Suggestion Sunday: Gossip is good for ya, actually. According to science, 60% of our conversations involve gossip of some sort + we begin gossiping for social relationships by the age of 5. That said, our reasonings can vary + change the impact of our gossip tremendously, as a result. There's a fine line between venting + ruining reputations. How to gossip better: Why am I sharing this now? To potentially to protect someone? or to make a deeper connection with someone? or are you venting? or sti...
Jun 12, 2022•8 min
Gossip is a weird topic for me - because we all do it, to some extent and with a bit of tact it can be a cathartic + acceptable release of steam, but it's a very fine line before you become mean, petty, angry, and simply serve to rile yourself up more. Not to mention, the real life impact we have on the people we are shit talkin'. This scatterbrain Saturday, I share a personal story where I let some venting slip to a person who was... not the best choice, and ended up having to backtrack. Luckil...
Jun 11, 2022•8 min
follow the fear friday || How to avoid getting scammed: Legit organizations won't mind questions, verification, and validation.Real people have nothing to hide + can prove easily without getting defensive. Never share CC information or important info. Never click unverified links or emails or downloads. Use a VPN or Password protectors + antivirus software. Opt out of voice/recording/biometrics on apps like Amazon, tiktok, etc. Report scams to https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/ Use WHOLS.COM and Cha...
Jun 10, 2022•13 min
guilt is a signal you care. that's not a bad thing. but don't let it consume ya. guilt can be a productive reflection tool - if we take it as a learning opportunity, but it can easily spiral into a toxic cycle of intense undeserved remorse. Ask yourself: is this my guilt to carry? what is making me feel guilty? is it within my control to make amends? have I taken accountability to ensure I won't make the same mistake again in the future? what more can I do? what would happen if I set down the gu...
Jun 09, 2022•9 min
Being an adult often means life becomes predictable, monotonous, mundane, and exhausting - but by intentionally collecting moments of magic and whimsy that already exist in your day to day, you'll start to see all the places you can invite even more fun in! See the extended bonus versions of episodes like this on youtube.com/juliemerica and rate us 5 stars on apple podcasts if you haven't already. If can share this with a friend (or enemy) that you think would benefit from it, that would truly b...
Jun 08, 2022•8 min
Today's tip is relevant to the boss babes in the market - 'cuz for the first time in my work history - the job market is actually pretending to value me as the badass asset and resource that I am. Hopefully, that's the story for you, too! https://www.iwillteachyoutoberich.com/blog/employees-job-market/ See the extended bonus versions of episodes like this on youtube.com/juliemerica and rate us 5 stars on apple podcasts if you haven't already. If can share this with a friend (or enemy) that you t...
Jun 07, 2022•8 min
The struggle is real, but you can still ask yourself, what is worth suffering for? visit https://sheryllebates.com/the-struggle-is-real/ for more + subscribe to @SherylleBates wherever ya can! See the extended bonus version of THIS episode on youtube.com/juliemerica + rate us 5 stars on apple podcasts, if ya haven't already. It helps spread the word + keep this going. If can share this with a friend (or enemy) that you think would benefit from it, that would also be a game changer. Subscribe to ...
Jun 06, 2022•10 min
How to limit your time wasters: Social Take advantage of voice-to-text features such as transcribed voicemails or to make notes or draft emails and text messages when you are on the go. Avoid small talk. Stay focused. Take any necessary action immediately following a call. Impose screen time limits and regularly monitor your digital wellness (see Strategy 10). Schedule breaks from your devices. Email Set aside a specific time to view and respond to email, but don’t let it accumulate to the point...
Jun 05, 2022•8 min
Found in the notes of my phone - Good relationships come from two people who are committed. The same level of commitment surpasses most other qualities. And It doesn’t necessarily mean committed to each other. It could be committed to lifelong growth and work together. It could be committed to the same style of dating or partnership. it could EVEN be the same level of commitment at different paces. as long as there is the same level of commitment to communication in the meantime. I would much ra...
Jun 04, 2022•7 min
Even though being victimized by a scam is more common than we think, there are ways we can protect ourselves. That said - if it's too late - the main thing we can do is play offensively for a while. This episode is filled with tips on what to do if you happen to be victim to various types of scams. resource: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed See the extended bonus versions of episodes like this on youtube.com/juliemerica and rate us 5 stars on apple podcasts if you ha...
Jun 03, 2022•7 min
This therapy quick tip Thursday brings us the concept of the fundamental attribution error - which refers to an individual's tendency to attribute another's actions to their character or personality, while attributing their own personal behaviors to external situational factors outside of their control. In other words, we tend to cut ourselves a break while holding others 100 percent accountable for their actions. For instance when a driver cut you off - they’re an asshole but when you cut someo...
Jun 02, 2022•8 min
Hey y'all it's Aunt Terri steppin' in for Julie's first "whimsical Wednesday" and I decided to help her out (and y'all) with a lil classic tough love and tips on how to outsource shit you don't like doin' with other shit you don't like doing, less. See the extended bonus versions of episodes like this on youtube.com/juliemerica and rate us 5 stars on apple podcasts if you haven't already. If can share this with a friend (or enemy) that you think would benefit from it, that would truly be a game ...
Jun 01, 2022•7 min
If you want to remember things, add some emotional stakes. Try memorizing the grocery list with a theatrical narrative storyline, and see how you make out! Also, I derail into an important idea about storywriting for others and allowing them to reveal themselves in due time. See the extended bonus version of episodes similar to this one on youtube.com/juliemerica and rate us 5 stars on apple podcasts if you haven't already. If can share this with a friend (or enemy) that you think would benefit ...
May 31, 2022•6 min
It's a holiday weekend for some of us in the states and we cant get a break from the bad news so I figured I'd put my classic twist on it instead + remind you that we're actually thriving!?!?* *RESOURCES: https://news.gallup.com/poll/351932/americans-life-ratings-reach-record-high.aspx See the extended bonus version of episodes like this on youtube.com/juliemerica and rate us 5 stars on apple podcasts if you haven't already. If can share this with a friend (or enemy) that you think would benefit...
May 30, 2022•9 min
TRACK YOUR TIME: figure out where it goes. Get clear on what S pecific, M easurable, A chievable, R elevant, T ime-goals are important + what can wait + what can be delegated or eradicated completely. Learn to prioritize and put things in order from highest urgency + priority to lowest + learn to eat the frog - a method that was put on the map by Brian Tracy in his book but basically it says to take on the worst, biggest task first thing in the morning. Which I’ve always tried to do, because oth...
May 29, 2022•9 min
It sometimes feels like the less time I give myself to do important tasks, the more stressful unexpected things happen to set me back! Does this happen to anyone else? How to agree to less: Don’t agree to things unless they’re mutually beneficial. Break things up appropriately in your plans and scheduling. Stop double booking. And allot the APPROPRIATE amount of time to do the shit you need to get done. Account for mental health breaks, tech difficulties, traffic, disruptions, meals, fun, rest +...
May 28, 2022•8 min
Have you ever been scammed? In the first Friendly Fear Bait Friday (FFBF) - we're discussing the concept of the theme and introducing the first fear bait: SCAMS! Here are some scam stats: In the US, one in ten adults will fall victim to a scam or fraud every year. 1.3 million children have their identities stolen every year. You are more likely to become a victim of identity fraud by having your wallet snatched than you are via online fraud. When it comes to victims of doorstep fraud, 85% are ov...
May 27, 2022•8 min
Everyone talks about how important it is to have a therapist, but nobody talks about how to get one! Be open minded, be vulnerable, be patient, call around, and don’t be afraid to trial and error, either way! It's worth the time and energy on the backend to garner a resource that can help keep ya healthy! National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or TTY: 1-800-799-4889. Suicide.org has a 24-hour email support for those who are feeling suicidal.The U.S. Department of Health and Human R...
May 26, 2022•12 min
(SPECIAL RELEASE) I had to upload the audio from the youtube.com/juliemerica channel because my normal podcasting app crashed on me, and I panicked. Back tomorrow with regular audio! Also, today's episode is really a message to a younger me, in a rambly way (because I imagined for one second being a youth in today's social climate and having to deal with shit like INSTAGRAM!? TIKTOK!?!?? LINKED IN!!!!??? could you imagine!?) Really though, social media can really start to feel like the relentles...
May 25, 2022•8 min
William Penn said “Time is what we want most, but what we use worst. physicist Albert-László Barabási once wrote, “Time is our most valuable non-renewable resource, and if we want to treat it with respect, we need to set priorities.” Years of research provides us with evidence that those who choose time over money are inherently happier - and recent research dives even deeper into the severity of the pursuit of which takes on our mental health. Time is valuable as hell. Respect that shit. You ca...
May 24, 2022•9 min
Today's episode is a pick-me-up with a lil good news for your earholes. Plus, it's got a BONUS video with BONUS content here at BONUS town. 1. Good news about the EU passing historic pro refugee laws. 2. Plastic regulations for major corporations taken on by many nations. 3. Good news about the Arctic + commercial fishing there. 4. Humpback populations have increased in Australia (1,500 to over 40,000!) removing them from the threatened list after 60 years of conservation efforts. 5. The Betty W...
May 23, 2022•9 min
When you can't single-handedly save the planet, you CAN opt for harm reduction. Get to know your recycling laws and start doing it. Encourage those around you to, too. Maybe start composting! Some companies even pick it up for ya. Start buying compostable trash bags Keep Tupperware containers in a bag in your car. Then ACTUALLY go out and get them when you’re about to take leftovers home. Styrofoam is a common restaurant takeout choice and it takes over 500 years to break down because they’re no...
May 22, 2022•11 min
"Organizing is a democratic strategy used by social movements, labor unions, under-represented communities, and marginalized groups to gain rights, win collective political power, and create positive change. 7+ million people went on climate strike this past month (in a single week). And much of this shift has been led by newer movements like Extinction Rebellion , Sunrise Movement , and the Greta Thunberg-inspired Friday's For Future / Youth Strike for Climate. What's particularly impressive is...
May 21, 2022•6 min
Did you know our phones have good stuff hidden inside, too? smile.amazon.com, freerice.org, bstow, spotfund, googleone, charitymiles.org, toogoodtogo, I can go without, are just a FEW of the incredible nonprofits doing the work to save the planet. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/make-your-damn-bed . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
May 20, 2022•10 min
I've been thrifting for over 2 decades and here are my favorite lil tips for those of ya who aren't as versed in consignment/thrift hunts. Establish your style? What do you need to fill gaps in your wardrobe? Wear things that are comfortable and easy to try things on over. Browse various stores in your area to get to know what they "specialize" in. Branch out of your typical section - because sizing + gender is weird af. Check for stains, seams, buttons, armpit wear, etc. Bring headphones + hand...
May 19, 2022•10 min
before you can know WHAT to buy you need to know WHO you're buying for. what style are you drawn to? what is your vibe? how do you like to present/feel most comfortable? can you be more intentional when making purchases to fit in that world? DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed by Julie Merica and Make Your Damn Bed Podcast are intended for entertainment purposes only. Make Your Damn Bed podcast is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. ...
May 18, 2022•8 min
call out the brands you love instead of feeling guilty about buying the shit. they should feel guilty - not you. pass the guilt back to the brand with the crappy labor practices with every new purchase. https://www2.hm.com/en_us/customer-service/contact.html https://www.forever21.com/us/contact-us/contactus.html https://www.zara.com/us/en/contact https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GSD587LKW72HKU2V DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed by Julie Merica and Make Your Damn Bed ...
May 17, 2022•9 min
Don't feel bad if you still "need to" shop at these places, but it's good to recognize when we're buying just to buy or buying to really fill a need, especially since it does have such an enormous (negative) environmental impact. Fast fashion trash behaviors: Uniqlo, H&M, Nike, Forever 21, Zara, Old Navy, Target, Walmart, BooHoo, Shein, Asos, Victoria's Secret, American Eagle, Abercrombie + Fitch, Primark, Brandy Neville, Gap, Free People, Men's Warehouse and more. SOURCES: https://brightly....
May 16, 2022•9 min
OPE, you mean our individual impact on climate change is totally dependent on our individual circumstance!? Looks like another thing we're supposed to feel guilty about. That said - it's still incredibly interesting + important to recognize. " A new study has identified the four actions that would have the greatest impact on an individual’s greenhouse gas emissions: eating a plant-based diet, avoiding air travel, living car free, and having fewer children." SOURCE: https://www.kimnicholas.com/re...
May 15, 2022•10 min
Yesterday - as a part of the tiny eco choice challenge - I skipped the take-out and cooked stuff I already had in the pantry, but when I do order from local spots - I choose some of them based on the reusability/recyclability of their to-go containers. Other notable points: Don't throw away what's already working - even if it's plastic. Estate sales, yard sales, thrift stores, and online consignment shops are great ways to buy new products. Fix it, instead of upgrading it, if you can! Support th...
May 14, 2022•9 min
