Diva of the Week – Meagan Herring, OD, FAAO, CHHP
Ambassador - Virtual Chapter
The featured Diva for this week is Dr. Meagan Herring. Read the feature to discover why Meagan truly believes that power is in the journey and not the destination.
1. Tell us a little bit about you?
I was born and raised just outside of Toronto, Canada but have lived in Florida, Maryland, North Carolina and now California with my husband and our sons, 7 and 4 years. Since moving to the West coast in 2017 with the Coast Guard, we have enjoyed so many adventures together including camping, hiking, and exploring our beautiful national parks.
This summer we will embark on our most epic adventure yet: a transfer to Kodiak, Alaska! I am excited for our family to camp and see the sights along the Pacific coast in our new RV that we manifested.
I have an innate passion for holistic wellness, mindfulness and fitness. In optometry school, I trained for my first marathon and triathlon (a challenge from my peers) and worked as a group exercise instructor on campus. After graduation, I coached CrossFit, competed in local competitions and organized paleo challenges while consulting with nutrition clients. It was during this time I developed a love for helping others to become the best version of themselves.
To release stress, I enjoy trail running, being in nature, meditating, deep breathing, brain-dumping, reading, eating chocolate, practicing yoga and spending time with my boys. Mental health is so important but unfortunately is the most neglected area of wellness. Just like nutrition and movement, stress management should be at the forefront of our wellness routines.
2. What made you decide to become in Optometrist?
I have always had the desire to work in healthcare but didn’t want to attend medical school. I attended an intro to optometry meeting at my undergraduate school (University of Waterloo) where I first learned of the work-life balance and the freedom optometry could offer, and I was hooked. I am grateful for this choice because I enjoy that life-balance everyday. I get to work part-time and be at home part-time with my sons. I love the freedom our profession offers without having to be on call or work late hours into the night.
3. What Optometry school did you go to?
NOVA Southeastern University College of Optometry
4. Where do you currently practice?
Rocklin, CA
5. Do you offer any specialty services in your practice?
Myopia management and ocular nutrition and wellness.
6. Name 1 to 3 hurdles you personally faced in your career and how did you overcome them?
Relocating with the military has also kept me on my toes with state licensing - but not without obstacles! I’ve held four (going on five) optometry licenses since graduating in 2010. And each time we move, I am sad to leave my patients as I just get to know them and they me. Throw in a few extended maternity leaves in the mix and my first 10+ years into my career were not what I envisioned to say the least!
But the silver lining has been the opportunity to practice patience, flexibility and resilience as I’ve navigated being a new mom in a new place each time and gained an incredible amount of experience along the way.
I handled every situation by being honest with myself first, then by being present with each day that passed. I truly believe that power is in the journey and not the destination.
7. If you could go back to when you were a student, what advice would you give yourself?
Find an outlet for stress by doing something that brings you joy: run, hike, meditate, create art, sing, spend time with family/friends, laugh, etc. This will keep you grounded when stressors run high. Optimize sleep, (because pulling all-nighters may seem like a good idea at the time but in the long run have zero impact on academic performance and can even be detrimental to long term health.) Continue pursuing your fitness and wellness journey as it will pave the way for sustainable health habits later in life. Above all things, love yourself and honor where you are in your stage of life.
Do you have a product or side business you’d like for us to include in your feature?Â
The Mindful Optometrist blog and Instagram account has been a passion project of mine since 2020. I offer a modern holistic approach to mind, body and eye care that is rooted in science. In 2022, virtual holistic health coaching will be available to help clients better manage their stress in this digital age and to discover their own 20/happy. I would love for you to join in the community.
Please visit www.mindfuloptometrist.com to learn more.Â
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