain tumor (or a loved one who is), but I think it was too subdued for me.
Thank you to the author for my signed copy.
November 16, 2018
Courageous
Wonderful account of what positivity can do in the face of a real life obstacle. Much respect for the author and her journey.
Wonderful account of what positivity can do in the face of a real life obstacle. Much respect for the author and her journey.
March 31, 2019
This a touching book based on the author’s journey in the diagnosis of a brain tumor and her post surgery challenges. I liked reading abt her family and the way this had impacted the family as a whole. It was nice to hear it directly from them. It is obvious Lynn had and has a great support system. Lynn’s message is one we hear a lot but it is true.... stop and take time to enjoy the small things in our everyday lives. All experiences are important. It isn’t all abt the big things. Recommend this book even if someone you know isn’t going through a major illness or recovery. The message is good for everyone.
January 19, 2019
A story of crisis and so much more
I felt as if Lynn and I had sat down for the afternoon and had a personal conversation, not only about the brain tumor that changed her life, but also about the importance of taking time to "smell the roses" and appreciate life's daily gifts to the fullest. I liked that her story included the perspectives of her loved ones and am so impressed at the closeness of her large family. What an extraordinary woman!
I felt as if Lynn and I had sat down for the afternoon and had a personal conversation, not only about the brain tumor that changed her life, but also about the importance of taking time to "smell the roses" and appreciate life's daily gifts to the fullest. I liked that her story included the perspectives of her loved ones and am so impressed at the closeness of her large family. What an extraordinary woman!
September 6, 2019
Gripping from beginning to end! This is how I would describe Steering Through It, the honest, thought-provoking and inspirational memoir by Lynn McLaughlin. A Canadian author, educator and public speaker, Lynn begins her story: “I had no idea what the future held - whether I would be alive for one more day or for even another hour. At that moment, the clock stopped…”
This was this day that she began journaling. Starting with her first diagnosis and continuing through her slow recovery period after surgery, Lynn brilliantly shares her deepest thoughts about her journey of dealing with a life-threatening brain tumour.
Lynn admits that she put her life at risk by ignoring the symptoms and not asking for medical advice sooner. However, she decided to focus on the "now", not "what if", and refused to live in fear. She stresses the importance of having a network of strength and support from family and friends and also believes in the mind-body connection and keeping a positive attitude. Often, she has recalled her mother’s wise words: “Don’t worry or fret over things you have no control over”, ”Every day is a gift” and “There is nothing as important as family”. This illness gave Lynn a much better understanding of what her mother went through as she fought terminal lung cancer.
Unlike her mother, Lynn decided to share her thoughts and feelings with others and eventually published her insightful journal entries in Steering Through It, a story of not only survival but also living life to the fullest.
At one climax in her journey, Lynn along with her husband decided to go ahead with the risky craniotomy operation to remove the tumour. Even her doctor was hesitant to perform the operation due to the proximity to the part of the brain that controls eyesight and hearing. Lynn has great respect for the medical profession for remaining calm and purposeful. “Always remember that you have an entire crew to keep you afloat!” she writes.
Throughout this well-written book, Lynn enlightens the reader with inspiring messages and engaging questions about life. She encourages her readers to ask themselves, “Am I living a happy, caring fulfilling life that gives to others?” Then she asks, “If we could answer that question honestly and be true to ourselves, can you imagine the possibilities?” She views her journey as a detour that has led to a more fulfilled life.
Currently, Lynn works part-time as a college instructor and volunteers with the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada helping other patients and families diagnosed with brain tumours.
Steering Through It is a must-read for anyone who has suffered a traumatic brain injury or knows someone who has. It also speaks to anyone going through a life crisis. I feel fortunate to have read this uplifting and incredible book. The captivating cover illustration by author/illustrator Sari Richter is the perfect match for this amazing book about a journey through a life-threatening illness and staying on course through the storm.
Reviewed by Kathleen Gauer
This was this day that she began journaling. Starting with her first diagnosis and continuing through her slow recovery period after surgery, Lynn brilliantly shares her deepest thoughts about her journey of dealing with a life-threatening brain tumour.
Lynn admits that she put her life at risk by ignoring the symptoms and not asking for medical advice sooner. However, she decided to focus on the "now", not "what if", and refused to live in fear. She stresses the importance of having a network of strength and support from family and friends and also believes in the mind-body connection and keeping a positive attitude. Often, she has recalled her mother’s wise words: “Don’t worry or fret over things you have no control over”, ”Every day is a gift” and “There is nothing as important as family”. This illness gave Lynn a much better understanding of what her mother went through as she fought terminal lung cancer.
Unlike her mother, Lynn decided to share her thoughts and feelings with others and eventually published her insightful journal entries in Steering Through It, a story of not only survival but also living life to the fullest.
At one climax in her journey, Lynn along with her husband decided to go ahead with the risky craniotomy operation to remove the tumour. Even her doctor was hesitant to perform the operation due to the proximity to the part of the brain that controls eyesight and hearing. Lynn has great respect for the medical profession for remaining calm and purposeful. “Always remember that you have an entire crew to keep you afloat!” she writes.
Throughout this well-written book, Lynn enlightens the reader with inspiring messages and engaging questions about life. She encourages her readers to ask themselves, “Am I living a happy, caring fulfilling life that gives to others?” Then she asks, “If we could answer that question honestly and be true to ourselves, can you imagine the possibilities?” She views her journey as a detour that has led to a more fulfilled life.
Currently, Lynn works part-time as a college instructor and volunteers with the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada helping other patients and families diagnosed with brain tumours.
Steering Through It is a must-read for anyone who has suffered a traumatic brain injury or knows someone who has. It also speaks to anyone going through a life crisis. I feel fortunate to have read this uplifting and incredible book. The captivating cover illustration by author/illustrator Sari Richter is the perfect match for this amazing book about a journey through a life-threatening illness and staying on course through the storm.
Reviewed by Kathleen Gauer
November 5, 2019
A Brief and Refreshing True Story
The author explained how it felt to find out she had a brain tumor as well as how she healed not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well. Her honesty is refreshing, as she didn't leave out the experiences she had that might paint her in a less than favorable light in someone else's eyes, such as her periods of irritability and mania and the bad choices she made while early in her recovery period. She also used direct quotes from family and friends who commented on their own feelings when discovering a loved one was facing a life-threatening illness. This was a quick and enjoyable read.
The author explained how it felt to find out she had a brain tumor as well as how she healed not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well. Her honesty is refreshing, as she didn't leave out the experiences she had that might paint her in a less than favorable light in someone else's eyes, such as her periods of irritability and mania and the bad choices she made while early in her recovery period. She also used direct quotes from family and friends who commented on their own feelings when discovering a loved one was facing a life-threatening illness. This was a quick and enjoyable read.
April 29, 2019
This an amazing true story of unbelievable strength. Steering through a life altering illness and overcoming it with the amazing support of family and friends. But the most amazing strength comes from within herself!
Want to read
November 11, 2019Thank you for the opportunity to review this book as a giveaway recipient. I am excited to finish it and will update my thoughts on this book soon!
May 17, 2021
This is the inspirational account of the author's discovery that she has brain tumor, the surgery, her recovery process, and the challenges for her and her family over the following year. This is a very well-written account of her experience. It is both inspirational and evocative of past illness and recovery experiences. As with all memoirs, the reader will hopefully glean from the author's experience that which is meaningful and applicable personally when faced with life-changing illnesses. When reading a memoir, each readers's experience with illness is unique. I hope all who read this will take away something positive they will utilize in life. I believe this author's exposure of her personal vulnerability and fears by publishing this will be comforting and inspirational to many. Wishing her well on her journey.
May 4, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. It is easy to read and is about one woman's reactions to and handling of the news she was suffering from a brain tumour. It is not just only from her point of view but also those of her family and describes in detail the behaviours and feelings of someone suffering from a brain injury - not only how it impacts her, but also the effect on those around her. One of the things I loved about the book are the inciteful and powerful one liners: "Focus on what you can do and not what you can't do". As someone who has recently suffered from a brain injury it was very comforting to read that others have similar symptoms - albeit hers were on a much larger scale. Well worth reading for anyone who has suffered brain damage, or other serious injury. Uplifting and a great example of courage.
January 19, 2019
McLaughlin shares her journey of facing a life-threatening illness with sensitivity and insight, never losing sight of the reader who will be reading her story to gain understanding and support.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews