Protecting Your Best Self: Megan Albertson on Boundaries, Identity, and Joy

How do you protect your best self in a world that demands more, faster, now? In this episode of Work is Third, host Dawn Hunter sits down with public health leader and joyful disruptor Megan Albertson for a rich, funny, and heartfelt conversation about what it means to live a purpose-driven life and why your boundaries are sacred. 

From spiritual practices and morning rituals to an exploration of grief and identity, Megan offers a generous, no-nonsense look at how we can all rethink work, joy, and what really matters. The discussion also touches on the systemic issues inhealthcare and the need for universal healthcare, emphasizing the importance of relationships and understanding in policy-making. 

Whether you're looking for inspiration on living in the present or simply searching for a better rhythm, this episode is your permission slip to pause, laugh, assert your boundaries, and reclaim your joy. 

 

Keywords

Work, Boundaries, Spirituality, Creativity, Gratitude, Identity, Community, Healthcare, Personal Growth, Life Balance

 

📌Episode Chapters/Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction and Setting the Tone

01:20 - Exploring Spiritual Practices and Daily Balance

04:12 - Creative Expression and Its Importance

08:36 - The Role of Goals and Aspirations

13:10 - Gratitude and Living in the Present

17:51 - Navigating Loss and Personal Growth

19:53 - Identity and Community in a Queer Context

25:25 - Work, Purpose, and the Distinction Between Job and Work

28:00 - The Essence of Work and Life Balance

28:24 - Reflections on Death and Meaningful Living

30:07 - Understanding Boundaries in Work

34:38 - The Importance of Energy Flow and Work Quality

37:53 - Challenging Traditional Work Norms

40:49 - The Flaws of Large Healthcare Systems

43:17 - The Need for Universal Healthcare

45:24 - Building Relationships Beyond Politics

48:49 - Personal Stories and Boundary Lessons

49:45 - The Importance of Self-Care

 

💬 Quotes to hold on to

• “The work is not the job. The job is how I get paid. The work is my calling.”

• “If it’s still going to be there tomorrow, I’m not doing it tonight.”
• “My best hours are for me. Get out of here.”
• “There is even liberation in rejecting the right answer to the wrong question.”
• "Living in the present fosters gratitude and joy."

🔗 Important Links

• Passage Meditation
• Viral Podcast: History. Health. Humor.
• The FrameWorks Institute
• The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron

Let’s Stay Connected

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📬 Subscribe to The Better Boundaries Brief @ www.thedawnlab.com

📸 Instagram: @workisthirdlife