“Life is not always easy, but I do desire to encourage everyone to find what brings them peace and calm, and to remind people that we all have gifts and talents to share that make this world a better place!” ~ Meagan Justus

I was introduced to Meagan Justus by a college friend who told me that, “she’s on a quest to live her best life, one stubborn health challenge at a time.”

Meagan experienced the first symptoms of her illness when she was about 7 years old.  As she reached the latter years of high school, her illness became profoundly challenging and by college it was apparent her condition was chronic.  Not only did her health struggles make college unmanageable, these trials thwarted her dream of graduating with degrees in psychology and human resources.  

Her doctors exhausted every diagnostic avenue, ruling out all known diseases. After confirming they were facing a genuinely undiagnosed condition, they submitted applications to both the Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN) and Vanderbilt's Potocsnak Center for Undiagnosed and Rare Disorders. These specialized research programs offer advanced testing that is not commercially available, with the hope of finally identifying and naming the specific disease affecting her.

She spent about a decade working various jobs in the insurance industry.  In 2004, her medical condition took her out of work.   In the 21 years since, she has been unable to return to a traditional working environment.

During our Zoom conversation to prepare for this interview, Meagan talked about the importance of finding ways to have a sense of purpose when you are unable to do traditional work.

Meagan is all about focusing on what she can do.  She volunteers.  She writes cards to people, reminding them that they matter.  She finds and encourages people who are just beginning their journeys with chronic illness to keep going.  She writes articles on her experiences.

It’s true, the conditions Meagan finds herself having  to navigate are immensely challenging.  At the same time, she truly does have determination, drive and hope.  

Considering that our lives might not always feel all that abundant, I thought it was important to have someone on Awkwardly Awesome Podcast who can inspire us to do our best in whatever circumstances we find ourselves.  As Meagan exemplifies, there’re so many ways to find purpose, to be of service, and to spread joy. 

_______________________________________________

**Video broadcast available** on YouTube @imperfectbest

**Learn more about Jason Freeman** at AwkwardlyAwesome.com