I've said the phrase "I'm a really lucky gal" for most of my life, and interestingly, I often say it right after someone tells me no. Not because rejection feels good, but because somewhere along the way, I stopped believing that no automatically means never.

Recently, that mindset was put to the test while I was preparing to sell my Mercedes Sprinter camper van. I wanted to have it serviced before completing the sale, but the dealership told me appointments were booked months out and cancellations basically never happen.

Still, I stayed optimistic, kept the lines of communication open, checked in consistently, and made sure I was ready in case an opportunity appeared. And sure enough, one did. What unfolded was more than just a scheduling win. It became a reminder of how mindset, communication, and action quietly work together to shift outcomes.

In this episode, we talk about what it really means to think of yourself as "lucky," how persistence differs from pressure, and why preparation often plays a bigger role than we realize. Today's Wise Walk centers on your relationship with rejection, possibility, and the small but powerful ways you can actively participate in changing your own luck.

• How many times have you been rejected after putting yourself out there for something you truly wanted, and you chose to move on simply because you received an answer?
• How often do you respond to rejection with the belief that it may be "no for now," but you keep the door open for future possibilities?
• When you face a setback, do you maintain an optimistic mindset that good fortune can still find its way to you?
• Are you able to communicate your desires clearly and respectfully without placing demands on others?
• Can you expand your network by staying open, engaged, and connected with people who may help shift outcomes?
• Are you preparing yourself to act when opportunities arise rather than waiting until after things change?
• What actions are you willing to take today to create openings that do not yet appear visible?
• Can you strengthen your luck mindset by aligning belief, communication, and consistent action?
• Are you allowing yourself to appreciate the process, including the small wins and unexpected moments along the way?
• When things finally shift in your favor, do you pause to feel gratitude and genuine appreciation?

Hopefully, that gratitude mindset can help us move through the rough patches and those feelings of stuckness, reminding us that, in general, the energy does shift.

As always, I'd love to hear what you took away from today's episode, so feel free to reach out and share. And be sure to tune in next Thursday for another Wise Walk.

Until then, please remember to prioritize fun as you read the signs, direct your path, and get your Stride On.

In this episode:

• [02:46] I'm in the process of selling my 2019 Mercedes Sprinter camper van. I plan to get it serviced at the Mercedes dealership before selling it.
• [04:12] This reduced the anxiety level of the new owner as well. My appointment was booked for February 20th, but we needed an earlier appointment.
• [05:04] They were booking several months out and were already all booked up. I'm a lucky gal! Put me on the cancellation list.
• [07:01] I kept a positive mindset and kept checking in. On one of my check-ins there was a no-show. I really am a lucky gal.
• [09:05] Getting this done ahead of schedule makes the transaction even more smooth. I also made a new friend and built rapport.
• [10:04] This boils down to three key components. First is mindset. I have a mindset that I'm a really lucky gal.
• [11:03] I also communicate, and I'm not afraid to get a no answer. Every no is one step closer to a yes. Action and preparing myself are also part of this plan.
• [12:03] I had to be ready to take action when I got that yes.
• [13:31] My mom always said that your luck factor increases depending on how many individuals are in your network.
• [15:20] I've used this mindset in many different areas of my life. For instance I knew things would work out when I sold my St. Augustine home.
• [16:44] I know that luck is when preparation meets opportunity. The more I prepare for an outcome I seek, the more likely it will happen.
• [17:40] Sometimes it's hard to be patient when you have a mindset of good fortune, and things aren't going your way.

Memorable Quotes:

• • "Luck, in my life, has rarely felt like random chance, and much more like the result of mindset, clear communication, and taking action long before the outcome actually shifts." - Mary Tess
  • "Preparation is one of the most underrated forms of optimism, because it reflects the belief that something will eventually work out, even when there's no immediate evidence that it will." - Mary Tess
  • "I've discovered that keeping the lines of communication open often creates opportunities that would never exist if I simply accepted the first no and walked away." - Mary Tess
  • "Gratitude plays a powerful role in sustaining resilience, because when you remember past wins, it becomes easier to trust that future shifts are still possible." - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value

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