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About the Author

Meghan Kinsey, Newburyport Councillor At-Large, is a highly energetic woman with a passion for all things Newburyport. Her infatuation with the City began as a new mom with time on her hands and a knack for getting involved. She joined the Newburyport Mothers Club (now the Greater Newburyport Mother and Families Club) and served two terms as President. Her proudest accomplishment, apart from raising her three young sons, is serving as chairperson for The Port Pride Community Building Project. Port Pride is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization committed to the idea of making Newburyport a better place to live by encouraging community wide involvement. Meghan has also written a health and wellness column entitled Diaper Diaries for the Anna Jaques Hospital website and currently serves on the Hospital’s Perinatal Committee and Community Benefits Advisory Committee. In addition (!) Meghan also teaches barre at Rasamaya in Newburyport and serves as the Community Engagement Director for the Greater Newburyport YMCA.

You are here: Home / Columnists / Life Lessons and Putting Yourself ‘Out There’ in Newburyport

Life Lessons and Putting Yourself ‘Out There’ in Newburyport

Posted byMeghan Kinsey

the debateI threw myself into the proverbial ring back in the spring when I “pulled papers” to run for  a City Councilor At-Large position.

Quickly I found a deep respect for anyone who decides to run for or wins an elected office.

There is a certain intestinal fortitude one needs to partake in such a ring.

And when the said ring has the nickname “Cannibal City”, you best have packed your big girl panties and have brought along some Imodium AD for the ride.

After attending a recent leadership conference, I learned that one of the most challenging and often soul-breaking components of any leadership role is vulnerability.

The speaker, Dr. Brene Brown, explained that if you find yourself serving as a leader, whether you are hired into it, have naturally risen into it, or have been elected into it, you will always have moments of choice – a choice between comfort or courage – a choice to be vulnerable.

I wasn’t sure I could really relate at the moment I sat there listening to her. But I sure can tell you I understand now….and I am just in the campaign stage of this trip through leadership!  Holy crap, can you overdose on Imodium A.D.?

I have learned something though.  A big something and an important something that will surely lend itself to me throughout my life, whether I gain a seat on our city’s council or not.  And it is this….stepping outside your comfort zone and allowing yourself to be vulnerable is very uncomfortable.

Very.

It wakes you up at night.  It makes you slightly ill.  But it makes you stronger and makes you have faith.  It makes you cling to your partner and your maker.  It makes you thankful for all the solid people in your life and their words of encouragement.  It makes you live in the moment.  And those are good things.

So I chose to be courageous and walk forward into vulnerability.  If that is what makes one a good leader (and I don’t like doing things halfway) then I’ll put one foot in front of the other and go for it.

Suppose we will just see if I need to take buy stock in Imodium A.D. on the 5th.

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Editor’s note:   No more Imodium AD needed.  Meghan deservedly won her City Council seat this week. We hope she inspires other thoughtful and courageous mothers and citizens to run for office.

 

 

 

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