I’m in Palm Springs spending a few days with my dear friend Alison. This reminded me how much joy comes from the people we share life with. We met decades ago at NYU and bonded over what we jokingly called “compost,” a random mix from the dining hall salad bar that became our little tradition. This weekend we brought it back, laughed about those old days, and realized how something so simple still makes us smile.

Being with Alison also reminded me how much relationships grow when we show up for each other. Sometimes that looks like cooking, sometimes it’s running errands, and sometimes it’s just sitting together while talking through what’s next in life. None of it has to be perfect. It’s just about being present and leaning into each other’s strengths. On this week’s Wise Walk, I’m inviting you to think about the people who make your to-dos feel lighter and your memories a little sweeter, and how you can bring more of that into your days right now.

• As you think about the week to come, who are the people you want to be surrounded by?
• How can you take the things on your to-do list and make them more fun by sharing them with someone that makes your heart happy?
• Is there someone from your past you can reconnect with by recreating a silly but memorable moment you shared together?
• What inside jokes, traditions, or meet-cute memories can you bring back to life because they still spark joy?
• How can you share those memories with friends or family so they understand where your bonds began?
• Who do you want to reach out to and thank for showing up in your life in such a meaningful way?
• Is there someone you want to catch up with over errands or simple moments so you can co-create the day together?
• What everyday tasks would feel more delightful if you shared them with someone you care about?
• Who in your life can be a great sounding board because their strengths complement yours?
• How can you ask for help in a way that feels vulnerable but also opens new possibilities?
• Who is the person you co-create with in such a vibrant way that even the mundane feels fluid and fun?
• How can you carve out time to nourish each other in ways that support both your present and your future?

Give yourself permission to get creative, embrace the relationships that feel aligned right now, and have fun being present while sharing your gifts with others.

I’d love to hear what you took away from today’s episode, so feel free to reach out and share your feedback. Please tune in next Thursday for another Wise Walk.

In this episode:

• [01:01] I'm in Palm Springs visiting my dear friend Alison. I'm realizing that much of life isn't what we do, but who we do it with.
• [02:01] We've known each other since NYU, and we met at the Weinstein Dining Hall.
• [02:55] I share the origin of our "compost" salad bar, which was whatever we could find that would be healthy and fresh in the dining hall. 
• [03:59] We went shopping and created "compost". Reliving this memory from the past brought us joy.
• [05:05] Do you have an absolute sweet memory from your past that you would like to create, because it brings you joy?
• [06:22] I've also bonded over dancing with another friend.
• [07:27] Thank you for prioritizing relationships, because nothing can grow without effort, time, and understanding.
• [08:46] The other big takeaway from this weekend with Alison was the idea of being present. We are connected and get caught up when it matters.
• [10:07] I love that when you're in a relationship that's been around for a while, you can be present no matter what you're doing.
• [11:57]  Another thing that surfaced is how Alison and I were talking about acknowledging each other's strengths. We share in ways that we can nourish each other.
• [13:30] We also did some planning about where I'm going and what my financial possibilities may be. She helped me create a spreadsheet and scenario plan.
• [14:24] Knowing what's possible will help me plan better.
• [16:27] When we ask for help and tap into each other's strengths and gifts, we can be thoughtful and productive.
• [18:41] You can also do this with yourself.

Memorable Quotes:

• • “That first initial meeting and that energetic vibe that you felt, that understanding where you feel seen or heard, it has just carried you through the ages.” - Mary Tess
  • “Self-awareness is a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger your relationships become.” - Mary Tess
  • “Look at what you can do and look at the different ways you can feel empowered when you feel a bit more supported.” - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value

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