#getmerry

We are excited to be recording this episode in a brand new space, in Emma’s new home. In this episode, we chat about budgeting over the holiday season and how not to blow your budget. As business owners, we’ve gone through this journey of having lots of cash and then nothing, so through the ups and downs, we’ve become very good at budgeting for our business. And for our lives.This is what we spoke about during the episodeYou have to be realistic about how much you can spend and how much you can save. Awareness is important.We don’t have a credit card. The cons outweigh the pros.Spend less than you make.Whether you have a business or a salary, aim to have a financial buffer in your bank. 3 months, 6 months, 1 year of salary or expenses. Know where your money is going, check-in and reevaluate what’s necessary and what’s not. Cashflow forecasts are really great tools to monitor your income vs. expenses.Make it a goal to bring up the money subject with your partner.Seek therapy when money impacts your mental

In this episode, we share a practice that will bring you into the present moment. It's a breathwork technique that will create a sense of calm. It will help you let go of stress and anxiety. This practice is a Pranayama technique which translates to life force control. Most people think that it's breath control but actually "prana" is like an energy force that lives within and around the body that moves in, out and through each other. It's important to flush this energy.Let us know how you enjoy this breathwork technique! It's important to not be driving or operating any machinery while doing the breathwork. This is what we spoke about during the episodeMany pranayama techniques are designed to calm and ground, while some create heat and invigorate the body.Alternate nostril breathing is an example of a calming and balancing practice.Sama Vritti, also known as equal breath or box breathing is another example that welcomes a sense of calm and peace.Kapalabathi breath or skull-shining breath, where you do

This episode is inspired by one of Ingrid Fetell Lee's Instagram Stories talking about cool being the opposite of joy. It's a fun chat, a random chat! It will help you reflect on what actions stop you from feeling joy.This is what we spoke about during the episodeBeing cool is taking away all your awkward, quirky parts and stealing so much joy. You don't want to be too loud and have that weird laugh, so you quiet down.When we accept ourselves, we also stop judging others.A joy-filled life is being you. It's being authentic.When you don't accept yourself, are you being present? Are you truly enjoying ANY moment?Judgment can also be the opposite of joy.Presence is a key to joy. Mindful practices can help train your brain to be more present.Step forward with your truth knowing that when you accept yourself, you'll find the right people to surround yourself with. You'll experience more presence and more joy.We would love to hear from you, send us an email to carla@themerrymakersisters.com or emma@themerrymak

In this episode, we chat about the 3 rules of success. This episode was inspired by Neil Gaiman's inspirational address to the University of Arts students of 2012. This is what we spoke about during the episode“I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes. Because if you are making mistakes, then you are doing something.” — Neil GaimanMake mistakes, try new things and realise that you don't have complete control over the outcome.Through mistakes and hardships, we learn so much about ourselves and life itself.Figure out what success feels and looks like to you. It's realising that success is much more than a monetary figure.Success does not equal your bank account or anything that you own.Enjoy your journey! What's the point of success if you're not enjoying the journey?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 Checklis

If you throw out your scales after listening to this episode. Let us know!Can you believe we started it in 2015! If you've been listening for a while now, you'd know that we have a long history of dieting. Quitting dieting was one of the best decisions we've ever made. In this episode, we share 5 ways to quit dieting.This is what we spoke about during the episodeDiet culture keeps us small and solely focused on how we look. There's so much more to life than this.Throw the scales away. You don't need to weigh yourself every day. Your weight fluctuates in the seasons of life.Unfollow people who make you feel like you need to transform your body in some kind of way. Stop body checking, you know that habit of checking the mirror to see if you're thinner or bigger.Allow yourself to feel. It's not about ignoring the feelings that come up around your weight, food and dieting. It's more about being aware and knowing that these thoughts are not forever. And acknowledging that your weight does not define you. 

Do you often doubt yourself and feel like you're not good enough? We chat about 5 ways to let go of self-doubt, they're all simple.This is what we spoke about during the episodeStop comparing yourself to other people or to the perfect version of yourself or to your past self. Letting go of this habit will change your life in the most amazing ways.Zoom out! Take a bird's eye view, don't zoom in on that little thing that you're having self-doubt about.Tell yourself positive affirmations they don't need to be wanky, what about "I've got this!"Do something every day that makes you feel accomplished. It could be as simple as making your bed every day or practising your meditation.When in doubt, phone a friend, get a high-five from your bestie. Use friendship and support from others else to help you see past self-doubt.Pop this toolbox of ways to overcome self-doubt in your back pocket. We would love to hear from you, send us an email to carla@themerrymakersisters.com or emma@themerrymakersisters.com or message us

Are you stuck in a rut? How do you get out? Similar to last week's podcast episode... just reminding you all that you can change. So if you are feeling blah, flat and in a rut... tune in, it's time to get you out of that rut!This is what we spoke about during the episodeAccording to Oxford Languages, a rut is a habit or pattern of behaviour that has become dull and unproductive but is hard to change.Ruts aren't necessarily a long-time thing. Sometimes, ruts come in moments in your day.We think the best way to get out of that funky rut feeling is to move and shake up your body. Literally, jump and dance around to your fave song. If you're stuck in a job that you hate, check in with what you can add or subtract to make it better.Change is hard and scary but it's the ultimate shake-up of ruts and can make a 180-degree life turn.Adding a new goal or something else to focus on helps alleviate your original rut situation. Like a 50 day Yoga Challenge.Talk to a friend about your rut, do something fun and creati

In this episode, we chat about the magic of newness. This was inspired by the progress we've been making on our teacher training manual for our very first MerryBody Teacher Training next year. If you're feeling a little stuck and bored with everything, tune in.This is what we spoke about during the episodeWhen the day-to-day becomes monotonous, it's easy to feel bored and lose that zest for life.Have you started anything new lately? Have you been curious about something and then dived in deeper?We reference the amazing book series (again!), My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante.The attachment tto the ROI (return on investment). But what if the return on the investment was simply the newness of the experience?When you're young, you can develop these strong opinions of yourself. But you're not stuck there. You can make changes.Check out Irene Messias's amazing sculptures and art over here. Check out Damiano's work over here.Check in with yourself when was the last thing you did or brought into your life. Is it

We just got back from a Gold Coast Business Week event where we heard an amazing speaker, Michael McQueen. One thing really stuck with us, it was along the lines of staying humble and hungry. He was talking in reference to business and trends but it also applies to life in general.This is what we spoke about during the episodeHow being humble and hungry is the perfect combination of personality traits.Humility is the ability to view yourself accurately as an individual with talents, as well as flaws while being void of arrogance and low self-esteem. It's getting rid of your ego and welcoming self-acceptance.What it means to be hungry, is to be a driver of change. It's not the hustle culture.Hone in on your hunger. Do one thing at once and do it well, and then move on to the next thing.Don't do the same things over and over again. Remember that we're all the same. No one is better than or below you. Don't be afraid to suck, be a beginner and ask for help.We hope that these two words "humble and hungry" in

Where are you spending your time and how are you living your life? How many times have you wished to be thinner, smarter, funnier, prettier, richer?In this episode, we chat about the practice of self-acceptance and how important it is in our everyday lives.This is what we spoke about during the episodeThinking you are not good enough, not smart enough, not pretty enough, not tall enough, not thin enough or whatever not enough is a waste of your time.It's fine to compare and have these goals you see on social media, but you need to step towards them. Don't just stay where you are and be depressed about not having something.If you want to tick off a goal, do it but also check in with your reasons why you want to get to that goal.Check in why do you want to take the steps towards losing weight. Is it because of societal pressures or for health reasons?When you're less uptight and not robotic with the way you diet, you enjoy it more. Dieting sucks!Self-acceptance is a celebration of who we are, what we look like

We had a week off from podcasting, Mum and Dad were up from Canberra. We were busy wedding dress shopping, real estate shopping (well, driving around Gold Coast showing them different areas) , eating lots of great food and all the beach walks.Time is our most precious resource, especially time with the people we love, right?But have you ever stopped to realise that your phone is often getting in the way of real life? It really is the biggest distraction.This is what we spoke about during the episodeWe're missing potential connections and conversations because of these devices. We're disconnecting from ourselves and people.People are consuming content and ideas but we're not allowing ourselves to contemplate and think our own thoughts.  Check in with yourself and bring awareness to every time you pick your phone up.Create boundaries with your devices. If you're a parent (good luck hehe), we have no idea, but we've heard it's more about being an example for the kids. It's a good time to self-refl

A good pair of swimmers that you love will create more joy in your life because they are a tool to help you enjoy the beach (or pool, or other water activity). In this episode we chat about the dread of going swimwear shopping. This episode will inspire you to move through the situation of hating swimwear shopping, so you can have more fun!This is what we spoke about during the episodeClothing can be an extension of who you are and it can make you feel different. So, what makes you feel good?Who are you dressing for? Just because it's in fashion and on trend, doesn't mean you have to buy them. If you don't like them, there's plenty of other options.Bring along a supportive friend or companion who knows your history of anxiety and negative relationship with your self-image.You don't need to change our body to fit a certain trend or to fit a certain time. Your body isn't designed to fit jeans; jeans are designed to fit you.Do not look at the size of the clothes because every brand is completely different.S

If you find yourself forever competing with your friendship group, this episode is for you.The chat was inspired by the book, My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante, a story revolved around the friendship and rivalry between 2 girls growing up in post WWII Naples. The themes in the book are relatable, even though I grew up in Australia in the 1990s and 2000s. I remember feeling rejected with sense of competition between friends. Feeling lonely, like an outcast. The jealousy and the worry of what others think. Not only a fantastic, can’t put it down kinda read, it inspires reflection of your own life.No wonder this book series (yes there are 3 more books to read) is so popular.This is what we spoke about during the episodeYou can be competitive with each other but still, want each other to succeed.Competition can create suffering. Having an ally over a competitor is just a more joyful way to live. When you help each other, it’s a productive relationship.Reflect and check in, what’s your sense of compe

Do you suffer from low self-esteem and have a habit of running a constant self-hating monologue in your mind, this episode is for you. This chat was inspired by our previous episodes about how to stop talking about dieting and the epidemic of body image anxiety.In this episode, we talk about HOW to overcome negative body image and self-criticism. How do we stop our constant self-criticism and this negative view of ourselves?This is what we spoke about during the episodeAwareness is the first step. You need to acknowledge that you have a negative self-image. Having the intention that you want to make a change is step two. Then, you take action.How do we become self-aware? Be honest with yourself and acknowledge that sometimes you do need to make changes.Many people think that dieting is the answer to the problem of self-hate. It's like, you hate yourself then you have this bright idea that if you go on a diet and lose weight and then you'll love yourself. It's all conditional love!The philosophy of Yoga t

Your best friend is on a new diet and they’re telling you about it, maybe they’re even trying to convince you to try it. But you’ve recently set the intention to STOP dieting.You realise the massive impact Diet Culture has had on your life. Maybe it led to constant self-criticism or disorderly eating?How do we deal with this better? What do you do when your friends won’t stop talking about diets?This is what we spoke about during the episodeDiet culture allows and inspires people to put themselves in harm so they can look a certain way and it’s time to say, NO, no more!Step away, walk away and leave the conversation the quickest, easiest way.Change the subject. Have a story ready for you to interject when you’re stuck in this conversation of diet culture.Be open and honest to them that you’re not talking about diet anymore because of XYZ. Make them aware that you’re not into diet culture but do it with kindness and not anger. Maybe send them an article about body acceptance and make them feel like they h

We took a break last week because there has been so much going on! The most exciting news is that Carla got engaged two weeks ago. Yay! In this episode, we chat all things weddings and marriage.Weddings are beautiful celebrations of love, but are they really necessary? Are wedding's just about the big, fat diamond? Enjoy this sister chat, there was no plan, no research. We know many podcasts a beautifully produced, this one is not. Apologies for mispronunciations, faulty statistics and terrible googling.This is what we spoke about during the episodeWeddings are great economic drivers. If you want to and have the ability to spend that much money on one day, go for it.Originally, the purpose of marriage was to bind men and women to produce legitimate offspring. Romantic huh!  What does marriage and a wedding mean to you? Is it actually something you want?Carla (the younger sister) got engaged before Emma (the older sister) and we do not give a damn.The concept of Epicureanism is finding pleasure in si

The quote from Steve Martin, “Thankfully, persistence is a great substitute for talent.”, reminded us of the conversations we've been having as we get towards our 10th year of business. We never really felt especially talented in any particular field. We were never number one at anything. But we did well in everything that we did because we were persistent, we showed up, we were enthusiastic, and we did the work.This is what we spoke about during the episodeWhen you're trying to do something and it doesn't happen in the time that you expected it to happen, you can either quit or keep going.When should you give up or when you should pivot?It's hard work getting to the point of where you want to be, as well as maintaining it and going to the next level. You gotta have that resilient mindset to go through the hard times.A lesson from Yoga, detachment, teaches us to keep striving and reaching for our goals but know that wherever we end up going, that's where we're meant to be going and that the real treasure is i

In this short and sweet episode, our goal is to get you feeling motivated to exercise. Right now, we are in Canberra (Australia), in the middle of winter. It's freezing and a whole lot more difficult to exercise in Canberra compared to the Gold Coast! We feel the excuses creeping in, but we know if we don't move, we will feel terrible. So, we share simple tactics on how to get motivated to exercise. If you are struggling to get into a rhythm of consistent exercise, tune in!This is what we spoke about during the episodeAfter you wake up and put your coffee on, just move. You don't have to change into your leggings and crop tops. Whatever you're wearing, whether it's 50 layers, pajamas or bed socks, this is why online home workouts are great!We need to change the narrative that's going on in the mind. If you're really struggling to exercise, come up with your own mantra that resonates with you.Make doable micro goals. Even if all you have is five minutes to exercise, that's better than nothing. Leave

We read an article this week from the ABC Radio National about the epidemic of body image anxiety. Philosopher and author Heather Widdows says that "we've gone from beauty being one thing we care about to being almost defining of who we are. Societal pressure leads to image obsession."Body image anxiety has been a big part of our lives. With Carla starting her first diet at age 11, Emma developed bulimia from ages 17-23. We always had this belief that our bodies were not good enough. We felt that social pressure for years. We're so grateful for the work we've done to be here, at a place of self-acceptance. We discuss the above article and talk about how we moved through our body image anxiety. This is what we spoke about during the episodeBody image issues are more apparent because we love in a connected and more visual culture. The influence of social media leads to unhealthy comparisons. Ageism and the obsession with youth. Let's embrace our changing faces and acknowledge the utter privilege

To welcome something new into your life you need to take regular consistent action toward it. But how do you create new habits that stick? You can't just do something once and then expect to receive all the benefits. Change happens over time. Change happens with new habits. This is what we spoke about during the episodeFind joy in the new habit.If-when-then plan. Work out a time, a place and an anchor for the new habit. As Carla says "sandwich your habit into your current life".  Get an understanding of how you learn best. Audio, visual or doing?Think of a habit you already stick to. Now realise you can transfer this to another habit.Monitor your habits in a non-obsessive way such as marking your calendar, having an accountability group, or ticking off your to-do list.Don't be too hard on yourself. Remember you're human, you might fail, skip a session or feel like you go backwards even! Don't dwell on the past, focus on the next step.Know that you can create change and welcome new habits.I