#getmerry

This week's episode is inspired by our own story of Hofstadter's Law which is the idea that everything takes longer than you think it's going to take, even when you know it's going to take longer than you expect it to take. The episode is filled with kick-in-butt motivation, so if you've been thinking about starting a project or stepping towards a dream, THIS episode is for you!This is what we spoke about during the episode Once you realise everything takes longer than you think it does, sometimes it stops you from even starting. Embrace the fact that time will pass anyway. Jump in and do it (even if the project takes a while)!Hofstadter's Law gives you a bit of breathing space.If we went according to our original plan for our MerryBody Teacher Training, we would have been finished. But then, we realised we needed more time. And, then more ideas came! So although it's taking longer, it's a better product.Easy does not mean better. Sometimes the hard moments are actually the really beautiful moments.Estée

In this Get Merry podcast episode, we delve into this month's MerryBody theme which is, self-reflection.“People who have had little self-reflection live life in a huge reality blind-spot.” — Bryant McGillThis is what we spoke about during the episodeSelf-reflection is a way to understand ourselves, how we interact with the life around us, and how we learn to do better.Self-reflection is a place where judgment should not exist. Rather than judgment, go in with acceptance front of mind.There are certain Yoga poses inside the MerryBody App, such as forward folds, that really invite self-reflection and going inwards. You're gazing inward on yourself, you're forward folding toward yourself and getting to know you.Where is the time for self-reflection and how do we make time for this? We listened to the Founders podcast episode about Brunello Cucinelli and how he would spend hours and hours in contemplation.Practising Yoga is a method to go inwards and can help you realise your morals and ethics.Self-reflectio

How can you avoid falling into the trap of constantly comparing yourself to your competitors? How can you ensure that the presence of competition doesn't stop you? Even for those who don't run a business, it's easy to feel this competitive mindset and to let it get you down. How do we not let it get us down?!This is what we spoke about during the episodeWhenever we catch ourselves in that competition mindset, we remember the lesson we learnt from Joshua Rosenthal (founder of IIN). Look sideways. You are me, I am you, and we are one. No one is above you. No one is below you. We're all the same.Awareness is the first step to not get stuck. You need to have the awareness to then go ahead and make a change.Looking at your competition is not necessarily a bad idea. Get inspiration from other people and learn from them.Look at your business and take note of your differentiation. How are you different to the competition? What do you do that's different to them? Or what do you not do?Define what success means to you

Is it time to stop being so mean to yourself? Instead, is it time to be... kind and compassionate? And perhaps is it even time to believe in yourself?This is what we spoke about during the episode"Remember, you have been criticising yourself for years and it hasn't worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens." — Louise L. HayAs human beings, it's normal to have a negative bias. Until you have awareness of your thoughts and realise which ones to keep and let go of, it will remain like that.Yoga and Meditation bring awareness to your thoughts. When you feel uncomfortable, it usually means you're growing and it's a good thing.One of the key themes of Yoga is compassion, not just for others but also for yourself.Accepting yourself exactly as you are, right here, right now, is a practice of self compassion.Be kind to yourself along this journey aka life.If you loved this episode, we would love to hear from you, send us an email to carla@themerrymakersisters.com or emma@themerrymakersisters.com or m

This episode was inspired by an interview with Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age when he said “Confidence Breeds Confidence and Panic Breeds Panic”. Not a band we listen to often (Damiano’s style of music) but wow, we just really loved this statement and could relate. We notice when one of us feels quite stressed and anxious about work, it can be easy to ‘catch’ that feeling. And it works vice versa when one of us is feeling confident about work… it’s catchable. What happens when we bring awareness to this? This is what we spoke about during the episodeTaking action is the ultimate way to overcome ‘stuckness’ and panic.Sometimes you need to have the confidence to just take the next step. And then everything changes.How we decide to do something is just as important as doing the thing. Detaching to the end goal can help you enjoy the journey.We need to accept our current situation in order to change it.While we’re in acceptance phase, let’s look at everything we’ve already created

In this episode, we share the exact morning ritual that we do every single day. It's very simple and not complicated. You don't have to do it and you can make your own.This is what we spoke about during the episodeA daily ritual is a way of saying, "I'm voting for myself; I'm taking care of myself." Mariel HemingwayWhy having a daily ritual is important. These small things that we do every day actually make a big difference.What we love about our morning rituals is that we can be flexible with them.If having a ritual leads to attachment, then it can lead to resentment and to feeling like it is a chore. We understand you are busy. You have a big list. But can you make sure you are on your priority list?If you're looking for some kind of ritual but you're unsure where to begin, stream our FREE Mood Lifter Fusion class. It's a combination of Yoga and Pilates. It's the ultimate class to put you in a good mood.If you loved this episode, we would love to hear from you, send us an email to carla@themerryma

We chat about the common experience of not feeling good enough. It's a feeling of insecurity and the idea of not being where you should be. This feeling is often accompanied by constant comparison to others or even a comparison to the invented perfect version of yourself. Can you relate? Do you ever feel not good enough?This is what we spoke about during the episodeQuiet down the voice telling you that you're not good enough, turn up the volume of your cheerleader.It's normal to question yourself. We feel it, too. Don't beat yourself up and always lead with compassion.When you're feeling not good enough, it means that you are saying yes to something you've never done before, you're pushing your boundaries and you're stepping outside of the norm.  If you loved this episode, we would love to hear from you, send us an email to carla@themerrymakersisters.com or emma@themerrymakersisters.com or message us on our Facebook and Instagram accounts @themerrymakersisters.Download our FREE Self Care C

In this week's episode, we talk about a simple yet effective activity that is often overlooked in the midst of fancy workout fads and expensive gyms.We're talking about... walking!This is what we spoke about during the episodeDespite the new workout fads and fancy gyms or studios, walking can serve as both a physical and mental health tool.The concept of the "hot girl walk" originated on TikTok and Instagram as a way of sharing mental health walks (apparently... Emma just thought it meant you dress up for the morning walk, haha, ooops)If you don't really like working out or going to the gym, try walking!Walking can also be a way to socialize with your partner or friends.  Based on studies, the faster you walk, the longer you may live. The faster you walk, the younger biological age you are.In the MerryBody app, there is a Walking Wonder Meditation where Carla guides you on a mindful walk. You can start the 7-day trial and do that.If you loved this episode, we would love to hear from you, send us an

It's been a month since we published a brand new episode. We've been busy, but we're excited to be back! In this episode, we give you a short update on all that's been going on, PLUS we dive deep into our Yoga Teacher Training.This is what we spoke about during the episodeA very short run down of Carla's wedding. It was magical! The most perfect day!The wedding photos are delayed because our photo-videographer has a more critical job to do, finish our Yoga Teacher Training videos (haha).We didn't start with the video creation until we got approval from the International Yoga Alliance.This project has been MASSIVE and amazing. Our first-ever cohort begins on the 27th of May and we already have 28 people joining us. We discuss our biggest learning from this huge project.Why we created the Yoga Teacher Training.If you loved this episode, we would love to hear from you, send us an email to carla@themerrymakersisters.com or emma@themerrymakersisters.com or message us on our Facebook and Instagram account

Can you live with self-acceptance and also care about what you look like? Of course you can! But it can get a little confusing!We grew up filled with self-doubt, we hated what we looked like and took drastic action to change. If we had not changed our mindset about our looks, we'd still be feeling unhappy and probably booking in for botox every 3 months. But maybe there's nothing wrong with that? We discuss this and more!This is what we spoke about during the episodeCan we live with self-acceptance and still care about our looks? When does it become unhealthy?Any surgery is a risk.Just because you're on a self acceptance journey doesn't guarantee that you'll always be self-accepting. It's easy to fall back into judgment, insecurity, and self-doubt.It's okay to care about what you look like and take action, whether it's getting a facial, an LED light, getting your hair done, waxing or botox. But it's a good idea to think about it and ask yourself why and who it's for. And perhaps do more research (haha).If you

In this episode, we chat about sharing your story publicly. If you struggle with anxiety and nerves when speaking and sharing your story, this episode is for you! Whether you're getting interviewed on a podcast or on national TV. Or maybe it's networking at a business conference or social event. This episode is highly actionable and we're sure you'll feel more confident for your next speaking opportunity.This is what we spoke about during the episodeCommunication, conversation, and relationship building are important in every single field.There are simple ways to prepare yourself for any situation.Prepare yourself. Have insight and something in your back pocket, do not go into an event or interview opportunity with zero information.Be educational, entertaining and interesting.Any media is an opportunity for you to get free advertising and if you have your key messages, it can lead to an amazing outcome.Bring in a story to get your point across or weave your key messages through story. People connect and

Is judgement actually just insecurity? When you put someone else down, out loud or in your mind, is it just a reflection of your insecurities? We chat about this and so much more! Tune in!This is what we spoke about during the episodeJudgment is part of our lives, especially the judgment of women's bodies.Is it human nature to be judgmental? Is all judgment rude? Discussions! In our previous episode 258: Negative body image, interview with clinical psychologist Miriam Emad, Miriam talked about how we label things based on past experiences and put them into boxes within our brain.Some people are just mean and insecure that they want to make you feel bad and put you down in order to feel good about themselves.Judgment is also a necessary survival tool.Awareness of who you're hurting (including yourself) and then deciding to stop being so judgmental. If you loved this episode, we would love to hear from you, send us an email to carla@themerrymakersisters.com or emma@themerrymakersisters.com or message

At Carla's recent Hen Parties (yes... there were 2!) everyone wrote a piece of advice regarding marriage and relationships. A common thread was about keeping your individual selves within the marriage. It's quite easy to lose yourself in a relationship, married or not! We chat on this topic and more.This is what we spoke about during the episodeWhen Joel and I started dating five years ago, I definitely lost myself in the beginning. The book Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés completely changed my life and how I approach my relationship.It's a lot easier to keep your individual self when you have a really strong sense of yourself.Why setting boundaries and prioritising the relationship with yourself is important.Don't wait for the relationship, do all the things alone.What to do if you have lost yourself?If you loved this episode, we would love to hear from you, send us an email to carla@themerrymakersisters.com or emma@themerrymakersisters.com or message us on our Facebook and Instagram

In this episode, we chat about the dance between self-acceptance, striving and having ambition. How can we strive for excellence and still practice self-acceptance without suffering?This is what we spoke about during the episodeSelf-acceptance is not complacency. It's not 'not striving'. It's trying your best but not beating yourself up when you fall short or don't achieve your goal.Self-acceptance reduces so much suffering and judgment of self and of others. It's not a reason to stop trying.If we release the expectation and the attachment to the outcome, we can still strive for the joy of the work.As you get older, you start to realise that it's not the big things in life. It is the day to day stuff that really adds up to the life.You can forget the magic of life if you get carried away by end goals and obsessed with material things.Instead of getting so caught up in our work, end goals, and in the forever striving, how about we be grateful and make time for the people and the things we love?We would love to

Do you lack confidence? In this episode, we chat about confidence and ideas on how to build it.This is what we spoke about during the episodeGrowing up, I used to lack confidence. I was afraid of even the tiniest criticism and forever felt like people would laugh at me.Carla, on the other hand, was more confident. It wasn't until her late teens that she started to worry about what people thought of her.Having the confidence to be yourself means showing up as you.Knowledge of the ego helps you get out of self-doubt it helps you build confidence. We'll talk a lot more about this in our yoga teacher training.Discussing our inner thoughts and experiences helps us gain confidence. Allow feedback and constructive criticism.Reflect on your accomplishments through journaling or telling a friend.Say yes to something you've never done before.Speak and present in front of people, and ask questions.Confidence is a topic we love to talk about. If you take on one of these action steps, let us know. We would love to hear fr

In this episode, we chat about the 10 minute workout which we're massive fans of.Yes, the 10 minute workout can and will change your life in many, many ways.This is what we spoke about during the episodeWe used to believe with all our hearts, minds that if you did not do at least a one-hour workout, there was absolutely no point.We have to lose the idea that workouts have to be a certain amount of time and that they have to leave you feeling depleted, tired, dripping in sweat and in pain.Emily May, our expert trainer and resident Naturopath within our MerryBody yoga teacher training, emphasised how HIIT workouts can do more harm than good.Diet culture never taught us about the benefits of exercise; we were only taught it's a tool to lose weight. Can we let go of that single focused goal of losing weight and instead realise that 10 minutes of exercise is helping your body?Don't work for a summer body, work for your old person body.We go through a bunch of ideas for your 10 minute workouts. Also, check out our

In this episode, we're talking about planning, organisation and budgeting. How we do it individually and together with our business.This is what we spoke about during the episodeWhen we first started MerryBody, it was very overwhelming. As time passed, we systemised MerryBody and outsourced a lot of our tasks. Having MerryBody already systemised and process-driven allowed space to create our new project, the yoga teacher training program.Outline your first 5 steps and the next steps become clearer.Set a date for when you're going to do the steps.How Emma and Damiano planned their trip to Italy, and how Carla and Joel planned their wedding.We love spreadsheets.As soon as the money hits your accounts, save some.We would love to hear from you, send us an email to carla@themerrymakersisters.com or emma@themerrymakersisters.com or message us on our Facebook and Instagram accounts @themerrymakersisters.Download our FREE Self Care Checklist and you’ll find 50 brand new ideas to practice self-care.Always me

One of our MerryBody members, Rebecca, messaged us with questions about taking the leap. The leap to quit your job and start a business. In this episode, we chat about our business journey and offer advice on this topic. After ten years of business, we have learnt a thing or two! If you're looking for advice on quitting your job, this episode is for you!This is what we spoke about during the episodeIn our early 20s, we realised that life wasn't just about work. We highly recommend watching the documentary Finding Joe.Our business is passion-driven, in that we love what we're sharing and creating. When we stop feeling that bliss or experiencing that joy and passion, we pivot and make a change.Mindset is your biggest tool when it comes to business.No formula or guide will work exactly the same in your situation. But of course, these guides, people and experts are there to help, motivate and inspire.How did we begin our business? From posting our journey on Carla's Instagram to blogging to coming up with th

February is the actual start of the year right? Well, this is our official first episode of 2023. In this episode we chat, the new house, 7 weeks in Italy (omgosh it was amazing) and Carla’s upcoming wedding!This is what we spoke about during the episodeWe are now recording in Emma’s new home. Moving house was very stressful but I’m excited to not be in rentals anymore. Yay!Four weeks after moving in, Damiano and I were off to Italy for seven weeks. For me, it was a much-needed break from that whole moving house situation. And wow was it a beautiful adventure! While in Italy, food anxiety came up but only for a few moments here and there. It felt like it was the final healing from my old way of thinking and my very toxic relationship with food, diet and exercise.Consistent and conscious practice of self-acceptance and gratitude really works. It allowed me to experience one of the most beautiful things (the Italian way of life!). I talk more about this! All our practices within MerryBody, meditation,

New Year is a great time to create a goal, actually, any time of the year is!However, the diet culture New Year messages suck.And no doubt, you've already been bombarded with endless New Year diet messages. Messages about bikini body challenges, 12-week quick fixes or transformation challenges.This year, is it time to say No more New Year diets? Because crash diets are designed for weight loss, they're not designed for health! Do we need to say it louder?This is what we spoke about during the episodeWhat if we did put on weight over the holidays? Does it matter? Do we need to feel crap about it? Or just accept it?Our bodies can fluctuate weights. And so?Practising self-acceptance is like a muscle, the more you do it, the easier it becomes.“We can't hate ourselves into a version of ourselves we can love.” — Lori Deschene. Real change comes from acceptance.Your weight doesn't define your health. We'll remind you again and again!There are other ways to maintain a happy, healthy life, and healthy mind.Check out w