Reader Spotlight — May 2025

Megan's Journey Through Uncertainty, Motherhood, and Entrepreneurship

The recent dismantling of USAID has sent shockwaves across the international development sector, impacting the lives of many vulnerable communities who depend on lifesaving assistance, but also leading to job loss for numerous dedicated individuals who strive to make the world a more just and equitable place. The erasure of USAID and the reshaping of international development have created very real challenges for those in the sector, extending far beyond just a story in the news.

Having dedicated nearly a decade to international development, witnessing its erosion in just two weeks was emotionally gutting. Facing the threat to my own livelihood, I also watched as close friends, former colleagues, and peers were furloughed or terminated from their positions, all while navigating the false narratives circulating about USAID's global impact.

While WokenHeart is a space for inspiration and celebration, it's equally a space to shed light on life's challenges, adversity, and hardships. Therefore, for WokenHeart's May Reader Spotlight, I wanted to be sure to highlight someone who is navigating this very real uncertainty—my dear friend Megan Humphrey, whose strength, grace, and creativity have been a constant source of inspiration. Beyond celebrating the incredible human she is, Megan's story touches on a universal experience: navigating uncertainty during times of significant change.

I first met Megan early in my career while working for a prominent USAID contractor, and was instantly drawn to her gentle and warm nature, which made even the most nervous newcomers feel at ease, a sentiment our former colleagues would undoubtedly share. With her innate big sister energy, evident as the oldest of three, I've long admired Megan's resourcefulness, endless generosity, and inspiring vulnerability. Her story offers valuable lessons on navigating chaotic times, a theme particularly relevant given recent events. Through her experience, we will explore how she's navigating career uncertainty while managing her small business, Magic Moments by Meg, where she makes potion play kits and play dough kits for children, and embracing motherhood.

To gain a deeper understanding of how Megan is navigating this significant transition, I reached out to her with a few questions. Here’s what she shared:

Navigating the Uncertainty

The recent USAID layoffs have impacted many. Can you share a bit about your experience and initial reaction?

"Jumping right into the hard questions, huh? Witnessing the dismantling of USAID has been heartbreaking for me and so many others who have dedicated our lives to this career field. This has also devastated the lives of so many people in countries where USAID's operations abruptly stopped.

I built my career on working within the international development sector, specifically with USAID, and had just moved into my dream job at the end of 2023, working in a technical role on gender equality and social inclusion. I felt like I was finally getting into a groove within my new role when the industry came crashing down, and I was laid off. It's really hard to express the significance of this to people outside of this industry, because it's not just losing your job, but it's having your entire career ripped away from you and being forced to pivot to something different. Seeing this happen to all of your colleagues also has an unsettling impact."

Where did you find strength and support during this transition? Were there any particular people or practices that were especially helpful?

"My colleagues throughout my career have been a huge source of strength during this transition. While I hate that this is happening to so many of us, there's been some strange sort of comfort in knowing that we are all in this together and that we are all equally enraged."

"I've implemented some really small practices to help get me through the days and instill normalcy. I have a few minor things I do every morning to start the day—make the bed, drink coffee with a good book, and empty dishwasher—just simple routines to set the stage for the day. I've also been brain dumping all my anxieties into a to-do list on my phone, then choosing no more than three items for that day. If I get to more than three, great! But having a small, achievable to-do list has helped keep me out of overwhelm while keeping me moving forward. I'm not always great at this, so my good friend Dina has been my accountability partner. We often send each other voice notes in the morning, stating our top three tasks, then follow up at the end of the day. This accountability has been really helpful, as it can be easy to get overwhelmed and shut down."

It's truly inspiring to witness how Megan is approaching such a significant career shift. Her focus on small, manageable routines and the power of an accountability partner highlights practical strategies for navigating overwhelming times. But as Megan mentioned, life has more than one facet, and amidst this professional transition, she's also channeling her energy into a creative and fulfilling endeavor.

The Inspiration Behind Magic Moments by Meg

Magic Moments by Meg, a side business born from Megan’s desire to entertain her daughter with engaging and independent play while also serving as a creative outlet. She crafts unique potion, play dough, and sensory kits designed for children aged 3-10, which encourage imagination, hands-on learning, sensory exploration, fine motor skills, problem-solving, concentration, and even STEM principles. Inspired by her own positive experience using these kits to keep her daughter occupied during busy times, Megan aims to share these helpful and fun activities with other parents.

In more detail, what inspired you to start Magic Moments by Meg?

"Having served as a Special Education Volunteer in the Peace Corps and working with children with disabilities before, I understand the importance of sensory play for children's development. I've always been crafty, so I'd regularly create different sensory play kits for my daughter. Seeing a friend's daughter enjoy potion kits and mud kitchen play, and noticing how entertained my own daughter was with play dough kits, led me to think this could be a fun creative outlet to do with my daughter while also bringing in extra income and serving a larger purpose by providing engaging activities for other parents' kids."

Has the recent career shift impacted your approach or focus with your small business? If so, how?

"While I'm still figuring out my career shift and looking for full-time work, this shift has allowed me to invest more time into my business and really strategize about what areas I want to focus on growing. A few things I'm focused on this year are getting my product into stores and being more present at markets in my area."

Megan's passion for sensory play and her entrepreneurial spirit shine brightly through Magic Moments by Meg. It's a beautiful example of how challenges can sometimes open doors to new and meaningful paths, allowing individuals to blend their skills and passions in innovative ways. And speaking of passions, Megan's role as a mother deeply influences her perspective on everything she does.

Motherhood, Self-Care, and Grace

How has becoming a mother changed your perspective on your own well-being and self-care? What does "wellness as a mom" look like for you?

"Becoming a mom completely rocked my notion of self-care and well-being. I knew it would be hard, but oof! In full transparency, I was also diagnosed with ADHD about 3 years after my daughter was born. It was something I always struggled with, but it became apparent when I was juggling motherhood and a full-time career during the pandemic. That diagnosis really shifted my understanding of well-being and self-care as an ADHD mom. I started working with my brain instead of against it, incorporating little routines that worked for me, lowering the bar on overwhelming days, and allowing myself to do what felt good. Frequent dance parties have become a regular occurrence in our house."

"Throughout my journey as a mom, I've leaned into 'you can't pour from an empty cup.' As cliché as it is, it's so true. There's this notion that the best mothers put everyone else first and themselves last. But at the end of the day, am I my best self or the best mom when my needs are last? Absolutely not. It takes practice and a supportive village, but take the time to prioritize what fills your cup. It's also so important to show our children that we deserve space for ourselves, too."

What advice would you offer to other active moms who are trying to balance work, personal passions, and motherhood?

"My first piece of advice is to give yourself grace. We're all human, learning together in this journey. And frankly, this world, especially the US, isn't set up to truly support working mothers, but that's a whole other topic! Honestly, though, for the first three years after my daughter's birth, I felt like I was just surviving in a cycle of burnout. I constantly felt like I was falling short somewhere—excelling at work, but my house was a mess and I missed precious time with my daughter; or nailing parenting that week and finally doing laundry, but slacking at work. The more I talked to other moms, the more I realized we were all feeling the same way. Lean into the chaos and imperfection, and focus on what truly matters.

Also, outsource what you can, and don't feel guilty. If you have the financial means, hire a housekeeper or a mommy's helper to entertain the kids while you get things done. Get your lawn guy to tackle those garden beds you haven't had time for. If those things aren't financially feasible, don't hesitate to ask your village for help. It's uncomfortable at first, but you'll be amazed at what happens when you lean into that discomfort and rely on the people who are meant to support you."

Megan's honest reflections on motherhood, self-care, and the importance of giving yourself grace are incredibly relatable and valuable. Her insights remind us that prioritizing our well-being is not selfish but essential, especially when juggling the demands of career, business, and family.

In conclusion, Megan's story is a powerful testament to resilience, adaptability, and the importance of finding strength in community and within ourselves. Despite facing unexpected career changes, she continues to embrace life with grace, creativity, and a deep commitment to her family and passions. Her journey reminds us that even during times of uncertainty, it's possible to find light, purpose, and new beginnings. Thank you, Megan, for sharing your WokenHeart with us!

Do you have a story you'd like to share with the WokenHeart community? I'd love to hear about your challenges, triumphs, and moments of personal growth. Send me your story, and you might be featured in our next Reader Spotlight!