Thanks for sharing this Meghan. I admire you so much for the way you are able to look back at this time and treat little Meghan with all the kindness and gentleness she deserves - it’s not always easy to give ourselves the compassion we deserve in times like these. Your story has definitely been a good reminder of how important it is to give ourselves and others a bit more grace as we move through the world. This is a story I needed to read right now so thank you for the honesty, perspective, and inspiration.
Isn't it funny how it's so much easier to treat your former self with compassions, versus your current self? I agree with you wholeheartedly, i'd like to extened that same kindness to myself and others today, especially going thorugh what we are all experiencing!
Meghan, I love this, I love you, and I love that you left my family and went out and tackled the world, even though my selfish self wanted to keep you forever with us. Proud of you! Stacy (aka your boss🥰)
Thank you so much for this Meghan. As someone that stood beside you on that stage, and yet had no idea, I can relate to so much of what you said. Many wonderful things came from my experiences in pageantry, but many often unspoken insecurities as well. Thank you for speaking your truth!
Thank you for your kind words! Pageants are a mixed bag experience, and I alwyas wonder how much differently I would have thought about my time at Miss Florida had I been in a better mental state. Either way, I'm thanksful for the connections with so many talented, inspiring women (like you!)
Beautiful, beautiful essay. Thank you for writing it.
Also, the screen reading photographer just made me realize how much I miss creepily looking over people's shoulders on the train. This kind of art is riiiiiight up my alley and I read every last text in those photos.
Thank you for sharing this Meghan. This is such a beautiful and relatable essay.
A quote that felt particularly powerful to me was:
“...it was also the exact sort of thing I lived for: a clear cut task to focus all of my energy on, one that had the potential to make me feel legitimized if it ended my way”
Although being a pageant girl is such a specific and unique experience, you’ve managed to make me feel included in these emotions and problems.
You have a dynamic and compelling way with words that never shies away from truth and depth. Thanks as always for making Thursday’s a bit brighter with that.
What a generous and beautiful comment to wet my eyes on a Thursday — thank you for your words, and thank you for reading.
I've always thought of life as the most simple when there is a clear, achievable goal in front of my face. I think it's why so many of us struggle in that strange period after college when we no longer have grades or marks to legitimize us... I'm still actively trying to move away from that mindset!
Thanks for sharing this Meghan. I admire you so much for the way you are able to look back at this time and treat little Meghan with all the kindness and gentleness she deserves - it’s not always easy to give ourselves the compassion we deserve in times like these. Your story has definitely been a good reminder of how important it is to give ourselves and others a bit more grace as we move through the world. This is a story I needed to read right now so thank you for the honesty, perspective, and inspiration.
Isn't it funny how it's so much easier to treat your former self with compassions, versus your current self? I agree with you wholeheartedly, i'd like to extened that same kindness to myself and others today, especially going thorugh what we are all experiencing!
Meghan, I love this, I love you, and I love that you left my family and went out and tackled the world, even though my selfish self wanted to keep you forever with us. Proud of you! Stacy (aka your boss🥰)
I love you back!
Thank you so much for this Meghan. As someone that stood beside you on that stage, and yet had no idea, I can relate to so much of what you said. Many wonderful things came from my experiences in pageantry, but many often unspoken insecurities as well. Thank you for speaking your truth!
Thank you for your kind words! Pageants are a mixed bag experience, and I alwyas wonder how much differently I would have thought about my time at Miss Florida had I been in a better mental state. Either way, I'm thanksful for the connections with so many talented, inspiring women (like you!)
Beautiful, beautiful essay. Thank you for writing it.
Also, the screen reading photographer just made me realize how much I miss creepily looking over people's shoulders on the train. This kind of art is riiiiiight up my alley and I read every last text in those photos.
I do it ALL THE TIME.. the only thing I miss about riding the sardine packed J train to work in the mornings is looking at other peoples phones!
Thank you for sharing this Meghan. This is such a beautiful and relatable essay.
A quote that felt particularly powerful to me was:
“...it was also the exact sort of thing I lived for: a clear cut task to focus all of my energy on, one that had the potential to make me feel legitimized if it ended my way”
Although being a pageant girl is such a specific and unique experience, you’ve managed to make me feel included in these emotions and problems.
You have a dynamic and compelling way with words that never shies away from truth and depth. Thanks as always for making Thursday’s a bit brighter with that.
What a generous and beautiful comment to wet my eyes on a Thursday — thank you for your words, and thank you for reading.
I've always thought of life as the most simple when there is a clear, achievable goal in front of my face. I think it's why so many of us struggle in that strange period after college when we no longer have grades or marks to legitimize us... I'm still actively trying to move away from that mindset!