MErald.io

We’re incredibly excited to be joining the fellowship. We look forward to building and collaborating with an ecosystem of dedicated entrepreneurs and supporters of our collective brilliance. Next stop the real world house! 🖤⭐️

This Essence op-Ed is on point! https://www.essence.com/op-ed/opinion-dr-antoinette-candia-bailey-death-empathetic-leadership/

Checking in on your goals.

Happy New Year! We know that this past year has been full of challenges as well as good times. We sincerely hope that 2024 brings prosperity, good health and good vibes.

Grateful for all we learned this year. Thank you to everyone we met along the way. Here’s to 2024!!

As we approach the end of another incredible year, we wanted to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support. We’ve enjoyed meeting you this year, building Merald.io and the opportunity to learn from a community of big thinkers.

In the spirit of the holiday season, we've decided to shut down for the rest of the year to recharge, reflect, and celebrate with our loved ones.This pause allows us to rejuvenate (which is beyond overdue) and come back in 2024 with even more energy, creativity, and exciting updates for you.

During this break, we encourage you to cherish the moments with your family and friends, indulge in some self-care, and savor the magic of the holiday season.

Thank you for being an integral part of the Merald.io family. We can't wait to continue our adventure together in the coming year!

Kory Steven’s wrote this today and I thought it was far to brilliant not to share.

“We often withhold love, praise, and compliments until the last second…

A retirement party, a goodbye, a funeral.

We share it more freely when it’s expected, safe, easy, and comfortable.

Do it now. Push yourself. Be uncomfortable and tell others how great they are.

Children, siblings, co-workers, bosses, employees.

A little dose of unexpected praise and kindness can mean the world to people.

You will never EVER regret being kind to others (and to yourself!).”

Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection:
Every step forward is a victory, no matter how small! Be kind to yourself, acknowledge your progress, and embrace imperfection. Life is a journey, not a destination, and your mental health is a beautiful part of that adventure.

Recharge through resilience.

We are thankful for you!! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Friendly reminders to cope with difficult relatives during the holidays;

1: Decide in advance how you might respond.
2: Manage your expectations.
3: Set a time limit on your visits.
4: Plan creative activities to do with your family.
5: Avoid controversial topics.
6: Avoid overindulgence.
7: Have compassion for yourself.
8: Do not be afraid to say NO.

Merald.io is a digital health start up focused on improving access and mental health outcomes for the black community. Be sure to follow us for updates!

Unplug and Disconnect: In today's digital age, we're constantly connected to our devices. Take this day as a chance to unplug and disconnect from the constant stream of information. Put away your phone, turn off your computer, and experience the freedom of being present in the moment.
Unplugging allows us to reclaim our most precious resources: time and attention. By stepping away from the constant stream of notifications and social media updates, we create space for deeper thinking, creative expression, and genuine human connection.

Monday Reminders from the desk of

Living with social anxiety can be a challenging and isolating experience. It's essential to recognize that you're not alone in your struggle, and there are ways to manage and even overcome the barriers it creates in your daily life. Let's explore some helpful tips for self-care when dealing with social anxiety.

* Understand Your Anxiety: The first step in managing social anxiety is to understand it. Educate yourself about the condition and its triggers. Knowledge is empowering, and it can help you identify and address your specific challenges.
* Practice Deep Breathing: Deep, slow breaths can help calm your nervous system. When you feel anxious, focus on your breath—inhale for a count of four, hold for four, and exhale for four. This simple technique can reduce the intensity of anxiety symptoms.
* Challenge Negative Thoughts: Social anxiety often feeds on negative self-talk. Challenge those thoughts by asking yourself if they're based on reality or irrational fears. Try to replace them with more positive and realistic beliefs about yourself and social situations.
* Gradual Exposure: Avoidance can make social anxiety worse. Gradually expose yourself to social situations that trigger your anxiety. Start with smaller, less intimidating scenarios, and work your way up. Over time, this can help desensitize you to the anxiety triggers.
* Seek Support: Don't hesitate to reach out to a therapist, counselor, or support group. Professional help can provide you with strategies to manage your anxiety and offer a safe space to talk about your experiences.
* Medication: In some cases, medication prescribed by a psychiatrist may be necessary. Consult a doctor to discuss the potential benefits of medication for your social anxiety.

Today is Black Entrepreneurs Day! We wanted to take some time to highlight some of our favorite and inspiring entrepreneurs, doing amazing things for our community and the world. We hope their vision and continued impact inspires the next generation of big thinkers and doers!
Happy Black Entrepreneurs day from Merald.io

Here’s to a new week ahead…

We love to see big dreams come true. Keep working towards your goal fellow dream chaser 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

Research we love to see!

“It’s official. New research has confirmed what many of us already know – cats play a key role in our work from home days.
While the data suggests that our feline companions can improve our mood and general wellbeing, their significance in our WFH routines also rings true on a physical level.”

Read more here;

https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/health/mental-health/a44297398/wfh-cat-benefits/

How was your Monday??

One of the skills I have had to revisit this year was processing disappointment. Processing disappointment can be a challenging but essential aspect of emotional resilience. The first step is to acknowledge and validate your feelings. It's okay to feel disappointed; it's a natural human response to unmet expectations. Next, take some time to reflect on the situation and what led to your disappointment. This self-awareness can help you gain insight and identify areas for personal growth. It's also crucial to avoid self-blame and practice self-compassion. Remember that disappointments are a part of life for everyone. Share your feelings with people you trust, and lean on their understanding. Additionally, consider setting a new plan in motion and working towards new goals for the future. Finally, focus on the lessons you can learn from the experience and use them to move forward positively, with renewed determination and resilience.

Therapy is like a compass that guides us through life's challenges, helping us navigate the twists and turns of our mental and emotional landscapes. It's a safe space where you can be unapologetically you, free from judgment, and supported by a trained professional. Through therapy, you gain insight into your thoughts and feelings, develop coping strategies, and discover the strength within you to overcome obstacles. So, don't hesitate to embrace the transformative benefits of therapy – it's an investment in your well-being, self-discovery, and resilience.

Join us as we wrap up an incredible 12-week journey in 's BIG Pre-Accelerator program and take the stage at the BIG Bang showcase on October 4th!
🚀
This is where it all comes together: quick pitches, valuable industry insights, and an inspiring keynote. Our cohort represents diverse talent from across the U.S., and together, we've been honing our skills in lean startups. It's been an exciting ride, and we're ready to share our innovations with the world.
RSVP to join us virtually and witness the future of entrepreneurship: https://bit.ly/BIGBang23
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This.

🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾