The Meru Experience
By Meru Mentor
The Meru ExperienceOct 29, 2019
S3. E1. The True Cost of Debt
Understanding the true cost of debt can help to live a debt-free life.
Summary
Financial stress is difficult and impacts our emotional and physical state. Addressing the key points below are very important. These keys help add value long-term on how your view and handle to avoid your money stress/ issues.
- Understand the source of financial stress
- Know triggering emotions that make you spend
- Reduce Exposure to Advertisements
- Avoid Comparisons to Others
for more information and details on this subject go to https://yoursavingspro.com/the-true-cost-of-debt
S2. E14. Inspired to Inspire with Elizabeth Greever
It is fascinating to know that we all have a gift to share. Some take action to share with others and some don't. In this episode, I chat with Elizabeth Greever. She is someone who I can call the queen of "Inspired to Inspire" in our community.
Elizabeth left her teaching job to start a business but quickly learned to leverage other people's stories. She started "Inspired Leaders" to help others to believe in themselves. She invites people to be vulnerable at the stage at their comfort level to share that anything we do in life does not just come easy. All successful people have adverse stories behind their success. She continues to evolve in her journey to spread "Inspiration" wherever she goes. Inspiration is always needed. Follow the YouTube channel where they post all the speaker's presentations.
Thank you for tuning in. Connect with me at meru@yoursavingspro.com if you have any questions.
S2. E13. Do we miss mental toughness to reach a goal?
In this episode, I interview one of my dear friends Valerie Maksym. She motivates me to stay on track with my health. As Valerie says: "What we do every single day adds up". Reaching a goal is possible one day at a time.
Valerie's top tips are to be mindful and have an accountability partner, be open to learning from peers. We don't know what we don't know and it is never late to find a passion. Her tough bodybuilding competition process taught her that we as humans learn in the process towards our goals and we never arrive at one place but continue to grow.
Thank you for tuning in. Connect with me at meru@yoursavingspro.com if you have any questions.
S2. E12. Have you done a 90 days or any challenge to learn new skills?
In this episode, a friend of mine Laura and I discuss our experiences around accountability and consistency to grow while challenging each other to do things outside of our comfort zone. We both have the heart to help others and during the process, we help one another.
We are learning a lot during our 90 days challenge where we agreed to do a tip a day video. Tune in to listen to our conversation and we call you to join the challenge. Why 90 days? because it takes that long to get used to new skills and things we learn to sustain longer-term.
Find someone who can help you reach goals, especially in the areas you feel uncomfortable doing it alone but really want to learn. Laura and I actually met fairly recently, and we have been helping each other ever since. Most expect close friends and families to help but it is best if you find new friends outside of your current circle to learn new skillsets.
Thank you for tuning in. Connect with me at meru@yoursavingspro.com if you have any questions.
S2. E11. Treat Your Money Relationship like any other, do you?
Do you treat your money relationship like any other? In this episode, the relationship with money is discussed between me and Sam Malone Radio Host and the owner of 512 New Media.
Apply relationship principles when managing your money.
- Practice mindfulness - Mindfulness is the art of giving active attention to the moment and not an easy task, but very useful.
- Recommit, every day - When it comes to money if you renew your commitments every day, that will situate people nicely for long-lasting financial success.
- Show love and respect - To your hard-earned money....stop betraying to temporary satisfaction.
Relationships come with ups and downs, the same goes for money...Don’t expect to be happy all the time because money is not everything just everything needs money. Know your bottom line because knowing your bottom line in terms of what is important to you, your top priority, what's important enough will help you to stay on track financially in everyday life.
Without clarity, it may lead to mismanaging your money while increasing the pain of your emotional debt. Don’t assume anything when it comes to money. Money loves clear communication and understanding like the relationships.
Thank you for tuning in. Connect with me at meru@yoursavingspro.com if you have any questions.
S2. E10. Love can be wonderful yet challenging, are you really prepared?
In this episode, Teresa DeFord and I discuss how to be better prepared for love. Personally, I know that love can turn ugly despite the wonderful beginnings. It is not just separation and/divorce, it also can mean the unexpected death of loved ones. Teresa who has practiced family law for over 24 years has great advice based on her experiences over the years working with many people.
Even though we are aware of "Don't cry over spilled milk". We end up being upset over situations that happen if it didn't go the way we expected or planned thus leaving ourselves in so much emotional debt and financial debt. So if you are prepared for love, you won't have to beat yourself up. No one knows what tomorrow brings but if we are prepared we have a higher chance of coming out of it in much better shape.
Thank you for tuning in. Connect with me at meru@yoursavingspro.com if you have any questions.
S2. E9. Choose YOUR easy to lead a Joyful and Wealthy Life.
In this episode, Mr. Nolen Davis shares his compelling story of how he turned his struggles into success. We need to hear such transformational stories especially during such times of unexpected pandemic happenings. Stories provide hope and motivate others to transform their lives.
Not only Nolen is the face of True Transformation in Financial Stability, he is also so involved in serving his community and supporting other people to grow and reach their dreams.
During our discussion, it was mentioned that "It is as EASY not to do something as much as it is EASY to do something". So choose YOUR EASY. You are the owner of your dreams and goals.
You can always connect with me at meru@yoursavingspro.com. Thank you for tuning in.
S2. E8. Sam Malone co-hosting to get down to the roots of Meru & Financial debt discussion
In this episode, Sam Malone is co-hosting to get down to the roots of Meru & Financial debt discussion.
I as "Your Savings Pro" have been investigating the roots of financial debt, and it is fascinating to see the patterns to why so many people struggle. There are many reasons depending on a person's circumstances but the majority of it tied to emotional debt. That keeps people in a comparison game (a.k.a. Keeping up with Kardashians) and more. Tune in to hear more...
I started my podcast as a hobby to just document my experiences but it is leading me to take it to the next level and help others more... I invest in my growth as part of my desire and journey to help others to lead a fulfilled life. A fulfilled life is RE-WRITING your story, your emotional, your money, your destiny...and re-write daily if needed depending on how deep your emotional debt is. I share my experiences to help you to bring your experiences alive. "Life is not glamorous every day but we can make it glamorous as we wish - Meru".
S2. E7. The importance of finding the value in your life.
In this episode, I share my candid conversation with Dawn Candy, who is a survivor of an abusive relationship. She shares how she got herself out of her situation by finding the value in her journey. Dawn was able to turn her life around by breaking the pattern of her life, and now happily married to her amazing husband that adores her so much.
I hope Dawn's story will inspire you to find your value in life if you are struggling right now. It is never late to turn your life around despite your situation. There is always light at the end of the tunnel, but you have to take steps towards getting there. Dawn's steps to finding the value are:
- Self Introspection
- Self Awareness
- Self Acceptance & Love
- and Gratitude.
S2. E6. "Storyworthy" - Empower Yourself Through The Power of Storytelling
In this episode, I really would love to introduce you to the book called "Storyworthy" and share my discussion with the author Matthew Dicks to inspire and motivate you to learn about storytelling to empower and lead a more fulfilled life. Through the Power of Storytelling people can change their life because it helps us change fundamentally. Stories help us heal, be grateful, and leave a legacy behind.
Matthew is a five-time storytelling competition (Moth GrandSLAM) winner and bestselling novelist. In "Storyworthy" he shows how to tell a great story and why doing so matters. In his book, the author presents wonderfully straightforward and engaging tips and techniques for constructing, telling, and polishing stories no matter how big or small your audience is. He shows that anyone can learn to be an appealing storyteller, that everyone has something “storyworthy” to express, and, perhaps most important that the act of creating and telling a tale is a powerful way of understanding and enhancing your own life.
S2. E5. Do you know where your Inner Brilliance is?
Do you know where your Inner Brilliance is? It is in your story. Start from there...if you are seeking for your purpose, fulfilled life that you deserve.
In this episode, I chat with Vernita Porter who decided to awaken herself to her fulfilled life using her life stories and people in her life... Ask yourself, what is your story? What people in your life can inspire you to shine your light? Keep in mind that your story is uniquely beautiful even if you may not think that. Learning to tell your story is a journey and skillset that will help you lead a fulfilled life.
You can find more information about The Meru Experience on https://themeruexperience.com/ page. Sign up to receive info about "The Meru Experience" happenings. Meru's goal is to help you stay motivated, loved, and believe in yourself.
S2. E4. Do you seek permission/approval for your actions?
What happens when we seek permission/approval from others? We avoid doing things that are important to us, we feel anxious about trying new things outside of our comfort zone, and get stuck worrying about what others might expect from us or even what we expect from ourselves. It also causes us to fear failing so much that we give up before we even start anything.
In this episode, I would like to introduce you to my friend Jane….Jane is an ordinary person like all of us…what makes her ordinary story unique??? Jane is 72 years old and despite her age, she still continues to learn and grow. Allowing herself to have many “Aha” moments in life thus leading the fulfilled life that she deserves.
You can find more information about The Meru Experience on https://themeruexperience.com/ page. Sign up to receive info about "The Meru Experience" happenings. Meru's goal is to help you stay motivated, loved, and believe in yourself.
S2. E3. Andrew's story - Are you living for destination or enjoying the journey?
In this episode…I am going to share Andrew’s story. I have met Andrew during his speaking engagements at the inspired leaders' event (https://www.inspiredleaders.org/). He was in a near-fatal accident riding his bike in April of 2015. As a result of the crash, he suffered a severe TBI (traumatic brain injury) and many more serious injuries that affected his life. He spent five weeks in a coma and has since experienced countless hours of rehabilitation. He had to adopt a new way of living, thinking, and reaching his goals as a husband, father, and a profession in his area.
Andrew works towards being "The best he can be" …an honest person, that grieves every day and tries to become the person he wants to be. Despite his feelings…of failure at his attempt what I can tell you that his determination to share and educate is going to make a huge difference in other people’s life.
Despite his challenges, he puts his best effort as he says “ this is my attempt to make my own STORYBOOK ending” …which is his way to overcome adversity. I believe we can all learn from his experience, at least walk away with one takeaway… check out Andrew's page at http://storybookending.org/about/ and help him share his story to give hope and inspire others.
You can find more information about The Meru Experience on https://themeruexperience.com/ page. Sign up to receive info about "The Meru Experience" happenings. Meru's goal is to help you stay motivated, loved, and believe in yourself.
Mentioned sources: https://www.verywellmind.com/top-ways-to-improve-your-brain-fitness-2224137
S2. E2. Transformation lessons with Angela
Transformation does not just happen, it takes desire and dedication. The results are rewarding so in this episode, I am discussing and sharing my experience with the life coach Angela Aja. You can learn more about Angela at https://www.angelaaja.com. Angela was part of my transformation journey as I have taken steps to find my fulfilled life.
You can find more information about The Meru Experience on https://themeruexperience.com/ page. Sign up to receive info about "The Meru Experience" happenings. Meru's goal is to help you stay motivated, loved, and believe in yourself.
S2. E1. Fulfilled Life is Yours! What are you waiting for?
We all have the same goals and desires in life which is to have a meaningful, fulfilled life. Throughout my life, as much as I was blessed in many ways, I also felt stuck, frustrated, and unfulfilled in my being. Life happened.......I came to the point of hopelessness...the position where you feel like running away from your life but can’t. At some point EVEN considering turning into depression medication... But I had to be honest with myself and find another way to be happy. SO I DID!!!
I realize that being unhappy was not just a "ME" problem so I have written the book "Currencies of life" in an effort to help others identify improvement potentials and maximize all areas of your existence. In my book, I reveal the true ownership of abundance and steps to how to get there to lead a debt-free life inside out. The steps that I incorporated in my life, transforming it from being unfulfilled to fulfilled in life. For more info go to https://themeruexperience.com/about-the-currencies-of-life/
In this episode, I have my dear friend Stacey as a Guest speaker. Stacey Jata, with "The Unmuted Life" belives that "Living an Unmuted life requires you to step out of the confines of your present and be brave enough get out of the box. Put fear in the corner and give faith center stage." You can learn more about Stacey at https://theunmutedlife.com/. Stacey helped me to get started with my podcast a year ago when I was seeking my fulfilled life.
You can find more information on https://themeruexperience.com/ page, sign up to receive info about "The Meru Experience" happenings. Meru's goal is to help you stay motivated, loved, and believe in yourself.
Episode #10 - Fear of dogs, what is your fear?
I went from being terrified of dogs to loving them, it is fascinating how your perspective changes when you see the other side of things. Tune in to hear my story.
I would love to hear your story:
- Are you afraid of dogs, or do you have any other phobia?
- What fear did you overcome?
Connect and Follow:
- Email: themeruexperience@gmail.com
- Via Social Media accounts Facebook and Instagram "The Meru Experience"
Episode #9 - Is the discussion surrounding death taboo for you?
Is the discussion surrounding death taboo for you?
Well…if you do, it may change in the future….as National Funeral director association mentioned in HBO documentary “Alternative endings: Six New Ways to die in America” that American attitudes about death and end of life choices are changing as most rethinking the funeral options.
I would love to hear your life story so share your story about your experience with losing loved ones as sharing gives hope… we learn from each other, together we are stronger.
Here are some questions if it helps you to start the conversation.
- Do you believe in identifying your burial ceremony while alive?
- Are you aware of various options that are growing in the current age?
- If you have kids, do you feel comfortable discussing the subject surrounding “death”?
Mentioned in the episode: National Funeral Directors Association, Alternate endings: six-new-ways-to-die-in-America film and National Museum of Funeral History
Connect and Follow:
- Email: themeruexperience@gmail.com
- Via Social Media accounts Facebook and Instagram "The Meru Experience"
- My professional business page is https://www.yoursavingspro.com
Episode #8 - Money discussion with Oma
Money management is an essential life skill, but there is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing money. We may all achieve the same/similar results, but the path to getting there may vary from one culture or family to another. Great discussion with Oma Wilson who is a Financial Advisor and very passionate about her profession.
Many cultures think outside the box and use creative practices to manage money. See some visual guide to give yourself an idea of how people from around the world deal with money.
Most of us struggle with money and weight management. Interestingly, our emotional brain responds to the word budget the same way it responds to the word diet. Just like dieting, budgeting gives us images of suffering, giving things up (good things, like cakes/ice cream and shopping!) and making forced sacrifices. In reality, budget = awareness. So instead of thinking about the real reason you’re budgeting (i.e. saving for a new house /car that will make you happy), all you’re thinking about is what you can’t have (a new item from Amazon or maybe I-phone).
I would love to hear from you as well so share your story about your money experience as sharing gives hope… we learn from each other, together we are stronger. Here are some questions if it helps you to start the conversation. "Do you budget to better manage your finances? Do you feel most people around you are afraid to speak about money? If you have kids, how do you approach teaching your kids about money?"
Connect and Follow:
Email: themeruexperience@gmail.com
Via Social Media accounts Facebook and Instagram "The Meru Experience"
My professional business page is https://www.yoursavingspro.com
Episode #7 - College prep talk with college daughter
Parenting does not come with a manual but parents come from various backgrounds. The common desire of parents for their kids’ to succeed, go to college and become great citizens of the world. Most importantly (like any skill) parenting skills improve over the years as their kids grow older and become adults.
The high school years are challenging because children are growing into adulthood and communication at times is not the best between parents and children. The situation can vary greatly for everyone. Hormone battle at its best - you know what I am talking about?! i.e. “when kids think they know everything, roll their eyes, feel like we are embarrassing them, don’t want to share about their happenings, etc.”
Thankfully, my daughter Tota is making me proud and happy parent but it didn’t come to be straight perfection as it is a life. We learned with our ups and downs together and now sharing some insights as I get a lot of questions from other parents about college, the architecture program & scholarship. I have shared my daughter's essays and interviewed her to get her perspective from her experiences and challenges on college prep and college experience.
I would love to hear from you as well so share your story about your student and college application experience as sharing gives hope… we learn from each other, together we are stronger. Here are some questions if it helps you to start the conversation. - "What challenges you faced with the college application process? Did your child end up loving the profession he/she chose? If you have younger kids, did this episode help you to help your situation?"
Names mentioned in Tota's essays: Qingyun Ma - a Chinese architect & Zaha Hadid - was an Iraqi–British architect.
Tota’s portfolio - check out some of the projects she worked in the past.
Connect and Follow:
Email: themeruexperience@gmail.com
Via Social Media accounts Facebook and Instagram "The Meru Experience"
My professional business page is https://www.yoursavingspro.com
Episode #6 - Do you struggle with Growth Mindset?
Join me as I discuss about Growth Mindset. “If you do not believe in yourself why should others believe in you?” is the question I ask myself when I struggle with a growth mindset.
Growth mindset is a hard work, we as individuals can gain a lot by deepening our understanding of growth-mindset concepts and the processes for putting them into practice. Challenges and Processes may vary for everyone as dreams and people are not the same but It gives us a richer sense of who we are, what we stand for, and how we want to move forward. I stand by "DREAM, BELIEVE AND ACHIEVE".
I would love to hear from you so share your story as sharing gives hope… we learn from each other, together we are stronger. Here are some questions if it helps you to start the conversation: "How you overcame the growth mindset challenges? Do you believe in getting help from others to grow your mindset?"
Resources mentioned: Meru's LinkedIn Article re Growth Mindset
Connect and Follow:
- Email: themeruexperience@gmail.com
- Via Social Media accounts Facebook and Instagram "The Meru Experience"
- My professional business page is https://www.yoursavingspro.com
Episode #5 - Holiday season blues
Sales marketing images of love and joy fill Stores, TV, Internet, and magazine pages, for many of us. However, the reality of the holidays isn’t so cheerful for everyone and Holiday season blues are real.
Do you struggle with sadness? - Join me as discuss Holiday season blues, how I handle it and confess about being a Grinch. :). Email me as I would love to hear from you. Sharing the story gives hope… we learn from each other, together we are stronger. Here are some questions if it helps you to start the conversation.
- What makes you sad and how you deal with it?
- What is your most favorite holiday memory as a child?
- What do you like about the Holiday season?
Resources mentioned: *Tip: Check out your local library first for any of the following books to save money
- The Light Between Us: Stories from Heaven. Lessons for the Living - by Laura Lynne Jackson
- Love and War: Find Your Way to Something Beautiful in Your Marriage - by John Eldredge and Stasi Eldredge
- Why You're Not Married... Yet: The Straight Talk You Need to Get the Relationship You Deserve - by Tracy McMillan
- The Choice: Embrace the Possible - by Dr. Edith Eva Eger
- Rich dad Poor dad - by Robert T. Kiyosaki
- You Are a Badass at Making Money: Master the Mindset of Wealth - by Jen Sincero
- The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness -by Dave Ramsey
Connect and Follow:
Email: themeruexperience@gmail.com
Via Social Media accounts Facebook and Instagram "The Meru Experience"
My professional business page is https://www.yoursavingspro.com
Episode #4 - All about "Thank"
Happy Thanksgiving Y'All! Do you know the history of Thanksgiving? Join me as I discuss All about "Thank". I learned 15 Thanksgiving Fun Facts you will want to share on Turkey Day with your loved ones to keep the conversation going and enlighten all with the information they may not have known before.
"What Are you thankful for? and How do you practice Gratitude? I would love to hear from you as sharing gives hope so share your unique story. We learn from each other and together we are stronger.
Resources mentioned:
House Beautiful post about 15 Thanksgiving Fun Facts
Connect and Follow:
Email: themeruexperience@gmail.com
Via Social Media accounts Facebook and Instagram "The Meru Experience"
My professional business page is https://www.yoursavingspro.com
Episode #3 - Do you feel something is missing from your life?
Join me as I learn and discuss “energy healing” topic with my guest Renu as most, if not all of us feel something is missing from our lives and we live in this world with some level of discomfort whether it is being sick, emotional trauma, childhood experience, relationships, grief, etc. and in need of some form of healing.
Guest info: Renu is the owner of Renu Your Life which brings a holistic approach to healing and she applies her studies in nutrition, meditation, healing visualization, and flower therapy to add to your experience of physical, mental and emotional renewal. Her mission is to Make a difference in the world by helping people become healthier and more productive in their lives and unblocking abundance. You can find Renu at https://www.renuyourlifellc.com.
One of the reasons many miss this method of healing is because of a lack of information. Be intentional to prosper Emotionally, Physically and Financially to lead your Meaningful Life.
Resources mentioned:
Book: Healing Visualizations: Creating Health Through Imagery by Gerald Epstein
Poem link: https://themotivationangel.co.uk/well-being-and-mindfulness
Connect and Follow:
Email: themeruexperience@gmail.com
Via Social Media accounts Facebook and Instagram "The Meru Experience"
My professional business page is https://www.yoursavingspro.com
Episode #2- Everyone says I am busy, are you really?
Join me and my guest Carla as we discuss “Busyness” as it is a trend of the current age that is associated with being successful, possibly feeling of importance for some people and/ or using it as an excuse to avoid someone or something - outsourcing your responsibility to your irresponsibility.
Guest info: Carla is the owner of Calderas Counseling with values being the Balance, Respect, and Love. You can find Carla at https://www.calderascounseling.com.
Connect and Follow:
- By Email: themeruexperience@gmail.com
- Via Social Media accounts: Facebook and Instagram
- My professional business page is Your Savings Pro
Episode #1 - I am not Chinese nor Russian
Join me as I discuss where I am from and the challenge of which box to check. Also, learn how to say Hello in Kazakh and Russian.
Email me at themeruexperience@gmail.com
Connect and Follow via Social Media accounts Facebook and Instagram
My professional business page is Your Savings Pro
Resources mentioned: The Two or More Races Population: 2010 - Census Briefs