Yoga | Wellness | Money

Returning to Who You Used to Be

Patricia Munroe — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 13:06:49 -0400

I signed up for a beginning/intermediate contemporary dance class after years away from the studio, hoping not to feel embarrassed, awkward, completely out of dance shape, or out of place.

Instead, I realized our bodies carry memory. Sometimes reconnecting with ourselves isn't about becoming someone new—it's about reconnecting with parts of ourselves that have been there all along.

In this episode, I share what surprised me, what dance taught me about challenge, identity, and muscle memory, and why "trying something new" might actually mean dusting off something you've loved all along.

If there's a former version of yourself you've been missing, this episode is for you.

Show NotesIn this episode:

00:00 Why I'm skipping the advice today
00:37 My challenge: a contemporary dance class after years away
01:56 I'm back—and here's how it went
02:39 Sharing our intentions (dance class has changed)
03:23 A warm-up that looked a lot like yoga
04:20 Learning choreography to an Olivia Rodrigo song
05:32 Locked in and dancing again
06:32 Flexibility, muscle memory, and performing the routine
07:55 #1: Stay long enough (plus my ice skating comeback)
08:56 #2: Use it as a way to connect
09:30 #3: Novelty doesn't have to be new
09:55 #4: Bring back a former version of yourself you liked
10:59 #5: You're not becoming someone new—you're reconnecting with someone you've always been
11:36 #6: Challenge doesn't have to be painful, and growth can simply mean getting back into practice
13:17 What's next... a cowboy cheer class?!
14:03 Shout-out, and your challenge

Your Challenge

Pick one former identity, passion, or love. Dust it off. Take a class. Sign up. Show up.

It's not about being as good as you used to be. It's about bringing another dimension back into your life.

Mentioned

Correction: After Hours Dance Studio

Connect

Website: YogaWellnessMoney.com

YouTube: YogaWellnessMoney, @Trish Munroe

If this episode reminded you of a part of yourself you'd forgotten, I'd be grateful if you'd leave a 5-star rating and review. It really helps more people discover the show.

P.S. I lost count of my takeaways... again. I think that's officially becoming part of the show.

Know Nothing, Build Wealth: 7 Simple Money Habits Anyone Can Start

Patricia Munroe — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 17:08:00 -0400

What if you could know practically nothing about money and still build a financially comfortable life? In this Money Monday episode, I share the 7 simple habits that helped me go from a broke college student with a "shotgun" 401(k) to early retirement. We cover embracing your inner frugalista, keeping housing costs low, the 3 questions to ask before any splurge, the personal finance books worth reading, and why you should never play rich instead of being rich.

P.S. I promised five tips, said "number five" twice, ended on six, and gave you seven. Money I can count. Tips, apparently not.

Show notes:

In this episode:

00:00 You can know nothing and still build wealth
00:31 My orthodontist's money advice and the graph that changed everything
03:33 #1: Embrace your inner frugalista
05:58 "In this family, we earn interest. We don't pay interest."
08:17 #2: Watch your housing costs
10:59 Get a roommate (or two)
11:55 Divorce: why keeping the house can cost you
13:31 #3: Ask "Can I afford it?" The 3 questions
17:05 #4: Read at least 3 personal finance books
19:33 #5: Have a long-term plan, and don't play rich
22:40 #6: Make a spending plan (and loosely track it)
27:50 The $800-a-month alcohol story
29:52 #7: Grow your income: skills, experience and an updated resume
31:50 Recap

Before you splurge, ask yourself:

Do I have a 3–8 month emergency fund, based on my actual expenses rather than my take-home pay?
Am I out of consumer and student loan debt?
Am I automatically putting 10–20% into retirement every month?

If the answer to all three is yes, you can probably enjoy that trip or treat.

Books mentioned:

As a Man Thinketh by James Allen
Charles Schwab's Guide to Financial Independence by Charles Schwab
The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom by Suze Orman
Smart Couples Finish Rich and Smart Women Finish Rich by David Bach
The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko
The Bogleheads' Guide to Investing by Taylor Larimore, Mel Lindauer and Michael LeBoeuf
The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey

Also mentioned:

The Ramsey Show's "debt-free screams" on YouTube

Connect: yogawellnessmoney.com

If this episode helped you, I'd love a 5-star rating and review.

Creating Your Life: 6 Principles for When Life Doesn't Go as Planned

Patricia Munroe — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 02:19:00 -0400

Your future isn't something that happens to you—it's something you build. In this episode, we'll talk about the excuses that quietly keep us stuck and how intentional choices today can help create the life you truly crave.

Show Notes:

After six years away, I'm back behind the mic. A lot has changed since I last recorded in early 2020. Your life today isn't luck or chance. It's the result of thousands of small decisions, habits and responses, some intentional and some not.

In this episode I share what a year of grief and loss has taught me. I talk about why the "be happy all the time" message drives me bananas, why discipline beats motivation, and six principles for creating a life you love: the setbacks included.

In this episode:

00:00 Your life is the sum of tiny decisions
01:38 Back after six years: what changed since 2020
02:50 Why we're not meant to be happy all the time
06:10 A season of grief and loss, and what it's teaching me
08:16 Life as a hero's journey
10:01 Motivation vs. discipline (and a story from my brother)
12:40 Principle 1: The setbacks were written in
14:27 Principle 2: No effort is wasted
16:52 Principle 3: Consistency beats intensity
18:23 Principle 4: Think things through in quiet
20:07 Principle 5: Write to purge
22:43 Principle 6: Gratitude is woven into a good life
25:43 Creating your life: one better choice at a time

Key takeaways:

Expect setbacks. They're part of the path, not a detour from it.
Effort you've put on the shelf, like old skills, old savings or old workouts, still counts.
Set goals small enough that you can hit them most days.
Before you call a friend or ask an app, give yourself quiet time to think.
When your brain is spinning, write it out. You can tear it up afterward.
Get specific and a little silly with gratitude.

Resources mentioned:

Huberman Lab episode on expressive writing with Dr. James Pennebaker: https://www.hubermanlab.com/episode/a-science-supported-journaling-protocol-to-improve-mental-physical-health

Connect:

Website: yogawellnessmoney.com
Sign up on the website for free e-book, Diving for Dollars, or purchase for Kindle at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HM7BR8VF

New Decade: Purge and Plan

Patricia Munroe — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 16:03:18 -0500

Don’t wane! Even though it’s late January, let’s stick with purging the past and strategically planning our future. And if strategery is not your strong suit, then sit back and at least imagine what you’d like your life to look like 1, 5 or 10 years from now. Today’s podcast includes a window into my […]

Sell or Keep Passive Income?

Patricia Munroe — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 15:19:28 -0400

Yes, because it builds equity and if it’s our primary residence for 2 of the past 5 years, we could sell it and pay no capital gains ($250,000/$500,000). But if we just live in the house, we have security and “rent control” but it’s a “personal use” asset and not making us monthly income, unless…

Fall Fresh Start – Getting Organized

Patricia Munroe — Wed, 07 Aug 2019 13:48:42 -0400

Apply four simple steps to keep your project focused, productive and quick. And today’s challenge: your purse! This month’s challenge: paper. Eek!

Money: Start with the End in Mind

Patricia Munroe — Wed, 29 May 2019 17:42:23 -0400

Too often, we talk about budgeting now for "retirement" later. But a non specific future isn't very motivating. In today's podcast, we explore the vision of where we see ourselves on a very micro level. A really specific description of who we'll be, what we're wearing, who's around us, where we are. Then map backwards.

Passion vs. 9-5 Job

Patricia Munroe — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 18:57:33 -0400

Got a 9-5 and feel guilty that you're not pursuing your passion? Don't fret! Hopefully you're in a great position to earn a reliable, predictable income, contribute to your employer's 401K and otherwise set your financial life in motion. Keep setting goals and pursuing passion projects on the side. A wise financial plan buys plenty of time later to do what you love all the time!

Morning Rituals

Patricia Munroe — Thu, 07 Mar 2019 18:55:47 -0500

Does your morning start with more “ughs” than “aaahs”? Mornings are your soul’s prime real estate…make sure you guard what parks there first thing upon waking. In today’s podcast, we explore various morning routines to start our day feeling blessed. Below are two books I reference. I recommend either of them if you’re seeking inspiration […]

Be Still, Be Satisfied

Patricia Munroe — Thu, 21 Feb 2019 12:58:05 -0500

Part of being financially at peace is to learn to be satisfied. Grateful. Still. Unfrantic. Today's podcast is about how one retired mother achieved financial peace on less than $40,000 a year.

Your Slightly Future Self Says “Hi”

Patricia Munroe — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 16:38:24 -0500

In today's podcast, learn what it means to let go of the past and anchor to your slightly future self.

A Break Up? Make Sure You Do This One Thing

Patricia Munroe — Tue, 27 Nov 2018 13:03:52 -0500

Flattened by a break up or a life disappointment? If you’re going to let yourself go…let it all go~hair, nails, shaving~but maintain this one habit. If you do this one thing, the bounce back and comeback will be so much easier.

Laid off? Why That May be a Good Thing

Patricia Munroe — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 15:34:35 -0400

If you’ve just been fired, laid off, or “kicked to the curb,” it may be good news for you. Let’s discuss easy steps you can start today to get back on track. Keep your chin up! It’s a blow, for sure, but you’ve done other hard things.

Be Your Own Financial Guru – Figuring Out Your Net Worth

Patricia Munroe — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 10:44:50 -0400

Creating a balance sheet is the first step in becoming your own financial guru. It’s a simple and eye-opening exercise. Find out how to easily discover your true net worth…listen now!

Heal Your(stressed)Self: Time and Space

Patricia Munroe — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 10:40:18 -0400

Join us as we speak to an exercise science major, Michelle Ogden, as she talks about the effects of stress on our bodies. Michelle will speak of the importance of knowing our bodies and how to care for them so we can heal from the inside out.

Change Your Belly Story

Patricia Munroe — Sat, 15 Sep 2018 10:32:58 -0400

If you’re anything like me, you have a long history of having issues with your tummy. There’s all kinds of “flat belly diets,” but there are a few tips that worked for me. Let it be a springboard to discover what works for you.

Flagship – Why Yoga and Money?

Patricia Munroe — Thu, 13 Sep 2018 10:29:27 -0400

If you ignore your money, fail to set financial goals, or simply don’t have a monthly budget, then you are bound to feel some effects in your health. It may be slight nagging mental anxiety, a pain in your hip, a troubled tummy, or headaches.

Drowning in Paper? What to Keep, What to Toss

Patricia Munroe — Mon, 10 Sep 2018 10:25:10 -0400

Overwhelmed with paper? Do you have piles and messes made up of mail, kids’ school, files, important documents, receipts and coupons? This podcast will help you decide what to save and for how long, and what to discard.

Feel Better Now–and it’s Free

Patricia Munroe — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 10:04:07 -0400

There’s nothing quite like cleaning and organizing our life that lifts our spirits. When we organize deep, it makes us feel “lighter.” And I mean really organizing, all Marie Kondo style.