About Laurie Buchanan

holistic health practitioner, transformational life coach, speaker, author

All Things Great and Small

Posted on November 20, 2018 by Laurie Buchanan

In the United States, we celebrate Thanksgiving this coming Thursday, Nov 22nd. But we don’t have to wait for a special occasion to express gratitude.

And though we live over a thousand miles apart, my sister and I share a practice. Each day before we rise we express thanks for all things—great and small—in our lives.

Evan, Luna Bleue, Kayley

“There is no foot too small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world.” —Unknown

I’m grateful for family, especially the newest little bud on our family tree.

What are you grateful for?

Influence

Posted on November 13, 2018 by Laurie Buchanan

There are places in downtown Boise that are currently under re-construction. The spaces in-between the buildings are somewhat tight, so work crews use their resources wisely, bringing innovative ideas to life.

In this case, they built a giant rubber funnel to channel debris into a dumpster safely. This prevents unnecessary damage to nearby structures and passersby.

Depending on the situation, I sometimes suggest to clients: “Ask yourself this question. What is it like to be on the receiving end of me?”

Is what you channel debris, or is it positive, uplifting, constructive, and healing?

“Never underestimate the influence you have on others.” —Laurie Buchanan

In the Groove

Posted on November 6, 2018 by Laurie Buchanan

During my last trip to San Diego, I passed a building that had ivy growing between its cement blocks. The thought that immediately came to mind was, IN THE GROOVE!

And while I definitely felt GROOVY (I was walking back to my sister’s house after this event), I had to think about being IN THE GROOVE. According to the online dictionary, it has two meanings:

“Performing consistently well or confidently.”
“Indulging in relaxed and spontaneous enjoyment, especially dancing.

Am I in the groove? In can say YES to both definitions in various areas of my life: client work, my Pathway to Publication commitment, and speaking engagements. But my favorite IN THE GROOVE area is grand-mothering.

In what areas of your life are you IN THE GROOVE?

Hope and Upliftment

Posted on October 30, 2018 by Laurie Buchanan

While we were in the labor and delivery waiting room of St. Luke’s hospital in early October, waiting for the arrival of our granddaughter, we walked the halls and admired the incredible work of professional photographer, Brianna Chaves of BC Photography.

And while we were in the main newborn waiting room, we learned that there is another waiting room—the neonatal intensive care waiting room for families whose loved one has given or is giving birth to a significantly premature baby.

The cool thing about the hallway leading to that special waiting room is that it’s lined with photographs of current-day children—ranging in age from five to twelve—who are holding pictures of themselves as premies. The purpose is to provide upliftment and give hope to those in the special area.

The thoughtfulness of each photo made me cry—happy tears.

When was the last time you cried tears of joy?

Do You SISU?

Posted on October 23, 2018 by Laurie Buchanan

When I was in Crystal Lake, Illinois in July for the picnic-style book launch of The Business of Being, my friend, Lisa Krupp, gave me this pin:

A bit of online research reveals:

“To the Finnish people, SISU has a mystical, almost magical meaning. SISU is a unique Finnish concept. It is a Finnish term that can be roughly translated into English as strength of will, determination, perseverance, and acting rationally in the face of adversity. SISU is not momentary courage, but the ability to sustain that courage. It is a word that cannot be fully translated.”

I feel honored that Lisa gave the pin to me.

Do you SISU?

When Pigs Fly

Posted on October 16, 2018 by Laurie Buchanan

The phrase When pigs fly! is an adynaton—a figure of speech so hyperbolic that it describes an impossibility.

When I was growing up, When pigs fly! was my mom’s way of saying “no.” The quirky way she said it took the edge off of her denial to my request. And trust me, it was always for my own good.

When pigs fly! implies that there’s no chance of something ever happening [again]. I’m looking forward to the day when the following examples occur only When pigs fly!:

War
Miscarriage of justice
Hunger

What When pigs fly! example would you add?

Bursting with Joy

Posted on October 9, 2018 by Laurie Buchanan

Our first grandchild arrived last week, and our hearts are bursting with joy! This photograph is of our son holding his newborn daughter, Luna Bleue.

Watching my child fall in love with his child… priceless.

As a holistic health practitioner and doula, I’ve had the privilege of attending many births. It doesn’t matter how many times, or in what capacity I get to be part of the birth process, it never ceases to amaze me.

When was the last time you fell in love?

Tuesdays with Laurie

"Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing." —Laurie Buchanan

Author Archives: Laurie Buchanan