How would you introduce yourself to the readers?

My name is Meighan, but most of my friends and family call me Meigs (pronounced mee-gen // meegs). I am an eldest daughter and have 3 younger siblings. My mom taught us to love a holiday and a theme. I grew up playing sports pretty much 24/7, but my high school’s English program really encouraged me to write personally as well. I was a psychology major and now I work in tech sales at Bloomberg, but am currently on maternity leave as a new mom to my first baby. In my spare time, I have been writing i think it’s brave on Substack for over 5 years (!!!)

What’s one thing we wouldn’t know about you from your online presence?

I have probably seen every competition cooking show out there. In the same vein, I am also an excellent cookie baker.

In a perfect world, you have 1 extra hour a week to take a class on anything. What would you like to learn or practice?

I am newly obsessed with Dancing with the Stars, and it’s making me want to take dance class again. I did jazz dance from 3rd-10th grade and it was one of my favorite activities after school!

What are you working hard on at the moment?

Becoming a mom! It has been a lesson in patience and presence. I’m working on learning her cues, asking for help, trusting my gut, and not comparing her to any other babies out there. I try to remind myself that she is 1 of 1, and that motto really helps. But there are some bad days!

What’s something that younger you would be proud of?

Our home! My husband and I have outfitted our house with 75% estate sale and thrifting finds, and at our housewarming last year, everyone remarked on how cozy it is. I’m really proud of myself for making design choices with my own eye; the house is uniquely us, and that makes it feel so special to come home. Plus, I love that I never took down my Christmas paper chains from last year because, as Taylor Swift says, it’s our place, we make the rules!!!

What does being brave mean to you?

Being brave means two things to me. First, it means doing the right thing for you, despite the fear of others’ reactions. It’s inevitable that others will pass judgment or offer dissenting opinions, but you can’t be scared of the fallout if you’re following your gut.

Second, it means showing up scared. A lot of the time, we don’t really have a choice, because the right thing to do is often the hardest one. I think of the children’s book, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt - the only way is through.

What’s something you once thought was small that now feels like an act of courage?

A friend once told me that it was brave to start trying to have another baby after loss. In the moment, I thought that wasn’t true, because in my mind there wasn’t another option. But now, I can see what she meant. It required a lot of quiet courage to get up and try again, having experienced the worst outcome and fearing, though unlikely, it could happen again.

When you think of someone brave, who comes to mind — and why?

I think of my sister who started her own business and runs it all on her own. I think of my best friend who moved across the country, quit her job and is pursuing her passion for fitness full time. I think of my mom, because being a mom requires a brave face 24/7 even when the worry is consuming you. I think of a friend who struggled with infertility, but kept a brave face for years. Or my brother, who went to Montana during COVID with only one other friend, and had the adventure of a lifetime. Really, when you take the time to stop and think about it, everyone in your life is brave - so this list could go on for a long time.

What is your biggest moment of bravery?

Everything surrounding my first pregnancy required me to be the most brave I’ve ever had to be. Somehow after I got the worst news from my doctor, I still faced the neighborhood kids on Halloween with a smile. Even though I know it was the right one for us, making the decision that next day was devastating and scary and really lonely, even when I was supported by my family through it all.

What do you wear when you have to be brave? What is your “suit of armor”? Do you have multiple?

My BRAVE sweatshirt is definitely my suit of armor (when sweats are appropriate). I’ve worn it to the hospital, to pick up a half marathon racing bib, all throughout my time being laid off. I reach for it when I need the extra reminder that I can do hard things.

Do you think clothes can change how brave you feel?

Absolutely! Clothes can make me feel brave in a “fake it til you make it” kind of way. Sometimes you need to project confidence in order to trick yourself into really feeling it.

What’s the bravest purchase you’ve made lately?

I bought jeans postpartum! I tried both pairs on in store and immediately felt good in them. I acted on that feeling and bought them in a new size, not worrying about the longevity of that number. It might be my new size, it might not, but for now - I have 2 pairs of jeans that make me feel like a superstar.

Madewell Longline Jeans // Buck Mason Off Duty Jeans (similar)

Can you think of an outfit or item of clothing that changed how you saw yourself?

The dress I wore for the first day of my internship at JP Morgan. I remember putting it on and thinking, I can absolutely do this. Also, I will never forget how confident and beautiful I felt in my wedding dress. I’ll look back at those photos for the rest of my life and see pure joy.

Is there a routine or ritual that helps you prepare for something daunting?

It’s so silly, but my dad taught me to do a power pose in the mirror and to this day, it works. Whether or not I have the mirror, standing tall with my hands on my hips, I start to feel prepared. It also shakes off the nerves because I inevitably laugh while doing it.

What’s your soundtrack as you get ready for something big?

I have a Spotify playlist called “immediately yes” where I put songs that hype me up. I put it on whenever I need an extra boost of endorphins!

What do you think our culture gets wrong about bravery?

Bravery can be quiet. If you don’t announce your bravery, it doesn’t make it any less real. I think that any time you see a happy announcement of sorts, there were many brave, private moments leading up to it about which you’ll never know.

Last but not least, fill in the blank.

i think it’s brave: to acknowledge you need help, and ask for it.

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• I’ve been wearing this red sports bra and these red leggings from Athleta non-stop. They are bright, comfortable, and extremely mood boosting.

• Tomorrow for Thanksgiving, I’m planning to wear my new COS cashmere sweater with some old plaid pants from Rebecca Taylor that I pulled out of a box of things to sell. Sometimes you just need some distance to breathe new life into things you once loved.

• Lastly, my Black Friday shopping has been pretty uneventful - Pampers, Christmas ribbons, some really cute onesies and new Bombas for the whole family.