DeW Dish: Maggie Augustyn

In Print Issues by Anne Duffy

What ignites your sense of injustice?

I’m a Libra with an overtly sensitive palate for what is and isn’t fair, right and honorable in the world. Dealing with narcissistic and selfish people is very difficult for me. Sometimes it seems like they make the world spin in the opposite direction. 

Who has been the most influential woman in your life?

Hands down: my grandmother and my mother. Kind, loving, selfless women. They worked tirelessly their entire lives, never complaining. Though recently, I’ve met strong women like Victoria Peterson, Grace Yum Zimmerman, Anne Duffy and Lani Grass (the list goes on and on) who have been brave enough to follow and fulfill their aspirations. It’s made dreaming easier for me. I’m less afraid to dream big. Bigger than big, even. 

How do you measure your success?

Not the way I should. I still seem to use the misguided societal rubric of what I’ve amassed materialistically. Happy to say, though, that the tide is turning. I, now, focus on “flow,” “peace” and living up to my newly self-appointed mission and purpose. 

What obstacles have you overcome in your life?

Learning to navigate life with mental illness: the dark force attempting to keep me down. 

What do you do to turn around a bad day?

I remind myself of the fact that (I believe) all people do the best they can with what they have. 

What “DeW” leaders do?

Life is about people and relationships. DeW leaders cultivate those with support for others. They listen, encourage and mentor. 

They are playing your theme song as you walk on stage. Name that tune!

“This is Me!” from the Greatest Showman 

What is your favorite place on earth?

Hawaii and on the couch between Scott, Ally and Coco 

What is the best part of your job?

I feel like I’m supposed to say “the people” or “relationships.” However, as a true introvert, dentistry itself is my favorite. With loops on, inside the mouth, I’m in flow. The rest of the world doesn’t exist. It truly is my happy place. 

What is your favorite Indoor/Outdoor Activity?

Stand-up paddle boarding and bike riding in a place surrounded by trees. 

What does balance look like?

Being able to live in the moment with no guilt about the past and no anxiety about the future. Being able to breathe slowly and deeply. Finding gratitude and peace. Being true to yourself. Having the courage to say “no” when appropriate. Spending most of your days in flow.