Three years ago, I worked on my own little project, one I revitalize every so often–a Women of Excellence Portfolio. I saw women out in the community who gave glimpses of lives lived in full-on intention. Maybe it was the way they greeted a stranger, or the way they smiled through struggle, or how unrushed they seemed. Whatever the pearl I saw, I invited them to the portfolio and a coffee conversation.

Meghan Breinig was in my December 2023 “Merry & Bright” portfolio.

I still remember the effect of our conversation. Spending time with Meghan is to spend time in the space of someone who lets you be yourself. Immediately. No pretense. Just real.

Our conversation was sprinkled with emotion, because life’s perspective is often attached to moments of great depth and great feeling.

After seeing her shared photo of the moment she was sworn in as a Sumner County Board of Education member representing District 8, I knew Meghan’s answers to my questions back in 2023 needed to be shared again.

So, here you go.

Pretend you’ve grabbed a cup of coffee and are sitting at the worn wooden table with us. Coffee house chatter is buzzing, but we’ve grabbed a quiet corner. 

Advice to her younger self:

“Be more open. I tend to take in a lot of information, make a decision and stick with it. I've learned that new information doesn't mean I have to be on the defensive. I can experience growth professionally, individually, and within my community. It's so easy to get stuck. Too often we wrap our identity around our opinions, so when our opinion is challenged, we feel our identity is. I want to be about people over principles.”

Advice to her peers:

“This season of life tends to be so busy that it can be hard to step outside what feels immediate. Making room for what gives you life, energy, motivation, helps you in every aspect of your life.”

So pull out that journal, grab those paintbrushes, or sit in a quiet car for a few minutes of think time. (What’s your go-to life-giving activity?)

What she loves most about serving her community:

“My whole life has been about connecting and serving my community. I naturally gravitate towards giving back, whether it's volunteering at church or other non-profits. When we come together as a community to honor and serve one another, it makes us all stronger. Serving allows me to connect with people I may not have met yet. I get to represent my faith by being the hands and feet of Jesus. Service also fosters a world where we make people (not profit or principles) a priority. That allows us to live in a kinder, gentler world. I want that for my kids.”

Check out this related article: Sumner County Mom Launches StoryRoot to Inspire Lifelong Readers

Nominate someone for our Community Spotlight feature by emailing Sarah.

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