We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Megan Fenyoe. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Megan below.
Alright, Megan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
Over the last few years, I’ve really come to understand what the word “vulnerable” truly means for me. To be vulnerable is going out- side of my proverbial comfort zone—sharing the struggles and the hardships that I’ve had in my life. Why? Because what I’ve learned is that people really resonant with others who are authentic. We all have struggles. We all have hardships. If my story can make a difference in just one person’s life, then I say bring it! Bring on the uncomfortable-nerve-racking-butterflies-in-my-stomach type of feelings.
In 2016, while working full time in a hospital, I began to feel this nudging in my soul to do something more with my life, but I couldn’t figure out what that something was. I was feeling stuck and lost. I began a network marketing business, as well as a private mental health practice—all while working full time at the hospital. I thought that being busy was the nudging feeling, but little did I know, I was running away from the pain and heartache I was enduring.
Although I am an LCSW, I also know first hand how difficult it can be when life seems to be crumbling around a person and how negative thoughts can control every area of one’s life. I understand how difficult it can be at times just to get out of bed in the morning. Feeling lost, alone, confused, and scared. My personal journey through countless disappointments and defeats began early in childhood, and continued even while writing my book.
I was able to finally put a name to those nudging feelings. I made the decision to take a job transfer, which required me to move from Northern California to San Diego. Again, I thought this was what my heart and soul wanted; yet once I arrived in San Diego, I was feeling even more restless. I quickly learned that what I truly wanted was to get out of my J-O-B and out of the monotonous cycle of a 10-12 hour shift in a hospital. I wanted to own my life and my schedule. I wanted to work for myself by changing lives, not by changing the life of the person I was working for. I was tired of making money for the CEOs. I wanted to be the CEO—the CEO of my life.
The decision was quickly made for me in September 2017 (a few short months after moving to San Diego) when my job status changed involuntarily. I found myself with no job and no more six-figure salary. The stability I had for so many years was just ripped away. I was left with nothing, except for my network marketing business, which I was truly grateful for.
I looked at “losing” as my defeat. I’ve never lost a job until this. I found myself playing the victim role, but now as I sit here and write this book, losing my job was the best thing that could’ve ever happened to me. I could’ve easily found another high paying, stable, and full time job, but instead I took a leap of faith in order to pursue my dreams!
In 2018 I began my mental health private practice and over the last 5 years I have built an amazing practice, wrote 2 best selling books, started a nonprofit and also began my independent Travel Agent business. I havent looked back since!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am an Air Force Veteran, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Therapist (LCSW), TEDx Speaker, 2x Best Selling Author, Founder and CEO of the international I AM ENOUGH movement which is a 501c(3) Non-Profit Organization and an Independent Travel Agent.
I am an Amazon Best Selling Author of 2 books: You Are Enough: 5 Steps To Move From Struggle To Strength and You Are Perfectly Imperfect: 3 Steps To Unapologetically Owning Who You Are and is a contributing author in the best-selling book The Duality of the Modern Woman.
I have been featured on over 200 media outlets including SiriusXM Radio the Jenny McCarthy show, San Diego KUSI News, NBC Wood TV 8 , and National Association of Social Worker’s Podcast
I have gone through many struggles throughout my life which included being involved in a narcissistic abusive marriage. I was left traumatized and this is when I began questioning if I was enough. For many years I was living a life without meaning and purpose.
My life began to change when I finally said yes to me and walked away from the abuse. I have successfully transformed every area of my life and I am now a living a vibrant, beautiful life. A life where where I truly believe I am enough.
My passion and purpose is to help you (1) build confidence, (2) find clarity in getting what you truly want in life (3) get inspired to take action towards building the life of your dreams, and (4) empower you to believe you are enough!
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Morning routines are so important when it comes to succeeding in any field. In my 1st book I share some examples that can help you jump start your mornings, including how to immediately have more energy, how to have more clarity and awareness, and how to reduce stress and anxiety. Some examples are:
1. Breathing. Sit comfortably with your back straight. Count 1-2-3-4 while taking a deep breath in, then counting 1-2- 3-4 when breathing out. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Do this 10-15 times.
2. Fuel your body. Drink three full glasses of water.
3. Gratitude. Simply close your eyes. Put your hand on your heart, and visualize 3-5 things/people you are grateful for. Another option is to write a gratitude list in your journal.
4. Practice affirmations and positive self-talk. Start by following one simple rule: don’t say anything to yourself that you wouldn’t say to anyone else. Be gentle and encouraging with yourself. If a negative thought enters your mind, evaluate it rationally, and respond with affirmations of what is good about you. Think about things you’re thankful for in your life.
5. Manifestation. Make a dedication for the day. This could be an emotional state you want to bring forth within you (courage, love, patience, gratitude) or a higher intention for the 24 hours ahead of you (to show kindness, face fears, or focus on your goals). Refer to the Questions to Empower Your Day in the appendix section of this book for more ideas on how to manifest each day!
6. Love energy. Write an acronym or symbol for your daily dedication on the back of your hand, or put it as your phone screensaver using an app like Word Swag or A Beautiful Mess. It will serve as your gentle reminder throughout the day to stay on track, and to not get lost down rabbit holes that don’t match who you are or your vision for your dream life.
A while back, I ran across a story about Jim Carrey, the famous comedic actor. In a blog post in Neatorama.com, the author wrote about how Jim was a broke and struggling thespian once upon a time, so he took a blank check and made it out to himself. He wrote it in the amount of $10 million. He dated it 10 years from that moment. Each day he looked at his “trigger card” and knew that he would achieve his goal. In a decade, he was earning more than $10 million.
In the same way, you can use numerous things as your “trigger card.” Making a trigger card is one of the best ways that has made a profound difference in my life. I’m able to interpret negative, toxic thoughts and to get back on track towards achieving my biggest goals at the moment.
As Anthony Robbins once said, “Begin to live as though your prayers are already answered.”
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Anything from Brene Brown! She has been a mentor of mine for so many years (although she doesn’t know me personally…it is on my bucket list to meet her one day!). Brene’s teachings of vulnerability, authenticity and empathy literally have changed my life personally and professionally. I have learned that it is ok to be authentically me and unapologetically own who I am.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://meganfenyoe.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megan.fenyoe/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mfenyoe
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYwomP9TRvbuNQTlXgzuJCQ
- Travel Agent Website: meganfenyoe.inteletravel.com
- Instagram Travel Agent: @trustedtravelbymegan I AM ENOUGH movement Nonprofit Website: http://iamenoughmovement.info