Pictures + Words are a first person chronicle of stories, lessons of life, creativity, sometimes humour, and always a picture.
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I’ve had a few people ask me about what it’s been like to begin blogging daily, aka Laura’s Daily Letters. Here’s my attempt to help by answering some of these questions: “What have been the pros and cons, though, of doing this, and would you have any quick tips for someone just starting out (technical, […]
Wishing the winter away makes time our adversary. The daylight is short and the darkness is long. Everything takes just that little bit more effort, from layering on the clothes to getting out the door. We know spring is coming, but the winter blues are a reality for many of us. Wishing the winter away […]
I am struck by what it feels like to be surrounded by generous people. People who contribute. Who give with no linear expectation of something in return. Whose very presence is conducive to growth. Just by being themselves, they create an environment of possibility. It’s not that they don’t expect to grow, gain or receive. […]
RuPaul was my unexpected teacher on a Friday night in the UK. My husband and I caught an episode of The Graham Norton Show last September while visiting his family in Manchester. In the middle of being entertained, I got a lesson on how to set boundaries. The three guests on Graham Norton’s red couch […]
It’s OK to demand a lot of yourself – with a few caveats. I had an interesting conversation with two women after yoga yesterday. Two of us were having a laugh at our own expense because we are often the last to arrive for class. “I always seem to have to get one last thing […]
You know that thing that whispers to your heart? That thing you want to create? Experience? Build? That thing that makes you feel excited, Calm, and fully expressed. All at the same time. That thing wants you, too. There is enough time. There is enough space. That doesn’t mean it won’t require Extraordinary effort Or […]
Rushing puts us in a state of disconnection from our inner wisdom. And here’s the kicker! We do it to ourselves. We crowd our schedule, try to do too much, or force that last thing in before we leave. We become more impatient, distracted, and reactive. We remember less, notice less and listen less. Rushing […]
When we manage our attention well, we feel grounded, centered and productive. But when we are pulled in many directions we get spread too thin, and risk overwhelm. It might seem like it’s out of our control, like there’s nothing we can do about it. But we have more influence on our attention than we […]
Something came up in a conversation this week that I haven’t articulated before. I don’t share inspiring quotes from other people on my social media properties. And there’s a reason why I don’t do it. I want to amplify insights and contribution of the leaders of our time. I have a podcast dedicated to that. […]
All perception is subjective. What you see and what gets cropped out of your frame is controlled by many filters. What will people think? How much more do I have to do? Who do I need to become? I should have known better. I could have seen it coming. How will I manage? How will […]
When we think of boundaries, we tend to think about the relationships and rules of engagement we have with our outer world. But what about the boundaries we set for ourselves? A new habit or skill requires more time and energy in the beginning. Like a new seedling, it needs nourishment and protection while all […]
Thank you, Harry and Meghan, for a little self sovereignty of my own. It was Saturday afternoon. It was quiet in the house. I stood at the sink, gazing out the window as the snow came down. As is my custom, I washed the dishes while waiting for the whistle of the kettle for my […]
Do you remember how awkward it was to learn how to ride a bicycle? It took all kinds of effort to keep from falling. One over-correction after another, we zigged and we zagged, careening forward to keep our balance. The ride was harrowing! We either fell to the ground, or found a way to keep […]
Sometimes the kindest and most compassionate thing you can do for yourself is take something away. Self care isn’t always something you have to add to your calendar. The next time your mind is full of thoughts of being too busy or there not being enough time, remember that’s just a story. It may be time […]
Growth is easy when things are going smoothly, but there’s a gritty side we don’t often share. Instead of an insta-perfect glow, my growth arrived today with bags under my eyes and clammy palms. Doing the inner work to keep my fears at bay feels like swimming in deep, icy water. How can you […]
“You become what you practice.” That little tidbit from my inner voice greeted me when I opened my eyes this morning. It didn’t take long to recognize its truth. When I ran most days, I became a runner. When I used my camera most days, I became a photographer. When I taught every day, I […]
The desert has a lot to teach us about creating space for something new. It was a chilly October morning. I remember the moment I arrived at this vista. The vast expanse of the desert took my breath away. The sun rose quickly behind my right shoulder, painting the distant rock formations with light. Looking […]
Dear Reader, Change is happening and I need to run something by you. If you’ve been reading my recent emails, you’ll know that I have committed to writing a daily blog, Laura’s Daily Letter, starting the first of the year. I’m inspired by leaders I admire – particularly Seth Godin and Dian Griesel, who both […]
