MEET MY HUSBAND | Q&A: growing up poor, his TRUE feelings about minimalism, AMWF family life, & more
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- Опубліковано 30 тра 2024
- I had no idea my extreme minimalist budget video would blow up, but it did, and now today I am so excited to bring you this MEET MY HUSBAND couple Q & A video. (I know it's been a long wait, thanks for your patience.) We are answering your top asked questions, including how we met, what life is like as a Chinese husband + American wife (amwf) family, what it was like for my husband growing up poor in rural China, and more. Both of us have come such a long way to be sitting here today, making this video for you - here it is, with all the love in our hearts. ❤️ If you want more minimalist family q & videos or have other topics to suggest, drop them in the comments section below!
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► ⏰ CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Meet my husband q & a (Mr. Zen)
01:28 - Who does the most cooking?
02:05 - What do you eat in a week?
03:34 - What do you do for fun? Hobbies?
05:05 - What is your biggest pet peeve?
05:51 - How did you meet?
07:15 - What languages do you speak?
08:33 - What is your favorite thing about each other?
09:20 - What are your marriage strengths & weaknesses?
11:05 - What is Mr. Zen's job?
11:48 - Mr. Zen's fabulous hair care tips
12:44 - Is my ugly fake plant bad feng shui?
13:47 - Was Marissa's decluttering hard on you?
15:15 - His story: growing up poor in China
18:36 - How did you get to Germany?
20:34 - Why did you live in a SHED in California?
21:42 - Did poverty make you struggle with excess later in life?
22:34 - What are your five-year goals?
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ABOUT A TO ZEN LIFE
I was an emotional hoarder who couldn’t let go. My husband grew up poor in rural China. Now we are a happy & debt-free minimalist family living our dream life in Europe.
Minimalism changed my life - now I want to help YOU unclutter your happiness!
OUR STORY: atozenlife.com/about-a-to-zen...
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#amwf #minimalist #familyminimalism - Навчання та стиль
"The best view comes after the hardest climb." (Here's the book that helped make our marriage a SUCCESS: amzn.to/3gVpmOo). Drop this 🍵 emoji if you want more Q&A sessions and any questions or video recommendations down below. 🙌
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You two are so cute.
More than the five love languages, the empowered wife is great too!
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As a white woman married to an Asian man (Chinese/Vietnamese) and someone who lived in Asia for more than a decade (Japan), I noticed you said that your husband's love language is acts of service... I think that's the most common love language for Asian culture in general. Westerners like to say I Love You... Asians like to do something for you to show they love you. It seems to be a cultural norm. Do you think your husband would agree?
There are two types of poverty: one where there is a lack of family connectivity and one where there is a lack of monetary funds. Unfortunately I grew up experiencing both. It sounds like your husband lacked monetary wealth but certainly not family wealth. I have always thought my childhood would have been so much better if I had had a truly bonded family despite the lack of funds. Marissa, I can definitely see why you were drawn to this man. He is very handsome inside and out.
That’s a very insightful observation! Not everyone has the luxury of a closely bonded and loving family. ❤️ Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Well written comment TLW.
Same here! ❤️
I wonder though if you perceive family connectivity in the same way as people from other cultures do. Maybe the so called Western people get told all the time that what we have is not good enough and that our childhood was really bad in comparison to how it should be and that is why we feel bad about it.
I sooooo understand
"I never feel judged." How amazing to be able to say that.
....and rare.
Absolutely, that shone out for me too. So important
Your husband is a breath of fresh air. Very humble and seems very kind!
"I should get you a shirt that says Plant Daddy. Plant Daddy Zen." "I'd wear it." THIS MAN IS PRECIOUS
🤣🤣🤣 Isn’t he? 🪴👨🏻
Your husband seems like a sensible man and I detect no bitterness despite what most would consider a difficult or deprived childhood. It just goes to show what love does, and he seems to have been happy and loved whilst growing up. What a wonderful attitude he has towards life.☕
His childhood sounds amazing to me in so many different ways. Running through the mountains with friends, breathing fresh mountain air, strong family bonds, eating a primarily plant based diet that I'm sure was grown without loads of pesticides like here in the US. Those are things every child should have but so many children are deprived of
When you are surrounded by poverty and everyone lives the same, there is nothing to be bitter about. He did not watch the Kardashians on tv and got made fun of for being poor. He lived life as is.
I sometimes wish I grew up in poverty in India 🇮🇳 rather than grow up in opulence in the United States.
I kinda live in china too as a kid, my brother and i never felt deprived, we always felt so much joy and had so much fun even though there wrrent too much materials or toys we had to play with. We used nature, tree, water in the lake to enjoy ourselves. I am happy to say the 6 years of my childhood(6-12) were my happiest times as a person.
I know why u fell in love with ur husband...such a nice guy, well grounded, n no pretentious.. u guys deserve each other
Your husbands seems like a lovely man ❤️ I really like how complementary he is about you 😊
Well I think he is lovely, but I’m biased LOL. Thanks so much for your kind words and for watching. 🤗
@@AtoZenLife yeah. I think your husband is handsome and a lovely husband too, and your boys are beautiful. Thanks for doing a video all about him, and bravo for both of your language abilities. At 21:31 that "drill" sounded like someone playing a note on a bassoon.
Your husband seems so kind hearted and gentle. He has a great philosophy.
You two epitomize RESPECT. (For each other, your children, different cultures, the environment...everything). That is key, and I really loved seeing this!
Thanks so much, Jo! ❤️
Moral fiber is not cheesy; it's everything.
I really respect your husband. As someone grew up poor, you usually would splash yourself with all the material things you can achieve to feed your craving from young but yet he is not. It is really not easy especially you have so much temptations around. I only see this value after I have reached this age. Thanks for your videos. I really enjoy it.
Oh my word - this was one of your BEST videos!! Your husband is too ADORABLE. You guys are too ADORABLE!! Such a fun chat. Thanks for sharing. 😄
Awww, thanks so much, Kristin! We had a lot of fun, glad you enjoyed it! 👍
Mr. Zen is such a cool guy! He looks like he's very smart.
I think so, too. 😎
I'm Belgian, my husband is Japanese. We have been married for 30 years now! We have 3 lovely daughters and we are currently living in London. It's so interesting to share life with someone from a very different culture and background.
Your husband is exceptional. Truly.
It was so interesting to hear your husband speak about his life. What a lovely man! You seem so well-suited.
Wow it was so cool to hear you speak Chinese, Marissa! And I looooved hearing what you love about each other and how you met. You guys are so cute! 💖
I stopped doing everything I was doing immdiately when I saw THIS video on my notifications. I don´t know how he managed to tell the banana story without even getteing a teary eye. Such a moving story and makes me think so many things.... You are such a great couple, I hope you can accomplish your pinky promisse. All the best to you, guys!
It’s always ME that gets ready eyed when he tells his stories. 😅 Thank you so much for your kind words and for watching, take care!
"it was love at first sight - for me."
"Hahaha... Great."
LOL y'all are cute
This made me cry so much. Reminds me growing up. The fear of poverty stays with you. Even though I have money now, I still can’t stop fearing not having enough to support my family. That’s what my father taught me. Never stop working hard.
I absolutely love happy intelligent couples that I can relate to. I could feel the love you have for each other, and i learnt a ton too. You'd be surprised at what a huge fan I am of yours . Lots of love💕
Thank you so much for watching, and for your very kind words…waving from Germany 🇩🇪 👋
You two make a great couple. Mr Zen was brave to share his story.
I grew up poor, as well. I didn't know we were poor until someone told me one day. I was probably 12 or 13. We always had love, food and a roof over our heads. Shame on that person who let the cat 🐈 out of the bag. 🛍️ 😢
Oh dear! 😢 But it sounds like you had a happy home, which is something not even people with money can claim to have!
I love Mr Zen!!! Can we get him more often on the channel?! Love this video! And could he tell us more about his upbringing?!
I’m hoping we can! I will let him know we want more. 🪴👨🏻
@@AtoZenLife I'd also love to hear more from him. As an oversea Chinese I always enjoyed stories of hardship from my great grandparents (retold by grannies). Granny often said it was that hardship that contributed us what we had today.
@@AtoZenLife ❤
Dear sweet universe, you two are SO cute. I started watching this video with nothing but an anxiety attack, a bowl of carrots, and a 1 hr lunch break and here I am 10 mins-in feeling calm, toasty, and vicariously joyful. I'm going to go call my hubby. Love you guys.
I read this out loud to my husband and it put a smile on both our faces! Have a great weekend. 😘
Lovely video ❤ Your Husband is a very nice man. I like his calmness and how sensible he is. I grew up poor, but lacked love, never knew my father, I can cope with poverty but at nearly 60 the lack of love and family is my constant companion. It truly is love that matters not possessions.
Can I say that your Husband is also a handsome man with a lovely smile, his hairstyle and cut is very nice 😊
Wishing you both snd your beautiful children continued happiness ❤
Your husband is such a character. Most asians are not so big with words. I'm glad that you get along. I love his childhood stories. Having less materials things does not make you poor. Happiness is what makes us rich.
An absolutely delightful, touching, loving video! Such a well-grounded couple.
Thank you so much Anne, take care. ✨
Mr. Zen is so wise. Thank you to you both for sharing so much wisdom and to Mr. Zen for making the time.
Wow..Mr. Zen is beautiful and so charming as well...so happy to be able to hear him share his story about his family... so happy that you did this video...I loved watching it 🍃
Mr. Zen, your story is very inspirational. I grew up in Kansas City area and when I tell my children some of things I endured they did not believe me. My hoarding items are toilet paper and toothpaste, personal care items in general. I think the things I experienced as a child made me a stronger person today. Thanks for sharing.
I love the fAct that husband seemed patient while you were sorting out through your life getting rid of stuff. Great Qi& A
Noticed this too because I also just watched the video about her own minimalism journey :) He already grew up kind of being "minimalist" but seemed like he didn't pressure her to quickly get rid of all the stuff when they started to live together. Instead, he walked along with her through her journey. So much respect between this couple. Marriage goals!
Enjoyed the video so much. I am Chinese. And the socks part make me cry. Back then, we got one new pair sock and one set of new cloths once a yr in Chinese’s new year.
I am so impressed with your Chinese. Good job. I am so sure your German will be perfect in 5yrs. Love it.
You are both so respectful of one another which is so beautiful to see.
Wow.. the struggles your husband has...yet he is so relaxed. Truly Zen moment.
I don't usually comment on UA-cam videos. But this one was lovely! I am still crying!! I always thought I grew up poor, but this was beyond comprehending. You guys are amazing. Sending love and joy to both of you!!❤
18:09 the whole mountain was your play ground. it souunds RICH in love, safety, nature, exercise, sunshine, rain, beauty, family., health...rich ...rich ...rich...rich 😊
You guys are great. I love when you said "I like you" he hugged you. He's literally hugging you showing you love in a "act" like the act of service sort of lol 😂
That’s Mr Zen for you! 😆
OMG, I just feel in love with how adorable you guys are as a couple. And the love and respect you have for each other is such a beautiful thing to watch. Lol, the hair comments was so cute. I wish you both a looooong adventure of joy and love.. please never leave Utube
Hugs n peace sent
Mr. Zen is a very good Man inside and outside. Wish there are more men like him. It is like introvert and extrovert. Two introverts are boring and two extroverts are crazy. You two are perfect like balancing each other.
That’s a keen observation! 🙌
Mr.zen is humble patient and humble and the man he is today because of his parents upbringing EXPERIENCE. I luv how they make eachother laugh
The story of how you met ❤️❤️❤️❤️
he changed his own destiny and life
I love the 5 love languages! I’m quality time and my husband is physical touch! It’s so helpful in a relationship to know which one you are! Great video! So nice to learn more about you and your husband!
Yes, this book is really a gem 💎. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. 🙌
Really enjoyed this video it was nice to finally meet your husband.
Marissa you and your husband are adorable 🥰 the hardships you both have endured in your life has definitely made you both very strong. I totally agree with your husband that actions speak louder than words. Love your channel!!!
Thanks so much for watching, Anna! It sounds like you are the “acts of service” love language as well? Or something else? Take care!
This is such a delightful interview. Both of you make me smile and feel warm and fuzzy. You are a delightful couple and your sincere appreciation of each other completes and compliments both of you. I wish you many happy years into the future. Thank you for sharing your life with me.
This video/interview of your husband is nothing less than wonderful loving and a beautiful watch that actually brought me to tears. The way you related to each other...loved that he said he "never felt judged by you "and so many other expressions between you two. The countryside of China shown was really beautiful and wow- water buffalo-gentle giants that a child could actually ride.(I have a photograph on a card I bought many yrs ago and have had on a dresser "Buffalo Boy" by Gregory Lawler-so sweet- a buffalo lying in the water with a smiling brown skinned boy draped over him. It gives me a warm feeling whenever I look at it.) I just came across your videos today and I read below all the loving comments about this video with your husband. More than anything, I would wish to create a partnership with a man like Mr. Zen. Thankyou so much.
I am a Chinese diaspora, and your Mandarin puts me to shame. ❤
Thank you for all of your videos, you've been an inspiration to me and have made a significant difference in my life. 🙏
It’s such a beautiful language. ☺️ Thanks so much for watching!
I don't comment a lot on videos, but this video is really touching. Mostly because you two are such a sweet couple. You seem so close and grounded in love. You guys are an image of couple goal. And you crying in your videos makes it so relatable. There are youtubers who seem to do fake crys for clicks, but you are so genuine and real and it's really touching and inspiring.
The love and respect you have for each other is apparent and shines through this video. I wish you both love and happiness always.
Your husband is so lucky to have you as his wife!👩❤👨
What a beautiful couple you are!!!! Ihr seid wirklich zu süß zusammen!! ❤❤❤
It’s was so nice to see the two of you. Mr. Zen was very humble and honest. I was raised in Honduras and even though we were not poor, poor my parents always made us feel like we had a lot. Like Mr. Zen said the memories are what I treasure the most, they are priceless. Thank you for your advice and inspiration.
A very handsome and good guy !
Thanks so much! 🙌
I live in S Cal, I pay $3600/month renting a two bed rooms condo. If he s paying $500 + and got his private room and shared kitchen and bathroom, it's not too bad at all. I like Mr Zen's attitude, he sounds calm and logical, like he s constantly practicing mindfulness :) and you re kind and cheerful, thoughtful and passionate, you two makes a great couple. Thanks for sharing
He indeed sounds like Schwarzzeneger but way much more handsome and charming. Feature him more often pls so we will watch more even the commercials!!!
I don't usually like this style of video, but I loved this! The couple's questions were cute, and I liked getting to know more about your husband! It sounds like he's lived a fascinating life!
Thanks so much!
Okay, blown away by your language skills Marissa! Chinese is a notoriously difficult one to pick up isn't it? Also, the husband is a catch! What a sweetie + cutie. :) PS If you can learn Chinese for sure you can learn German. Ja! ;)
🍵 enjoyed this one a lot!
Loved that interview - you two are such a LOVELY couple and I see how you balance each other out.
Blessed family, the man who is grateful for all he had and very loving woman ❤❤❤
I admire his story, many people who have grew poor have a very strong value of many things, It Reflect their true sense of giving importance of simple things that many ignore. They are very resilient and a real survivor in many difficult situations. 🥰🥰🥰
Aw I love this! Thanks for sharing 😻
I think it’s great they brought up how his mom brings them food…that’s such an expression of love when sharing food…
What a catch! He’s so sweet! 😍
It's encouraging to see such a happy couple who gets on well.
🍵 love this ❤️ thank you for sharing.
You two are adorable. Mr. Zen’s story is very interesting and eye opening. Thank you for sharing. And he does have very nice hair! 😄
You two are adorable. Thanks for sharing your story. ❤️
This was the most wonderful video. We're traveling in Mexico, so it took me a while to get to it, but oh, how special. I particularly loved the details about Mr. Zen's childhood. Poverty, yes, but also a lot of joy and happiness. I'm so grateful he was willing to be so vulnerable for us.
This was a great video! Thank you!
This was lovely, thank you for sharing this!
You two are such a lovely, mature and human couple. I enjoyed this video so much!
What a warm touching story. I feel like when you have less you learn to appreciate more. Sending lots of love 💕 ❤
Loved this video!
Loved this. You are so sweet together! Thanks for sharing with us.
I've been waiting for this video! Thank y'all for sharing. I bet the long version of the story how his family came to Germany is intriguing. And your mandarin Chinese is amazing!
What a lovely man! Loved this video so much. More please 🍵🍵🍵
Thanks Linda! If you haven’t already seen it, please go and give the latest video a like, because if we get to 10,000 likes he said he would do a declutter with me video 😆👍 ua-cam.com/video/98DAHFO9l9g/v-deo.html
🍵. Loved this . Thank you
Um. That was totally enjoyable! Thank you Mr Zen
You two remind me so much of my own parents! My mother grew up in a Chinese village and after moving to the U.S, we have been practicing minimalistic principles ever since. Perspective is really all it takes sometimes to change your life.
Thank you Mr. Zen for sharing with us!
🙌
Love this video. You guys are awesome. 😊
that was great! thank you for sharing!
Congratulations !! you guys are lovely couple.
Omg, The way you both smile at each other and the way your husband looks at you is so beautiful and romantic. I can see the love ❤️ and mutual respect and adoration you have for each other, WOW 🤩 I’m so grateful I found you today, I needed to see this. 🛐☯️💟
Thoroughly enjoyed this video. Your husband is a very sweet human.
What a lovely couple! It was so nice to hear both of you! 🥰
I was drown to ur channel to learn minimalism but had so much resonance with ur husband’s story as a Chinese myself, from China and grew up with poverty. I also had happy childhood with parents’ full love and accompany, later with their encouragement to US, and now I am also living in Europe. Both you and your husband’s stories are so touching, with hardship, poverty and grief, which made us appreciate more of our lives. BTW, your Chinese pronunciation is so authentic👍
I used your budgeting printable, i did tweek it a bit to work with my family but its worked a treat for me for the past 2 weeks ive used it. Thank you x
I love how you guys appreciate each other ❤️
More people need to see your channel!!!!! ❤
I was so excited when this video popped up! We need a Plant Daddy video with a Plant Daddy t-shirt! I was surprised to see Mr. Zen appear as comfortable as he did in front of the camera. Thank you both for sharing such meaningful parts of your life with viewers. I found it inspiring. It was a true delight to watch you both together. I’d love to see a Q & A about your parenting styles.
I have so much respect for your husband 🙏
Thanks for sharing your life with us.
You guys ROCK!!!
Loved watching and hearing you both.. ❤
Awesome couple and your husband is wonderful ❤
Wonderful interview!
Thank you!
Thank YOU!
🍵 I love to learn about your lives!
Really enjoyed watching this video - I am totally fascinated by other people’s life stories - yours is one of the best xx