Flo Lawnicki is a senior paralegal as well as a lifestyle & travel blogger at Flo’s Favorites, musician, wife and mother from the Midwest – her entire life has been within Michigan, Indiana and Illinois. Read on to learn the best thing she’s ever learned (hint: it’s helped free her from being overly concerned with what others think of her) and her favorite place to hang out in Chicago.

Flo Lawnicki of Flo's Favorites lifestyle and travel blog
Image courtesy of Flo Lawnicki of Flo’s Favorites.

Tell us about your background and how you got to where you are now.         

I am a senior paralegal, lifestyle & travel blogger, musician, wife, and mother. My entire life has been in three Midwest states. I grew up in South Haven, Michigan, moved to Indiana in my late teens, and currently live in Chicago. So many roads have led me to where I am today. Curiosity and love for people have opened many doors to new ideas and opportunities. When I get a lingering urge to learn something new, I pursue it, even if for only a short time.

“Curiosity and love for people have opened many doors to new ideas and opportunities. When I get a lingering urge to learn something new, I pursue it, even if for only a short time.”

What made you want to pursue your profession/area of focus?

I had no choice in the matter. My internal urgings to express creativity were so strong that I could no longer contain them. In times past, I stifled my pursuits or allowed the advisements and opinions of others to shape my feelings on things. These individuals were well-meaning, but they were trying to form my views on personal matters to their views.

My passions include music, food, exploring, meeting new people and hearing their stories, and sharing accounts of my experiences (check out her site, Flo’s Favorites, here!). Allowing myself to slowly embark on these paths of activity has been a great source of joy and fulfillment.

Chef Alberto of Llescas Terrace Room in New Buffalo, Michigan from Flo's Favorites
Image courtesy of Flo Lawnicki of Flo’s Favorites.

What gets you excited to wake up every day?

Learning something new; I feel like I am making up for lost time. My mind is frequently going at 100 miles per hour, and I have to remind myself to reel it in. That’s a big challenge – maintaining balance with other priorities.

What’s the best/most important thing you’ve learned or taught yourself? Why?

This question is tough because I have learned so many valuable lessons. If I picked just one, I would say learning to be true to myself, comfortable in my skin, and more deliberate when expressing myself with words. I guess that’s more than one thing, but I consider them a collective work. Once I gained mastery with that, it freed me from being overly concerned with what others thought of me. Knowing myself and intent also helped me to allow other people to express themselves freely and not view their beliefs and opinions as a personal attack if they differed from mine.

Flo Lawnicki, Musician in Chicago
Image courtesy of Flo Lawnicki of Flo’s Favorites.

What’s the next thing you’re going to learn or teach yourself? Why?

So much! I’m focusing on mastering new bass techniques as well as learning more about African American history. I’ve discovered that I lack in a few areas when it comes to knowing my history.

“Learning to be true to myself, comfortable in my skin, and more deliberate when expressing myself with words. Once I gained mastery with that, it freed me from being overly concerned with what others thought of me.”

Do you have advice for finding a strong mentor/ building a relationship with one?

Be kind, humble, and open to meeting people – and just having conversations. I have forged many relationships with professionals in a variety of fields who have assisted and guided me along the way. Always be genuine and open to learning. If you see someone doing something that you’d like to pursue, reach out to them.

Favorite resources for ongoing learning?

YouTube is my best friend! I have learned everything: tackling complicated bass guitar techniques, laying tile, and website building. I also enjoy listening to Jenna Kutcher’s Goal Digger Podcast, and Julie Solomon’s The Influencer Podcast.

What’s your favorite spot where you currently live & why?

Sitting anywhere along the shores of Lake Michigan. Sometimes I am moved to tears by the magnificent power of the water; it’s where I reflect and meditate.

Michigan City, Indiana - Flo's Favorites
Image courtesy of Flo Lawnicki of Flo’s Favorites.

Related: we can agree – there is something magical about the water! Check out all the things to do in Illinois revolving around water (especially Lake Michigan), here.

Out of all the places you’ve been, which has been your favorite and why?

Vienna, Austria, and Sofia, Bulgaria. I never thought that I would see Europe because I have anxiety with flying, and the long plane ride was not desirable. However, my son and I took a trip together, and it was one of the best times of my life! I’m so happy that we shared that bonding experience.

Bonus: what’s one thing you wish people would ask you?

If I’d like to discuss something over coffee or lunch because I have the best conversations during those times.

Learn More About Flo Lawnicki of Flo’s Favorites Here:

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