Shannon McDonald

A Midwest girl at heart, Shannon Q. McDonald is originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan. Not long after graduating from law school, she moved to California to work in entertainment law at WME. After a few years in California, she and her husband moved to South Florida to raise their own family. Along with daughter Sloane (5), son Sean (3) and their wiener dog, Rudy, they are now residents of sunny Delray Beach, Florida. When not balancing remote-school schedules and playdates, Shannon works as corporate counsel for a large technology and outsourcing company, Everise Holdings, while still maintaining her own law practice for select clients.

Shannon wanted to find a way to tell her kids about face masks in kid-friendly language while also making them laugh at the same time.

Enter Remember to Smile, McDonald’s new full-color children’s picture book for kids ages 2-6 years old that describes and illustrates the different styles of masks, characters that wear them, when you can wear them, and interesting ways to use them. Colorful and funny illustrations bring the book to life and will have kids giggling on the floor. With rhyming and rhythmic text, it makes reading the book aloud even more fun. Remember to Smile will help children become more comfortable with the idea of face masks, and encourage them to keep smiling, even if it has to be hidden from sight at times.

I’m so excited for you to connect with Shannon, check out her new book, and follow along as she continues to share tips for explaining COVID to kids in a way that is understandable but not frightening, and adds playfulness and laughs around mask-wearing to help kids see masks as something fun.

I'd love it if you'd introduce yourself, what you do, and what you're working on.

First, I am a mom of two great kids, Sloane (5) and Sean (3), a wife, an attorney by day working as Corporate Counsel for a large global outsourcing corporation and now a new children’s book author. My book ‘Remember to Smile’ came out in August and is a colorful and joyful book showing kids that there is still fun to be had while we wear our face masks right now.

How did you get started?

The pandemic and my children really inspired me to write the book. I knew that due to the timeliness of the book, the quickest and easiest way to get it out there would be to self-publish, so that is what I did.

What inspired the work that you're doing?

As a mother of two young children myself (my daughter Sloane 5 and son Sean turned 3 in August) I knew that I would have to discuss the topic of wearing face masks with my kids being that in many places they would be going, they would need to wear them or would be seeing people they know wearing them. With their young ages, I wanted a way to show them that face masks can be fun and not be scared of them, and this is why the book is illustrated with some of the kid’s favorite characters and places they like to read and see. I wanted to create some comfort around the idea of face masks and also give adults a great way to discuss this with kids, especially teachers, day care workers, etc. that around young children daily.

What is your biggest passion? Do you feel like you're living your passion and purpose?

I think as I have gotten older I’ve realized my purpose takes different forms at different times. Right now, as a mom to 2 young children, one which has a speech impairment called Apraxia and also sensory processing issues, being there for them and helping them grow and making sure they are getting what they need – that is my main purpose. I’ve found that my skills as a lawyer can come in handy when advocating for my kids when needed I also know that going forward in life I want to advocate and help other children. In addition to the book I (along with my daughter) have started volunteering and doing projects for a local non-profit that helps foster kids in the area. I would love to work as a Guardian Ad Litem for children and plan to do some Pro Bono legal work for the children’s education project in the future. Another thing I have learned along the way though is that though I can do all the things that I want to in life, that doesn’t mean I can do them all at the same time. So right now, I am living my passion in smaller, but accomplishable ways.

What is your joy blueprint? What lights you up, brings you joy, and makes you feel the most alive?

I love finding outlets to be artistic, art projects, painting, books, decorations, etc. I need that outlet being that my career as an attorney does not allow for that side of myself. I also love seeing my kids happy. My daughter told me the other day “Mom, I’m a cool kid.” I replied, “Oh really, Why’s that?” and she said “Because my mom is an author and illustrator” LOL. The most rewarding part of it all. I don’t think she really knows or has any real grasp on my job as an attorney – but with the book, which they have read in school and keep in her school library – she sees that and loves it, which is my favorite part of the whole thing.

How do you live intentionally? Are there tools/resources/practices that you rely on to help you stay mindful and grounded?

I think my biggest and most valued resource are my parents and family. My parents and husband are my sounding board, they remind of my priorities, are my biggest supporters cheering me on as well as a mirror when I may not want to see what I am looking at. I think having a good support team around you that really knows you inside and out is invaluable…… I also love sunrise beach yoga and time at the ocean in general, great way to get a little perspective and break from all the daily “noise”.

What would your younger self think about what you're doing now?

I think my younger self would not be that surprised.

Do you have a go-to mantra or affirmation?

One day at a time.

What is your biggest dream?

For my kids to grow up to be fulfilled, authentically themselves and happy.

To learn more about Chris and A Little Spark visit his website https://www.remembertosmile.org and on Facebook @remembertosmile and Remember to Smile is available now in hardcover, paperback and ebook at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever books are sold.

Remember to Smile proudly supports the COVID-19 Relief Fund (for Teachers and Students) through the non-profit organization AdoptAClassroom.org. Visit remembertosmile.org to learn more.

Joy Corner is an interview-style blog series brought to you by Seek The Joy Podcast. Our mission continues to be a desire to share your stories, truths, joys and inspiration in your words. We invite you to join our corner, and share your joys, passions, and moments of inspiration as we continue to seek the joy, together. Join this series here

Shannon McDonald - Lawyer & Author, Remember to Smile