Laurie Shopland Coaching

Feeling so grateful for all the birthday wishes. 🤍

One of my favourite parts of birthdays is seeing names pop up from every season of life… family, friends, neighbours, clients, colleagues, and people I’ve had the privilege of connecting with over the years.

Each name brings back a memory, a conversation, or a season of life, and it reminds me just how fortunate I am to have crossed paths with so many incredible people. My heart has been smiling all day.

And what a magical day it was.

It started with our grandson putting on a magic show, followed by a scavenger hunt to find the gifts they had hidden, a picnic in the park (hot dogs on the BBQ - my favourite!!), and FaceTime calls with the kiddos who couldn’t be here in person.

I feel incredibly loved.

And if I’m honest… I think I’m more excited about this next year than any birthday before it.

There’s something about this season of life that feels different. It feels like possibility. Like purpose.

Like I’m just getting started!! 💫

Thank you for being part of my journey. Here’s to making this year one to remember. 🤍

This past weekend, I felt like the wealthiest woman in the world.

Not because of anything money could buy, but because I was surrounded by the people who have loved me my whole life.

Twenty-eight years after losing my mom, I never take for granted that her family is still my family—my aunts, uncles, and cousins who share the stories, the history, and a sense that no time has passed.

We still laugh about how each of us was convinced we were Grandma’s favourite (we even had T-shirts made to prove it 😉).

After losing one of my dear aunts this year, Jim encouraged me to book a last-minute flight and surprise everyone at the family reunion. I didn’t even tell my sisters I was coming, so seeing their faces when I walked in was unforgettable.

My heart is overflowing—with laughter, stories, and the deep sense of belonging that reminds me where I come from.

It made me realize that true wealth isn’t found in a bank account, but in moments like these—shared meals, familiar faces, and the people who make you feel at home.

Even pig roasts! 🤪

If you have people like that in your life, hold them close.

They are a treasure beyond measure. 🤍

For most of my life, I would have told you, “I’m a worrier.”

In fact, when my brother and I were kids, we bought my mom a little silver “worry bird” necklace.

We ordered it from the TV Times (remember those? 😂), filled out the little form, and even mailed our coins in the envelope.

It became a bit of a family joke.

“We’re just all worriers.”

For years, I believed that was simply who I was.

Until I learned something that changed everything.

Worry is a normal human emotion.

But living there is optional.

This morning, I caught myself worrying about something.

Years ago, I would have spiraled.

Today, I noticed it.

That simple moment of awareness changed everything.

Instead of following the worry, I asked myself one question:

What else could be true?

Almost immediately, my mind began offering other possibilities.

Maybe it will work out.

Maybe I’m making assumptions.

Maybe there’s another explanation I haven’t considered yet.

The worry didn’t disappear because my circumstances changed.

It eased because my perspective did.

Being healthy on the inside isn’t about never feeling worried.

It’s about noticing where your mind has gone…and remembering you get to choose what comes next.

I’m curious…

If you’re honest, do you think of yourself as a worrier?