Episode 3: Finding HER Why & HER Values with Megan Manierski
As we kick off Women’s History Month on March 1st, I can’t think of a more well suited episode to start this time off with. You might wonder why I would say that about a guest that is just in her mid 20’s… But what Megan Manierski has walked through in her young life encompasses many of the same types of experiences that so many of our great women in history have encountered and walked through; taking some very difficult, very public challenges, and recognizing how she can use that wisdom gained to help others and herself.
Now I will be the first to tell you that I cringe a little when people in general talk about how “that hard thing was so difficult, but I wouldn’t change it for anything and I know God uses everything for good”. I used to tout those same types of statements and thinking, but over the last 2 + years as I have started deconstructing what I believe versus what I know to be true, I have become much more thoughtful about that statement. I think that, although meaning well, people can be careless with that, especially when trying to use it to “encourage” someone going through a hard time. When you’re in the middle of walking through hell, the last thing you want to hear is “don’t worry, this is going to be used for good someday, you just have to survive the misery you’re in right now”. At that moment, that does not sound loving or helpful. So, when I make this statement, and even really wrestled with titling how I did, it was not without a lot of thought. I think though once you listen to Megan’s story though, you will see how I landed on this.
This a broad ranging conversation, and unique to other conversations we have had because Megan has lived on both sides of so many of our talking points….the personal journey side in how to implement and walk these out based on her own experiences, and on the clinical side as she pursues her Doctorate in Psychology and learns about these topics academically and works with people in a clinical sense. I am not going to give you a ton of clues in this week’s blog because you need to really sit down and listen to this, but bring your notebook because we are in session and learning from the soon to be Dr. Meg.
Some of the highlights we hit on are:
That we as humans really try to avoid discomfort, instead of treating it as a clue that’s trying to tell us something.
It’s important to name what you’re feeling and identify the true root of why you’re feeling that way, and not just stuff it or try to hurry up and get rid of it. This is where we learn and nail down what actually needs to be processed and healed.
Listen to your physical body…it carries your experiences, and will let you know when you need rest, healing, and that something needs to be addressed.
It’s important to be surrounded by people who love and support you well, and if you don’t have those people, find them. But to really know what that looks like, you must first learn how to love yourself and accept all of the layers that come with you.
What it looks like to accept all your layers, and recognize that it is in fact true that sometimes those difficult experiences really can become some of your greatest points of wisdom and opportunity to help yourself and others.
The challenge student athletes or anyone that has been involved in a particular activity in music, drama, career, etc. for a long period of time, is no longer involved in that activity, and how that brings you to the reality of where your identity is based, and how to get to the core of what healthy identity looks like.
Okay, that’s all I’m giving you because, again, you need to listen to this episode….and bring your pen and notebook :)