The Journey – Making Megan

40 by 40 – Heading West

October 24, 2022

3. Go back to Zion National Park

A few years back I took myself (my favorite travel companion) on a trip to explore Utah’s Mighty Five National Parks and the Grand Canyon in Arizona. My 11-day trip was outstanding and I started with about 24 hours at Zion National Park. It was one of the single most beautiful places I’ve ever been. At the end of my trip, I wished I’d been able to spend more time exploring and vowed to return, so I made sure it was on the 40 by 40 list.

I was finally ready to schedule my return trip while I was planning for my 2022 travel. My first trip to Zion was in April, so I decided to switch it up to an October visit this time around. I was not disappointed. The weather was nice and warm during the day and fall crisp at night.

Additionally, there’s only one place to stay within Zion itself, so I stayed at a cute inn called the Bumbleberry in the adjoining town of Springdale. It’s absolutely the way I would go again. The rooms were great, people were so kind, I was right by a park shuttle stop and I was also within walking distance of shops, restaurants, the grocery store and an ice cream shop (don’t ask me how I know that last one).

Despite some rental car difficulties and other minor issues, I had the most wonderful time. I slept in each day and still managed to get in all the hiking and scenic routes I hoped to check off my list. My favorite trail was the Riverside Walk, an easy hike back into the canyons ending where the famous Narrows Trail starts. The trail meanders along the Virgin River and I love me a trail that sits next to a moving body of water.

I also liked the fall trip for the smaller crowds and the slowly changing fall colors. If you haven’t been to Zion, I cannot recommend it enough. I’m not usually a repeat visitor to places and I’m already wanting to go back.

This trip brings me to 19 of 40 tasks complete! I have a lot of things in the works and just a few months to go…let’s do this!

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The Journey Things I Love

Wrapping Up 2021

December 7, 2021

In a year that found us trying to recover from the hellhole that was 2020, this year has simply seemed like a blur. Looking back for this blog post, it seemed like a thousand years ago that we celebrated the new year, ringing it in with low-key celebrations (mine involved sitting on my couch with pajamas and champagne) and hope that 2021 would be kinder to us.

I think we can all agree it really wasn’t. We are still struggling in so many ways and the months flipped by at warp speed. Still, there were little glimmers of fun, laughter and hope. Instead of pontificating about the events of the year, I thought I’d do a little look back month-by-month through messy but real photos…from my phone. I found lots of little bright spots…and lots of pictures of my cats.

Now it’s on to 2022…excited to see what’s next!

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About Me The Journey

Committing to Yourself

November 6, 2021

One of my favorite topics I’ve had the opportunity to learn about in my work life is strategic planning. In addition to being involved in my own organization’s planning process, I have also had the chance to visit multiple other places to learn more about their process in getting ready to excel in the future.

Among the most important underpinnings of a strategic plan are the organization’s core values. Along with the mission and vision, they provide the foundation for every decision made in the strategic planning process. I always loved seeing how different workplaces took what is most important to them and translated them into values everyone in the workforce could embrace and embody. Employees couldn’t always name every value verbatim, but when you could see them reflected through actions and passion, you knew they were working.

While I no longer get to make those site visits to learn more about organizations, these days I do get to teach a class once a year about my organization’s mission, vision and values. It’s a fun way for people to connect their work to the bigger picture and understand that we’re all part of a bigger whole.

As I was planning my class, I wanted to take it a step further. I encourage the people in the class to write their own mission statements and to dig deep about what their own core values are in their lives. I encourage them to set themselves up for the behaviors and actions that will guide their future and understand what each of those values means to them. Do all of them enjoy it? Embrace it? Of course not. But there are always a few who I can tell are thinking more deeply about what’s important to them, and that’s enough for me.

Now I wouldn’t try to get anyone in my class something to do that I hadn’t done myself. So it was important to me (for reasons far beyond the class) to think through what my own personal core values are and what they mean to me. Each value comes with a small definition (because a value of strength, for example, can mean different things to different people) and helps me better think about my life in terms of actions, choices and behaviors that I take part in and support. Here are my personal core values:

–Authenticity: I will seek out genuine relationships and be true to who I am.

–Growth: I will continue to learn new things and improve myself in mind, body and spirit.

–Kindness: I will interact with others with thoughtful kindness, not just niceness.

–Justice: I will advocate for what is truly just, not only what has been deemed right.

–Contentment: I will seek enduring contentment rather than fleeting joy.

So there they are…my personal core values. Do I always live up to them as well as I should? Of course not! I still love to gossip (not kind!) and sometimes I find myself neglecting my mind, body or spirit (thanks, depression!), but I always have my values to return to for myself. They help me guide bigger life decisions and how I prioritize my time and effort. They help make me my best and most true self.

I hope this long diatribe will give you a push to think about your own personal core values. They can take a while to think through, cultivate and make your own, but it’s time well spent. Once you’ve selected them (or maybe you already know yours!), I’d love to hear about them in the comments.

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About Me The Journey

Stressy Depressy

August 31, 2021

If the past couple of years have taught us anything, it’s that our mental health is incredibly important to our overall well-being. As someone who lives with depression, sometimes you can’t quite tell when a visit to “the dark place” is on the horizon. Thankfully, it’s been quite a long time since my last deeply depressive episode, but I credit some of that to catching it coming on early and heading it off using a number of strategies…the rest I credit to meds.

Everyone who goes through periods of stress and depression has different tactics they use to get through the rough times. These are a few of mine and I’d love to know yours too.

-Get Some Sunlight: This does not mean you have to get your workout clothes on and go for a stroll because sometimes you just can’t make yourself do it. So sit in front of a window, drive your car to a sunny spot and let that Vitamin D wash over you. It only takes 10-15 minutes a day to make a huge difference.

–Laugh at Something Dumb: I make sure my DVR always has a few episodes of something light and silly on it so I can veg out on the couch and not think and chuckle at something. My favorites are episodes of The Kitchen, anything on the Game Show Network, and old episodes of Parks and Rec.

–Rest: It can sound so simple, but let yourself rest. You have sick days for a reason and sometimes that one day can be what turns things around and makes things seem less dark.

–Music: No, it doesn’t have to be upbeat pop music. A lot of my depressive episodes have me feel not sad but rather absolutely nothing at all, which is somehow worse. Find some tunes that generally move you and let them inject some feelings back into you.

–Clean-Up: Make yourself take a shower. Just long enough to let the hot water really do some work. Then slather some smelly good lotion all over.

–Fuel: For many this is true, but I notice a very strong connection between my gut health and my mental health. I also tend to not eat much when I’m in a depressive mood. These two things do not mix. Even if it means I have to order in every meal for a week, I make sure I’m eating something that I will want to eat and that will keep my body running. I also take some B-12 supplements as there’s some evidence that links taking B-12 to depression relief.

–Visuals: I have a board dedicated to adorable and funny things on Pinterest. Lots of baby animals, of course.

Finally, always know that depression lies and that I’m here for you. Whether it’s a chat or sitting in the same room as you saying nothing, I’ll be there to support you.

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40 by 40 About Me The Journey

40 by 40 – Check, Check

January 27, 2021

35. Have a skin check at a dermatologist

My skin, for lack of a better term, is pasty. I come from the side of the family that burns when they are bold enough to even think about the sun. My sister bronzes from head to toe in the sun while I hide under any hat, umbrella, tree or cabana that will have me.

Even though I’ve always been pretty cautious, I’ve also managed to get a few epically terrible sunburns in my time. We’re talking blisters, peeling, aloe vera gel and washcloths soaked in apple cider vinegar bad.

I always figured that maybe my pastiness/sunburn history might mean that I had some sun damage and after I noticed a new mole on my right hip last summer, I decided it was dermatologist time. Thankfully, the mole was just a “hey, you’re getting older” thing, but my dermatologist suggested I should come back for a full skin check in a few months. I practically yelled, “Yes! That’s on my 40 by 40 list,” but it didn’t scare her away, so I scheduled.

So, if you haven’t had a skin check at a dermatologist, here’s how it goes:

You get nekkie
You put on a gown (my derm needs big girl gowns, I was freezing)
Derm comes in and shines a light on all your parts that could possibly be suspicious while someone else with an iPad notes those things
You’re done!

So that’s how it goes! All in all, I was at the office about 15 minutes. She didn’t find anything to be concerned about, told me whoever put my sunscreen on me growing up did a great job (thanks, Mom!) and to keep up with my daily sunscreen wearing.

As I get closer to 40, it’s always good to have a reminder to take care of myself. What are you doing to make sure you’re taken care of?

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40 by 40 The Journey

40 by 40 – A New Bed and an Old Year

December 27, 2020

6. Get a new mattress and bed

They say that we spend a third of our lives in bed…and I like to think I’m above average in that respect. My room in my little sanctuary. There’s no tv, just lots of books and comfy clothes and pillows. But there was one thing I was still dreaming of…the perfect bed.

In April 2019, I took a long-awaited trip to Washington DC (remember traveling, everyone?!) and I loved spending my days roaming around the city. I also fell in love with the daily afternoon nap I took back at my hotel. I loved it so much that I emailed the hotel once I was home to find out what kind of mattress they use. And then I thought about it…for a year and a half.

This fall, I finally clicked “Complete purchase” on the mattress I thought about constantly along with a new platform bed. I had to wait almost three months for all of the components to arrive AND I dislocated a rib (do no recommend) assembling it, but I have to say, checking this 40 by 40 item off was totally worth it.

What a freaking year. Simultaneously flying and creeping by, 2020 brought us challenges we could have never imagined. Every year, I make a “Vision Board” for the upcoming 12 months and 2020’s went out the window pretty darn fast. I used to make vision boards by going through dozens of accumulated magazines and cutting out words, phrases and photos that spoke to what I wanted for the year.

These days, I’ve taken the Vision Board digital and create a new one each year on Pinterest. I’ll likely add additional pins to my 2021 Vision Board over the next few days and then I’ll be ready to bring on the new year.

What about you? Do you vision board? Set words to guide your year? Tell me what you’re hoping for in 2021!

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40 by 40 The Journey

40 by 40 – A Twofer

November 17, 2020

Though there are a few things on my 40 by 40 list that 2020 is preventing me from accomplishing (of course), I’ve still been seeking out ways to check things off.

20. Sit on the board of a non-profit organization

It doesn’t take much for my competitive side to emerge. I come from a family where sports and board games were played by the book and there was always a winner. So when a co-worker suggested I run for a Board of Directors position for the Missouri Travel Alliance, I was all in. Once my boss approved me running and I applied, I realized I might actually have to…campaign? Now that is out of my comfort zone.

I wrote a heartfelt email to members about what tourism and the organization mean to me. The same co-worker who had suggested I run laughed as I cringed with each send. The words were authentic but it still felt so awkward. Then something lovely happened…very kind replies started rolling in from people I have respected for a long time. So I had a nice little cry and waited for the results to come in.

My first Board of Directors meeting is tomorrow.

33. Adopt a Zoo Animal

One of my “happy places” has always been the St. Louis Zoo. There are pictures of me there as a baby, chilling in my stroller wearing a bonnet while my parents wheeled me around to greet the animals. Nearly every time we went to visit my Nana, we ended up at the Zoo…riding the train, clapping at the sea lion feeding and marveling at everything from the tiniest monkey to the biggest elephant.

The St. Louis is one of the most incredible zoos in the country and it’s free to go. One of the ways they support their mission is through the Zoo Parents Program. As a kid, my sister and I both had “adopted” animals that ranged from penguins to bald eagles to giraffes. You got cool fact sheets and even an invitation to the Zoo Parents Picnic each fall! At some point, I guess we got too “cool” to be Zoo Parents (what idiots we were!) and the tradition ended.

So when I was making my 40 by 40 list, I wanted to bring back something from my childhood that brought me joy, and adopting a zoo animal seemed like a great way to do that. I had my mind set on a North American River Otter, my favorite animal, as the perfect adoption. But once I started looking at the list, I decided that adopting an endangered animal might make more of a difference…and that list was long too.

Then I clicked on the Big Cat Country list and there it was…the cheetah. Have you all read Untamed by Glennon Doyle because you should. In the prologue, Glennon and her family visit a zoo and watch the “Cheetah Run,” which ends up not being all that exciting and a little sad. And it leads into many more beautiful chapters about questioning your cages and your wildness and just…go read it.

So, I am now a proud Zoo Parent once again of a badass cheetah. And yes, I shelled out enough for the fancy fact sheet.

That’s two more off the 40 by 40 list! I have a couple more in the works and am excited to document those. Until then, what zoo animal would you adopt and why?

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40 by 40 About Me The Journey

We’re on the Road…to 40

May 30, 2020

I truly cannot believe over two years have passed since the last post here. Thinking about it, sometimes it seems like yesterday and in other ways, it feels like an eternity. The world we live in is so incredibly different but also faces so many of the same struggles that have plagued it for centuries.

There are many things I want to write about and a commitment I’ve made recently is to write more…here, in one of my many random notebooks or anywhere that’s available when thoughts strike. I’ve never claimed to be a prolific writer, but it feels nice to get thoughts out of my head and captured somewhere.

Somehow, I’m also getting closer and closer to turning 40 (something about how we get older every day?), and I recently decided during a fantastic webcast by Kim Becking that a great way to push myself would be a new list…you know I freaking love a list. Kim’s mention of her 50 by 50 list had me instantly thinking of things I’d like to accomplish over the next two and a half or so years I have before turning 40.

Many ideas came to me pretty quickly, and I also pulled out my Life List to see what I could include on the 40 by 40 list. The thing is, it’s really hard to think of 40 things! I also kept the travel items on the list to a minimum because it’s so unclear right now how much travel will be possible in the near future. After consulting some of my friends and thinking for over a week, I finally had a full list of 40 things that I want to accomplish by January 2023. I’ll be documenting a lot of those things here and any twists and turns along the way. Not much else to do but share the list!

40 By 40 List

Write 40 Thank You letters to people who have made a big difference in my life.
Do another 5K (Completed 12.4.2022)
Go back to Zion National Park (Completed October 2022)
Redo my front yard (Completed 6.14.2022)
Reread Harry Potter (Completed May 2022)
Get a new mattress and bed (Completed 11.29.2020)
Hip Thrust 250 pounds
Sleep under the stars (Completed 10.29.22)
Write a short story
Host a Winter Solstice get-together (Completed 12.21.2022)
Finish organizing my home office
Do Yoga every day for a week (Completed November 2022)
Get a tattoo (Completed July 12, 2022)
Visit Elephant Rocks State Park (Completed 11.2021)
Work with a financial planner (Completed 3.2022)
Make pasta from scratch (Completed 11.2021)
Post on MakingMegan at least once a month (Completed 1.2023)
Walk or bike the entire MKT Trail
Make Bert Alyea’s Gingerbread Men at Christmas (Completed 12.23.22)
Sit on the board of a non-profit organization (Completed 10.28.2020)
Organize my books
Complete an embroidery project (Completed 1.2023)
Go to Amish Country with Julie
Spend a long weekend at The Elms (Completed August 2022)
Relearn Spanish (I’m already using Duolingo!)
Visit the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha (Completed May 14, 2022)
Learn a new card game (Completed November 2022)
Reread As I Lay Dying (Completed 10.12.2020)
Watch Casablanca (Completed 11.2021)
Volunteer at the Raptor Rehabilitation Project
Eat vegan for a week (Completed 1.2023)
Lord of the Rings Extended Editions marathon (Completed 8.30.2020)
Adopt a zoo animal (Completed 11.16.2020)
Buy a bike (Completed Summer 2020)
Have a skin check at a dermatologist (Completed 2.12.2021)
Reconnect with someone I lost touch with
Clean out all the things still at my mom’s house (Completed July 2022)
Try acupuncture, cryotherapy or floating (or all three!) (Completed 9.16 & 9.17.2021)
Make a 40 accomplishments list and post (Completed 1.2023)
Create a 50 by 50 list (Completed 1.2023)

So there it is. I’m so excited to get started on checking things off my list and to enjoy the process of each of them. I hope you’ll come along with me and maybe even make a list of your own? Let’s do amazing things together.

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Minimalism The Journey

Taking the Time

April 24, 2018

So I haven’t written since September…yikes! That was so not my intention when I started up this site…but sometimes you have to take some time. Time to figure out what you want your life to look like. And I spent these past few months doing a lot of that.

As a result, I’ve found myself committed to a life with less. Less stuff, less worry, less me, less junk, less anger, less hustle. And I should have realized what would happen, but what I ended up with was…more. More time, more reading, more kindness, more sleep, more time to just think, more calm, more feeling like me.

I’d like to say I started small, but I didn’t. One night, I hauled every single piece of clothing I own out of my room and threw it on my couch. And I told myself I wasn’t going to bed until I had gone through every piece. So I did. Nine bag of clothes to give away later, I hauled the 15% of my clothes I had left back into my room and pretty much tossed them onto the closet floor. Not a super graceful start, but it lit a fire under me.

In which I go all in on my wardrobe. Clockwise from top…what I started with, my end pile, bags of donations.

A few weeks later, I did the same with everything in my bathroom. EVERYTHING. Makeup samples, weird headbands, five-year-old lotion (gross) and more all went in the trash, and now I actually know where things are when I need them.

I’m going to do a whole big post on how I decluttered the entire lower level of my house (upper level better look out!) soon, but I did those couple of tasks first. Then I read The More of Less by Joshua Becker, which was a great way to get me inspired and frame decluttering as a way to the way of life I want. And you sure can borrow the book from me! Then his 12-week Uncluttered course started just after the new year and I jumped in with both feet. It got me in the ruthless mindset I needed to make my space what I’ve always wanted it to be.

Now that the decluttering has settled down a bit, I’m excited to start writing here again. I’ve written down a bunch of post ideas that range from books to travel, decluttering to fitness and the journey of trying to take better care of my mind and body. Lest you think I’ve been spending my time solely being introspective, I’ve also gotten addicted to the My Favorite Murder podcast, been enjoying my new car, visited my most favorite family in Oregon, dyed my hair a few different colors, went to see the Avett Brothers twice in Louisville for my birthday, attended my beloved True/False Film Fest and wore these beauties at the St. Louis Botanic Garden Glow.

In the end, I’m thrilled to be back. Here’s to the more of less. And more of Making Megan.

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About Me The Journey

Wandering/Wondering Wednesday

September 27, 2017

When I haven’t been on an airplane for awhile, I get a little antsy. The travel bug is very, very real. My last trip, to the southwest in April, was one of the best of my life. The completely stunning scenery in Nevada, Utah and Arizona had me marveling more and more with each mile I drove (over 1300 of them!) and it was incredible how different the landscape was as I moved from place to place.

Now as the year moves into fall (how did it get to be the end of September already?), I find my mind drifting to where exactly I may want to wander in 2018. One of my big goals with my quest to get healthier is to have the ability to be more active when I travel, so I definitely want to embrace and plan around that goal. Each year, I like to do one ‘big’ trip and I think next year will be no different, but I’d also like to sprinkle in a few more trips throughout that will take me to new places.

Our country and our world are such huge places that it’s hard to even start narrowing down the destinations that are at the top of my list. But just like any other traveler, I want to hear about other people’s trips and favorite places. So, I’m throwing it out to you all…where in the world can I absolutely not miss? Why is it so amazing? When is the best time to go? To jumpstart, here are a few places on my shortlist for next year…

-Nebraska (no, I’ve never been)

-London

-Banff National Park

-Austria

–Another Uncruise

-Minneapolis (I’ve only sprinted through the airport)

-Spain

-Toronto

-Glacier National Park

Been to any of these? Anywhere I’m missing? Tell me in the comments! And happy wandering.

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