We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sandra Morno a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Sandra , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My resilience started at a time when I was going through one of the craziest things I had ever experienced in my life. Looking back at it now, with the mustard seed of faith and support from loved ones somehow, I was able to overcome a tough obstacle that I really believe was meant to take me out. Here is my story.
Can you imagine everything in your life is starting to come together and then suddenly it is all taken away at the drop of a dime?
I know we all go through some type of trial that makes us think twice about our life and who we are in GOD.
I thought I was on the right track and then all of a sudden, I was unable to walk and in such pain I would not imagine for anyone.
I lived in pain for 7 weeks, unable to walk using a wheelchair, unable to eat and sleep because at night the pain was unbearable.
Went to who knows how many doctors and emergency rooms. Spending money I didn’t have.
People were praying for me to get better from a sickness that no one could diagnose.
Finally, June 13, 2007 I was admitted to Jackson Memorial Hospital.
That was the day GOD intervened and allowed me to be admitted, after having tried 4 times before but the hospital just kept sending home with pain killers that did not work.
That day June 13, I laid in the ER for about 10 hours before they moved me into a waiting room so that I could be admitted into the hospital.
For 6 more days I laid in the hospital in pain, taking meds like Morphine and Percocet all of which did nothing for my pain.
Test after test doctors could not find anything wrong with me, they were all puzzled and what could have caused me to lose feeling in my feet and be in such pain.
Sunday June 17, I had given up hope, I laid in that hospital bed and didn’t say a word to anyone, I just laid there and tried to sleep without crying.
I could not believe this had happened to my life, I sat there wondering what I did wrong Lord why was I being punished.
People came in and prayed for me and sat with me but that day I had nothing to say to anyone.
My mother tried to speak life into me to not give up.
But I couldn’t take it anymore, 7 weeks in pain, I had lost 15 pounds, couldn’t really sleep, and doctors couldn’t tell me anything.
What was left? The enemy knows how to get us and make us just give up, but by the grace of GOD and all the prayers of the day.
Finally, on June 19, 2007, I had my first day of peace.
The day GOD took the pain away. Honestly, I am not sure what happened. That was my first night in a long time where I was able to sleep.
I could not believe it; I thanked GOD that entire day and still do that to this day. I was also able to eat, which was such a blessing.
Although the pain was gone, I still had no sensation in my feet, I stayed in the hospital for another 6 days, with doctors still trying to figure out what was wrong with me.
June 25, 2007, doctors realized there was nothing else they could do, so they discharged me with about 5 different meds for me to take. I left the hospital in a wheelchair and was given a walker.
I had to learn to walk again through physical therapy. For a month I used a walker and then another month used a cane and now I am walking without any help.
Going through this situation I learned resilience. I mean seeing what I went through I was still able to somehow get up and literally walk again. The ability to sleep through the night without pain, to want to eat and give this thing called life another shot.
When I feel life trying to drag me down, I think of that situation and remember if God brought me through that he can bring me through anything
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Hi, I’m Sandra Morno, Tax Strategist and digital nomad.
I have 15 years of experience in taxes and 20 years as an entrepreneur.
Originally from Miami, Florida, but you can find me roaming the world as a digital nomad.
I stumbled into working in this industry after helping a friend out while she finished up grad school.
I got an unexpected tax bill from the IRS in 2012 that stressed me all the way out.
I promised myself after that bill, I would learn all that I could when it comes to taxes and help others stop overpaying the IRS.
I love numbers and taxes and now focus on working with women running six-figure professional service businesses in the US, especially those living and/or traveling abroad.
I help take the anxiety out of taxes and show them how to stop overpaying the IRS!
“I firmly believe that no one should be paying more than their fair share in taxes.”
As someone living and traveling abroad, I totally understand the journey and that’s why I walk with these women all year, teaching them how to strategically manage every dollar their business earns.
I work with these women year-round service called the MoneySmart Travelnista Tax Package where we handle taxes, accounting and any issues with the IRS.
We also have a Travelista Tax Saver mini-set for those who want to learn how to legally write off more of their travel through their business.
5 Things To Know About Me.
- I have been traveling throughout Latin America since January 2021.
- My goal is to find a home outside the US and be fluent in Spanish.
- I love listening to music from the 90-2000’s era, especially reggae.
- I love reality shows like Top Chef and anything food related.
- I am TEAM boycott COLD weather and am all about warmth. Life is too short for layers! LOL
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
When looking back at my journey, three important things that help me are my faith, inner strength, and being adaptable.
My advice for those just starting out would be to believe in something bigger.
Find comfort in spirituality, connect with supportive communities, and practice mindfulness to find strength in tough times.
To take care of your mental and emotional well-being, learn about yourself, and find that supportive community that can help you stay strong and draw strength from.
Stay flexible. Stay open to new opportunities and focus on finding solutions to problems. Try to learn from the challenges life will throw at you, remembering that there is purpose in all of it.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, the first thing I do is stop what I am doing and see what is causing this feeling.
I will find something to take my mind off the overwhelm and find things that will change my mood.
My favorite thing to do is to play music that will get me dancing or singing.
If the weather is nice. I will take a walk and play something while walking either music or some type of inspirational message.
Or I will change my focus to something that doesn’t need a lot of brain power like clean out my closet while again playing music.
Last thing, if none of those things work. I take a nap. Sometimes it means I just need to recharge, and my brain just can’t focus.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ssbmconsulting.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandradphoenix/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandramorno-taxexpert/
