We recently had the chance to connect with Meg Atteberry and have shared our conversation below.
Meg, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
I recently took my toddler into a slot canyon for the first time. We spent the summer getting her skills ready to handle the environment. She was ready. But the weather had other plans. It rained a good amount prior to when we went in. We figured it would be a little wet and muddy, but we completely under-estimated the amount of mud and water. We laughed quite a bit splashing through the canyon and getting really muddy. I was worried she would be very upset, but she actually enjoyed it. Lots of laughs and certainly proud of our little adventure family.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Meg Atteberry, a long-time content creator and ex-professional writer for the outdoors. My big focus is to empower women and LGBTQ folks to get outside and go on the adventure they have always dreamed of.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I spent a lot of my life feeling like I had to hide who I truly was. I couldn’t understand my real identity because I always felt the need to mask. Make myself smaller. Be more agreeable. Do the things everyone else did and take those steps.
But through the outdoors and the community I built around what I enjoyed doing, I learned I can step into my most authentic self. Be loud. Proud. And unapologetically me.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You are who you really feel you are. You don’t need to follow the rules society has put out for you. Wear what you want. Be who want. And you are someone worth loving.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
People are hyper-focused on consumerism in all forms. There’s a tool that will make your life simple. There’s a product for your problems. There’s always a way to be more efficient.
What if we instead focused on less. In the words of Mies van der Rohe “less is more.”
The answer isn’t more apps, products, tools, etc. The answer is less. Put the phone down. Connect with what’s around you. Reuse what you have. Find calm in simplicity.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel the most at peace when my body is active out in nature. I find that’s the easiest way for my mind to quiet. I hone in. Focus. And see a new world where I can clearly see what really matters. And that’s something I really want to help more people experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.foxintheforest.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megintheforest/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@megintheforestoutdoors
