True Stride

I love the change of seasons, especially when fall starts giving us those first chilly mornings. After months of being outside, making plans, and staying busy, I'm usually ready to slow things down. I notice it when I take the dogs out and can't wait to get back inside where it's warm. Spring and summer have always been my more active seasons, and I enjoy everything that comes with them. But I don't necessarily want to keep that same pace all year. When I look around at what's happening in nature, I see plenty of examples of why it's okay to do things differently as the seasons change.

This fall, I've decided that I'm not signing up for anything new. I started taking clogging lessons over the summer, and I'm enjoying those, so I'll keep going. But when a beekeeping course caught my attention, I had to remind myself that I don't need to explore every interest right now. I've also decided to take a break from having guests for a little while. I've had some wonderful visitors over the spring and summer, but I don't need to keep filling up my calendar. That's not always easy for me because I love learning new things and having new experiences. But I'm realizing there's a lot to enjoy about what I'm already doing, and I don't want to be so busy that I miss that.

On today's Wise Walk, we're taking some lessons from nature as we move through fall and get ready for winter. I've been thinking about trees and how they pull nutrients back into their trunks before dropping their leaves. I love the idea that we can do something similar with the experiences we've had. We can hold on to what was good about them without continuing to give them so much of our time and energy. And when winter comes, maybe we can learn something from bears that hibernate or seeds that need a cold season before they sprout. Even bees have their own way of getting through winter by gathering together. So I'm curious, what are you ready to release this fall? And when you think about resting this winter, what would that actually look like for you? Maybe it's spending more time alone, or maybe it's being with the people who make you feel good. I know I'm looking forward to having a little less on my calendar and seeing how that feels.

• How do you show up in each of the four seasons, and what lessons do you take from nature?
• What do you tend to do or avoid during spring, summer, fall, and winter?
• As we move through fall and prepare for winter, what lessons from nature can you apply to your own life?
• Where in your life can you follow the example of a tree by holding on to what nourishes you while letting go of what no longer serves you?
• Which activities, experiences, or relationships are you ready to release while holding on to the goodness you've gained from them?
• What are you ready to release this fall to prepare for winter?
• What type of rest do you need during the winter season?
• How can you embrace the stillness and slower pace of winter to restore and replenish your energy?
• Where in your life do you need a period of rest, much like a seed, before you're ready to emerge and bloom again?
• How is your need for rest similar to soil needing time to recover and replenish its nutrients?
• What can you learn from the way soil naturally restores itself, and how can you apply those lessons to your own life?

I would love to hear what you took away from today's episode, and learn about your examples of what you're doing during this fall and this winter.

I'm super excited for all of us, and I look forward to continuing our Wise Walks each and every week. Be sure to tune in to next Thursday for another episode, and be sure to prioritize fun as you read the signs, direct your path and get your Stride On.

In this episode:

• [02:16] Spring and summer are my most active seasons. We see this in nature too. We get cues from nature.
• [03:29] Fall is about releasing and slowing down, and preparing for the winter.
• [04:29] The changing season is a great reminder to go inward for the fall and release whatever isn't serving us.
• [05:16] The tree is a great example of what we should do for the fall. Trees take nutrients inward before they release their leaves.
• [07:56] I'm not signing up for anything new right now. I'm just going to embrace what is already in my routine.
• [09:08] I'm also releasing any new guests for a while. I'm taking an example from bears and hibernating for awhile.
• [11:02] I've learned that in nature, many seeds need a cold period before they can sprout.
• [13:27] Soil also needs a period of rest. We also need that period of rest.
• [15:12] We all recharge and recover differently. Just like the bees rally around the queen to survive the winter.

Memorable Quotes:

"Rest is not about a break from growth. We're not giving up on growing. We too need rest so we can emerge and bloom again." - Mary Tess

"We can appreciate all the goodness we've gained from our experiences and hold on to it as we slow down and prepare to rest. " - Mary Tess

"We don't have to get drawn into the hustle and bustle of the holidays. We can release that need and give ourselves permission to rest." - Mary Tess

"As the seasons change, I hope you really honor how to take care of yourself and recognize what you need to feel nourished and supported." - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

It's hard to believe that this month marks six years since we launched this podcast. When I started True Stride, I was focused on what I could bring to each episode. I wanted our Wise Walks to be useful, and I put quite a bit of pressure on myself to make sure there was something worthwhile in every conversation. What I didn't think about was how showing up every week might change me. Now I catch myself paying more attention to feelings I might once have brushed aside. I notice the pauses when someone is talking, and I'm more likely to ask another question instead of rushing in with an answer.

Some of the changes haven't been quite so easy. I spent a lot of time early on thinking about downloads, social media, and whether I was doing enough to make this podcast successful. I even wondered about quitting during a stretch when I wasn't hearing much from listeners. I had to ask myself whether I was still enjoying these conversations and whether they mattered to me, even without the feedback. That helped me recognize how much of my old corporate definition of success I was still carrying around. I've become more comfortable letting go of those expectations and allowing these conversations to be whatever they need to be.

On today's Wise Walk, we're reflecting on the things we've stayed with long enough to notice a change in ourselves. It could be a relationship, a career path, a hobby, or something we started without any idea where it might lead. We're considering what we've learned, what we've given up along the way, and how our reasons for continuing may have changed. Six years later, I still look forward to showing up for our weekly conversations, and I'm grateful for how much they've taught me. I hope you'll take some time to appreciate the ways your own commitments have helped you grow, too.

• What is something in your life you've stuck with long enough for it to change you, whether it's a career, hobby, interest, or relationship?
• How have you changed since you first started, and what do those changes feel like to you?
• In what ways have those changes supported you over the years, and what might you do differently if you could start over?
• Have you noticed any changes in how you process everyday challenges or emotions?
• Are you more curious about your feelings and better able to lean into your heart rather than relying solely on logic?
• How has connecting your heart and head changed the way you navigate life's ups and downs?
• How has sticking with something helped you follow your heart and make a positive impact on yourself or others?
• What do you appreciate most about how you've grown and evolved over the years?
• What have you had to give up in other areas of your life to stay committed to something, and has it been worth it?
• Have you ever considered quitting, and what kept you going?
• How has your definition of success changed since you first started?
• Does what you're doing still align with your personal definition of success?
• When you experience doubt, worry, or insecurity, how can you use what you've learned to encourage yourself to keep going?
• How can you appreciate the changes you've experienced and the sacrifices you've made along the way?
• What keeps you going when you feel like giving up, and does that commitment still resonate with you?
• If something has changed you for the better but no longer feels aligned, might it be time to let it go?
• What would moving on from that experience look like for you?

I still have so much to learn about myself, and I love our weekly Wise Walks and how they've enriched my life and our conversations. I want to keep getting better at defining success on my terms and continue striding forward.

I'd love to hear what you took away from today's episode, so please feel free to reach out. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being on this journey with me and helping me become a better human for myself and others. I look forward to next Thursday's Wise Walk.

In this episode:

• [01:59] When I first started this podcast, I never imagined it would last six years. I wasn't thinking about the different ways it would change me or you.
• [03:10] I never realized how the weekly check-ins would change my own ability to assess my choices. I also listen differently now.
• [04:11] I didn't realize how this process of dropping into my heart would fundamentally change my ability to consider options.
• [05:25] It's pretty cool to realize how much this practice has changed how I show up for myself and others.
• [07:33] I initially thought every episode had to have a huge meaningful impact, but I realized it's real down-to-earth life conversations that matter.
• [08:37] I don't have to try overly hard to impress you with impact and thoughtfulness. I just share real life examples and explore the shifts.
• [09:45] When we get real about where we are and what's going on, it almost gives others permission to do the same.
• [10:06] I've also become much more comfortable with being vulnerable.
• [12:10] You listeners are my people. Where else in life can we find our people? I love our weekly Wise Walks and conversations.
• [13:26] Reflecting on what I've had to give up on this six year podcast journey, my definition of success has changed. The real purpose of this journey was to get out of my head, not stuck looking at stats.
• [15:34] It's been worth it for me. I've given up trying to achieve other people's versions of success.
• [16:36] I want to live my life in a way that reflects my own life.
• [18:24] I want to be in service to you. Please let me know what resonates with you.
• [20:44] The great news for you and I is that I have no intention of sunsetting this podcast anytime soon. Today and for however long it is, this still feels extremely resonant with me.

Memorable Quotes:

"I am self-reflecting more consistently in the day-to-day events of life. These weekly Wise Walks have changed how I look at my own feelings." - Mary Tess

"This practice that we've been exercising consistently as a community has helped me hold space differently for myself and others. " - Mary Tess

One of the things that has changed for me is that I'm not putting so much pressure on myself to be something that I'm not. We don't have to be more than we are to be taken seriously. - Mary Tess

"When we just show up with our authentic selves, people can resonate with that because that's what they're trying to do, too. - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

Early in my sales career, I found myself teaching sales new hires (who were struggling to get up to speed) about our products, services, and systems. I'm a teacher and healer at heart, so helping them came naturally, even though the time I spent supporting them was time away from earning commission. What I couldn't see then was that making those small deposits would eventually lead me into sales training and open up an entirely new direction in my career.

That experience has stayed with me because we don't always know what will come from simply sharing what we have to offer. Sometimes it's our knowledge, our time, or one of those natural gifts that can make a real difference for someone else. Following our heart and being of service can create opportunities we never expected, but it's also important to notice when giving starts to feel one-sided. We can make deposits in others while still communicating what we need and allowing them to make deposits in us.

On today's Wise Walk, we're slowing down to notice that ebb and flow in our own lives. We're looking at what it means to see a need, offer what feels aligned, and stay open to receiving support when we need it too. When that exchange comes from the heart, we have a chance to strengthen our relationships, appreciate what each of us brings to the table, and create a little more connection along the way.

• Can you reflect on a time when you saw a need that wasn't technically your responsibility, but you chose to step in and help anyway?
• What did you receive in return from that experience, whether it was satisfaction, appreciation, an opportunity, or something unexpected?
• Where in your life have you experienced that ebb and flow of making deposits in others and eventually receiving support in return?
• What needs do you have in your life right now, and are you communicating them clearly enough for someone else to recognize where they can help?
• Are you willing to receive help with gratitude when someone feels called to make a deposit for you?
• Where do you see opportunities to make deposits in your neighbors, your team, your community, or the people around you?
• How can you make sure the time, energy, and natural gifts you contribute are seen and appreciated?
• When someone has made a meaningful deposit in you, how can you look for the right opportunity to return that support in a way that feels meaningful to them?

Wherever you are in life, I'd love to hear how you're following your heart, noticing where you can be of service, and making sure your contributions are valued. When we stay open to both giving and receiving those deposits, it creates a beautiful flow.

Feel free to reach out and share. I look forward to next Thursday's Wise Walk, so be sure to tune in for another episode. Until then, please be sure to prioritize fun as you read the signs, direct your path, and get your Stride On.

In this episode:

• [06:42] One of the things I love about that experience is that seeing the need for new hires prompted me to get into sales training and teaching.
• [08:08] I began helping new hires and it turned into an entire career. I even trained people in Paris, Frankfurt, and England.
• [09:28] This experience reminded me of how important it is for all of us to follow our hearts. We don't know until we try and see what magical doors the universe is opening up for us.
• [10:39] If we are able to see a need and share our natural born talents, we just won't know where the universe takes us.
• [11:09] The more we invest in those around us, the stronger those energetic exchanges are.
• [15:24] Living in the country, sometimes we need to depend on our neighbors and call on someone when we have a need. We also need to be open to opportunities where we can be of service.
• [16:08] Growing together as a community is a beautiful gift that we can give to each other.

Memorable Quotes:

"Until we try, we really don't know. Sometimes the universe has a magical way of opening doors for us." - Mary Tess

"The more that we invest in each other and ourselves, these energetic exchanges just happen more naturally." - Mary Tess

"When you see a need and feel called, listen, be aware, and decide if it feels right for you to be of service." - Mary Tess

"We can grow together as a community and have this natural energy exchange that comes from the heart." - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

I have a wonderful chiropractor who always has availability when I unexpectedly hurt my back. He makes time for his patients and emergency appointments when they are in critical need, and I loved this idea of how he honors time. He intentionally leaves space in his schedule for the unexpected, which means he doesn't have to rush through the patients who are already there. He can give them his full attention while still having room for someone who suddenly needs his help.

It made me think about how often we do the exact opposite in our own lives. We fill every open space, try to squeeze in one more thing, and sometimes leave ourselves almost no room for anything to go differently than planned. Then traffic happens, something takes longer than expected, or we simply get behind, and suddenly we're rushing. We feel that pressure to catch up, be on time, and avoid disappointing someone else. I know for me, being late can bring up all kinds of uncomfortable feelings, even when what caused the delay was completely out of my control.

On today's Wise Walk, we're talking about what all that rushing is really about and what might change if we gave ourselves a little more breathing room. We'll look at the pressure we put on ourselves, how we respond when things don't go according to plan, and why communicating can take some of that pressure away. We'll also talk about being more present with the time we do have, offering the same grace to others that we hope they'll give us, and trusting that sometimes the best thing we can do is allow life to unfold in perfect and elegant timing.

• Are you noticing any rushing in your life right now?
• Do you find yourself in a constant state of urgency?
• Are you rushing out of fear of falling behind, disappointing someone else, or feeling guilty?
• Has rushing simply become a habit?
• Do you constantly fill your calendar and try to squeeze in one more thing before you leave the house or shut down your computer?
• When you find yourself rushing, how does it make you feel?
• Does rushing bring up uncomfortable feelings for you?
• Can you notice why you are in that state of urgency?
• What can you do to change it?
• When you find yourself running late for something you scheduled, can you give yourself permission to pause, breathe, and safely communicate that your timing has changed?
• When you give yourself that permission, can you also release any guilt you may be feeling?
• Can you create space for perfect and elegant timing and trust that the person you are meeting will offer you the same space and grace?
• If you are chronically running behind because your calendar is packed or overscheduled, can you intentionally slow down and create more physical and mental space?
• Can you catch yourself before you overschedule and give yourself some breathing room?
• Where can you create unexpected buffer time so you have space for whatever is meant to come your way?
• Before you start your car, move on to a new task, or spend time with people you care about, how can you set yourself up for success?
• How can you be fully present without rushing through the experience?
• How often do you turn off your electronic devices?
• How often do you silence your notifications?
• Can you silence distractions during meals, drive time, or focused project time?
• How are you holding space for yourself to stay focused, stay present, and relieve some of the pressure you put on yourself?
• Where can you simply breathe, enjoy the moment, and be open to receiving the best experience possible?
• What does being on time mean to you?

I would love to hear what strategies and techniques you use to remove that sense of urgency in your life, to notice the rush when it's happening, to notice where those uncomfortable feelings of guilt or pressure are building up in your life.

Please let me know what you took away from today's episode and where in your life you're creating more space and more perfect and elegant timing. I look forward to next Thursday's Wise Walk, so be sure to tune in for another episode.

In this episode:

• [03:53] The beauty of perfect and elegant timing.
• [04:59] We need to allow ourselves to go with the flow and take the pressure off of ourselves and others.
• [05:32] When I'm running late and getting anxiety, I take a moment and pause and breathe.
• [06:15] When I pause, breathe, and communicate, the other person is very understanding.
• [07:45] Nothing in life is worth getting in an accident over. We need to keep in mind that perfect and elegant timing is what we trust in.
• [10:55] It's also important to pause and breathe so our attention is fully focused and we are present in the situation.
• [13:29] What does being on time mean to you?
• [15:55] When we communicate together, and pause and breathe, so many perfect and elegant things can happen.
• [16:16] There's nothing more important than caring for ourselves and those around us.
• [16:49] As a community, how can we eliminate that pressure or sense of urgency?
• [17:22] We are also going to silence distractions and some of the noise. We'll honor the time in the best way possible.

Memorable Quotes:

It's important to take the pressure off ourselves, and it's important to take the pressure off other people. - Mary Tess

"Give yourself some unexpected buffer time and see what can happen with that buffer time instead of filling your schedule to the brim." - Mary Tess

"When we communicate together, when we pause and breathe together, then so many perfect and elegant timing things can happen." - Mary Tess

"There is nothing more important than caring for ourselves and caring for those around us." - Mary Tess

"It'll happen in perfect and elegant timing." - My Aunt Caron

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

Have you ever gone back to something you haven't done in a while and immediately wondered if you still know how to do it? It's funny how quickly that doubt can creep in. We can have years of experience and plenty of proof that we're capable. Somehow, we can still convince ourselves that too much time has passed or that we've forgotten everything we once knew. Then we step back into it and realize, wait, I actually know more than I thought I did.

I've been noticing this in my own life lately, especially as I return to things I haven't done for a while. I also had a moment recently when a friend was going through a difficult loss. There was a chance I might need to step into her role and emcee a call with very little notice. My first thought was whether I could really pull it off without having time to prepare. But when I stopped and looked at everything I've already done, I realized I had plenty of experience to draw from. I needed to give myself a little more credit.

On this Wise Walk, we're exploring what happens when our inner critic gets louder than the evidence of what we already know. We'll look at the expectations we put on ourselves. We'll also talk about letting go of the need to be perfect. Sometimes being present is enough. Sometimes saying yes to something that makes us a little uncomfortable is exactly what reminds us what we're capable of.

• Are there times in your life when you stepped away from something you enjoyed or got really good at, then wanted to return to it later?
• When you go back to it, does fear or anxiety surface?
• Do you give yourself enough credit for what you already know?
• Instead of feeding that fear, can you remind yourself that you probably know more than you think you do?
• Is there an activity, passion, or hobby you want to return to but have been putting off because too much time has passed?
• What is stopping you from going back to something you are curious about?
• Can you get grounded in why you have been holding yourself back?
• Can you trust your ability to work through whatever comes up and allow yourself to have the experience you are meant to have right now?
• Has someone ever asked you at the last minute to do something you felt unprepared for?
• What was your internal dialogue at that moment?
• Were you able to honor what was coming up for you while still moving past your self-doubt?
• When something pushes you outside your comfort zone, can you get curious about why it feels uncomfortable?
• What choices do you want to make when you find yourself outside your comfort zone?
• What actions can you take to let go of perfection and simply be present?
• Can you show up for yourself and others without expecting yourself to be perfect?
• Where in your life can you say yes to something that feels uncomfortable?
• Can you step outside your comfort zone, put your inner critic on the back burner, and surprise yourself?
• When you do surprise yourself, who are you going to tell?
• How can you be your own cheerleader?
• How can you appreciate the progress and momentum you are creating?
• Where can you gently tell your inner critic, "Not right now. I'm moving ahead anyway"?
• How can you give yourself credit for doing something uncomfortable or challenging?
• Who can you share your wins with who will be just as delighted as you are?

I want to give you a shout-out for doing those scary things and not feeling like you have to be perfect. You are present, and you are showing up for yourself and others in ways that matter.

I would love to hear what you took away from today's episode and what else is going on in your life. Feel free to reach out and share. I look forward to next Thursday for another Wise Walk. Until then, please be sure to prioritize fun as you read the signs, direct your path, and get your Stride On.

In this episode:

• [04:21] How I had to realize that I could step up and help someone who needed support in their time of need, even though I wasn't sure that I was ready.
• [05:24] I knew it was important for me to give my friend support to feel what she needed to feel.
• [06:22] My friend is still being the emcee for the event, but she knows that she has my support, and that I can step up if needed.
• [07:05] Presence over perfection. Perfection isn't what people are typically looking for. They want the raw, vulnerable, good stuff that they could relate to.
• [09:18] When I was on this Wise Walk, I realized that we all have this inner critic. This inner critic also creates a lot of noise.
• [10:17] Sometimes we also have unrealistic expectations. We need to keep these in check and realize something magical will come out.
• [12:12] We can't lose faith in ourselves. We need to believe in ourselves and expect good outcomes to come our way.
• [13:26] The importance of giving ourselves credit and owning our wins.
• [14:56] As children, we get used to something new every year. As adults, there isn't as much change until we start going through major life changes like retirement or a new business or career.
• [16:15] I'm grateful that I can apply these concepts to my own life and that I'm seeing so many people who I care about doing the same thing.

Memorable Quotes:

• • "You probably know more than you think you do. Give yourself credit and trust what you already know." - Mary Tess
  • "Challenge your inner critic. Growth often begins when you move forward even when part of you feels uncomfortable." - Mary Tess
  • "Say yes to something that scares you a little. You may discover you're far more capable than you expected." - Mary Tess
  • "Perfectionism is overrated. Something beautiful can happen when you let go of unrealistic expectations." - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

I like to think of emotions a lot like waves in the ocean. Some roll in gently and barely disturb us, while others seem to come out of nowhere and knock us off our feet. Lately, I have been experiencing some of those heavier waves. With the 25th anniversary of September 11, memories from when I was living and working in New York have surfaced in ways I did not necessarily expect. Grief can be tricky like that. We can feel completely fine one moment, and then a memory, a conversation, or even the energy around us brings something back that we thought we had already worked through.

I used to think being positive meant pushing those heavier feelings aside and keeping myself moving. Now I see how important it is to make room for them instead. Sometimes that means clearing the calendar, letting yourself cry, talking with someone you trust, or simply being still long enough to notice what is coming up. We do not always have to fix what we are feeling, and we certainly do not have to have everything together all the time. On today's Wise Walk, we explore how to ride those emotional waves instead of fighting them, create space for vulnerability, support the people we love when their own waves come in, and give ourselves the grace to rest and recharge afterward.

• Are you able to process the range of emotions you experience from day to day, or even minute to minute, much like the waves in the ocean?
• Can you feel those waves of emotion when you are in a storm and allow them to wash over you?
• Can you ride those emotional waves when you can?
• Can you ground yourself so the waves do not knock you over, allowing them to pass through you instead of resisting them?
• Can you pause and feel gratitude when those waves of emotion bring you joy and satisfaction?
• Where in your life are you holding space to watch the waves come in and go out, accepting that sometimes you have no control over them?
• Can you give yourself the space and grace to experience those emotional waves in whatever form they appear?
• When heavy emotions surface, can you pause, take them seriously, and reflect on why they may be appearing at this moment?
• Can you honor what you are feeling?
• Can you feel your feelings in a safe and vulnerable way, knowing that expressing them does not make you weak?
• When you experience waves of emotion that feel heavy, confusing, or sad, do you allow yourself to process them?
• Who can you reach out to, who will hold a safe and sacred space for you?
• Can you allow yourself to be vulnerable and share what is on your mind with people you trust?
• Can you also lean in and listen when someone else shares what is surfacing for them?
• What is going on for you?
• How are you feeling about this experience?
• What personal memories are surfacing for you?
• Are you allowing yourself to heal by feeling your feelings and giving others space to share theirs too?
• Can vulnerability help you deepen your connections and build greater trust with the people in your life?

Allow yourself to be present with whatever feelings are surfacing and just look at them like waves of emotions and be kind to yourself. I would love to hear what waves you are allowing to wash over you.

I look forward to next Thursday's Wise Walk. I hope you'll join me. Until then, please be sure to prioritize fun as you read the signs, direct your path, and get your Stride On.

In this episode:

• [03:43] This year marks 25 years since September 11th. And I have very vivid memories of September 11th. I was living and working in New York at the time.
• [04:11] That day was fundamentally life-altering for many of us. It altered our shared sense of safety. We also lost so many humans that day and in the aftermath.
• [05:46] 25 years later we still feel the energy of those days and also the energy of the mass collective.
• [06:03] We are all so intertwined that we feel our memories and the memories and grief of others.
• [07:03] When I was young, I tried to resist grief and waves of heavy emotion.
• [08:39] I've honored September 11th in a variety of ways. Sometimes I just take alone time. I also participated in the Tunnels to Tower Run.
• [10:02] This year when I started feeling those emotions, I knew the best thing to do would be to talk about it.
• [11:12] When we accept that waves of emotion are going to surface, it doesn't have to be a bad thing, and we don't have to judge it.
• [14:15] When we feel grief or a wave of emotion it can be related to so many different things.
• [15:34] You are going to get through the storm of whatever you are feeling. There's a beginning, middle, and end.
• [16:39] You are strong, and you can handle whatever waves of emotion come at you.
• [17:23] Be kind to yourself when those heavy emotions wash over you.

Memorable Quotes:

• • "Sometimes the healthiest thing we can do is accept the waves and learn to work with them instead of fighting them." - Mary Tess
  • "Sometimes there isn't anything to fix. Healing happens in how we show up for ourselves and for each other." - Mary Tess
  • "Whatever you're experiencing has a beginning, a middle, and an end. You will get through the storm." - Mary Tess
  • "Life is ever-changing. Let the emotions wash over you and trust that this moment will not always feel the way it does right now." - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value
• 5k Run & Walk NYC

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

I've always loved the idea of trying something on a small scale before going all in. In my corporate days, we did this all the time with pilots. We would test a new idea, product, process, or system with a small group, see what worked, notice where things started to crack, and then decide what needed to change before taking it any further. That same approach has helped me in so many other areas of life too. Sometimes the best way to move forward is not to have everything figured out. It is simply to create a safe way to test what is calling you and pay attention to what you learn.

Pressure testing can reveal a lot more than whether an idea will work. It can show us how we respond when we feel vulnerable, how other people react to change, and where we may be ready to grow. It can also teach us something about our relationships because we often learn the most about ourselves and the people around us when life gets uncomfortable. On today's Wise Walk, we explore where we may be playing it a little too safe, what we might be ready to test, and how we can use those experiences to build confidence, resilience, and deeper connections.

• Is there something in your life that has been calling you that you would really like to test?
• Is there an idea in your personal or professional life that excites you, but you have been hesitant to try?
• Could you pilot that idea on a small scale and see what kind of feedback you receive?
• What might you learn by testing the idea before making a bigger commitment?
• What is something you are curious about and ready to give a trial run?
• Who in your life could give you thoughtful, honest feedback as you test your idea?
• Are you willing to be brave enough to try something new and simply see what happens next?
• What is an area of your life where you have been playing it a little too safe lately?
• Have you become comfortable doing the same things because you know you will not fall?
• Where might you be ready to take a risk, try something new, and see how you can grow?
• When was the last time you cracked under pressure? Can you give yourself some self-love and self-compassion as you reflect on that experience?
• How were you able to move through that difficult situation?
• Was there someone who helped you move through it with a little more ease?
• Have you ever gone through a crisis with someone and felt your relationship deepen because of what you experienced together?
• Can you acknowledge the deeper connection you formed with someone who rose to the occasion with you?
• What did you learn about yourself during that difficult experience?
• What did you learn about the people who supported you?
• Can you feel gratitude for the growth and connection that came from moving through that experience together?

The more we practice pressure testing, the better we get at handling what comes our way. It helps us build confidence and resilience, and over time, we may find that we are less reactive and better able to move through stressful situations with more ease.

As always, I would love to hear what you took away from today's episode and what areas of your life you are excited to pilot and pressure test. Feel free to reach out and share, and be sure to tune in next Thursday for another Wise Walk.

In this episode:

• [07:04] How the idea of pressure testing was inspired by one of my friends.
• [08:21] I also shared my ideas of a pilot test and charting the results.
• [10:07] All of these skills in having the pilot program are helping my friend grow. When we pressure test ourselves, we pilot our own ability.
• [11:14] We also get to see how we perform under pressure and discover our strengths.
• [12:55] We don't know how people will react or how the dynamics will play out unless we test them.
• [13:31] I'm going to pilot. I'm going to run a test. I'm going to see what comes out of it.
• [14:06] We should never look at a pilot failure as a personal failure. We gain so much in the process.
• [16:06] The other area where this comes to mind is the idea of relationships. You never really know someone until you experience a crisis together.
• [17:22] We all crack under pressure occasionally. That doesn't mean there's anything wrong with us.
• [18:12] Pressure cooker careers like firefighters, police, and military professionals are often put in pressure cooker situations where they gain awareness of who has their back.
• [20:11] I've had my fair share of crisis situations in my life. I'm going to focus on gratitude for what I learned and gained through those experiences.
• [21:32] The more we work the muscle of pressure testing, the better we will get at it.

Memorable Quotes:

• • "Sometimes putting yourself out there is the pressure test that helps you find your voice." - Mary Tess
  • "Sometimes the best way to move forward is to pilot an idea on a small scale and see what happens." - Mary Tess
  • "Pressure reveals our strengths, our weak spots, and where we still have room to grow." - Mary Tess
  • "The people who stand beside you under pressure can deepen your sense of connection and trust." - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

A friend of mine is doing some really exciting things right now. She is building a new business, speaking at fashion events, and stretching herself in all kinds of new ways. When we were talking recently, one of the things she focused on was the fact that she has not been exercising. I remember thinking, why are we so quick to notice the thing we have not done instead of everything we have and have done?

I have caught myself doing the same thing. We can accomplish 99 things and somehow we let that one thing we didn't complete, overshadow all we accomplished. Sometimes life simply requires us to put certain priorities on the back burner while we give our energy to something else. That does not mean those things no longer matter. It may simply mean we are exercising different muscles right now and focusing on what this season in life needs from us.

On today's Wise Walk, we talk about shifting our attention from the have-nots to the haves, appreciating what we are accomplishing instead of judging ourselves for what we have not gotten to, and giving ourselves permission to prioritize what matters most right now with more self-love and compassion.

• Do you find yourself beating yourself up over things you haven't done lately or haven't gotten around to?
• In those moments, can you catch yourself and let self-love and self-care wash over you?
• Can you shift your focus from what you haven't done to appreciating what you have accomplished and the new muscles you are exercising?
• Is there an area of your life where you are being critical of yourself because you haven't gotten to something?
• Can you reframe that disappointment by acknowledging what you want to circle back to while appreciating everything that is benefiting from your heart, energy, and intention?
• Are you able to give yourself credit for how you are showing up, what you are accomplishing, and how you are supporting both your present and future self?
• When you reframe your mindset, how do you feel, and can you get excited about the vision you hold for your future self?

Catch yourself when you focus on what you haven't done, and take a moment to appreciate everything you have accomplished. Trust what you are being called to focus on when it feels aligned with your energy, effort, and expertise.

Let me know what you took away from this episode, and I'll talk to you on next week's Wise Walk.

In this episode:

• [03:07] Our brains are conditioned to hold on to the negative elements in life.
• [04:16] How one less than glowing review took over my thoughts.
• [05:48] Reframing how to look at critical feedback is so important. We need to appreciate our wins.
• [06:51] We can focus on priorities and circle back to the other things later.
• [07:42] We need laser focus to incorporate the elements that help us become our highest and best self.
• [09:18] Just like my friend, I too realized I wasn't exercising as much as I wanted to. I'm still moving my body and using different muscles than I'm used to.
• [10:20] I need to let go of the list of what I haven't done lately.
• [11:07] Sometimes we need to step back and appreciate what matters.
• [13:17] Think about how you can help yourself move with more self-love and compassion. Be appreciative about what you're doing and how you're showing up for yourself.

Memorable Quotes:

• • "We need to appreciate the wins in our lives and recognize what we are doing right, what we are accomplishing, and how we are showing up." - Mary Tess
  • "Let go of the things you are not getting to without guilt. You can circle back to them when the time is right." - Mary Tess
  • "Give yourself self-love and compassion for being present with what you need right now instead of focusing on everything you haven't done." - Mary Tess
  • "Move through life with more self-love, self-compassion, and a deep appreciation for what you are doing and how you are showing up." - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

Sometimes life gives us a lesson we already know, but apparently need to learn again. I recently tweaked my back while moving an extremely heavy piece of furniture, and I knew immediately that I had to stop. There was a time when I might have tried to push through the pain and finish what I started, but experience has taught me that ignoring what my body is telling me usually makes things worse. This time, I grabbed the ice, stopped trying to solve the problem myself, and started figuring out who I could call for help.

What surprised me was how vulnerable that felt. Asking movers to finish the job was one thing, but as the reality of my injury set in, I realized I needed help with some very basic parts of my life. I couldn't drive home as planned. I couldn't bend down to feed my dogs. I had to call people I love and admit that I simply could not do certain things on my own. As uncomfortable as that was, every phone call became a reminder that receiving support is not a failure of self-reliance. Sometimes it is exactly what allows us to take care of ourselves and move through a difficult moment without making it harder than it already is.

In this episode, we're taking a Wise Walk together to look at the heavy loads we carry and why so many of us wait until we're in crisis before asking someone to share them. Where could you use a little more support right now? Who has shown you that they genuinely have your back? And can you allow yourself to receive their help without guilt or the feeling that you're putting someone out? I am learning that being strong doesn't always mean doing everything myself. Sometimes strength looks like being vulnerable enough to say, "I need help," and then letting someone show up for me.

• What memorable painful experiences have forced you to stop midstream because pressing on would have caused further harm?
• When physical, emotional, or energetic pain surfaced, were you able to pause, honor what you were feeling, regroup, and determine your next steps?
• Where in your life have you ignored pain or discomfort that was trying to tell you to stop?
• What did you learn from those experiences that you want to carry forward the next time something painful happens?
• Where in your life are you carrying a physical, emotional, or energetic load that you may not need to carry alone?
• Where can you become vulnerable and ask for help before you reach a crisis point?
• Once you ask for help, how can you receive that support without guilt or feeling like you are putting someone out?
• What resources are available through your family, friends, or contacts that could help you carry a difficult load?
• What other tools, techniques, or resources could help you move through a vulnerable period with greater ease, support, and confidence?
• How can receiving the support you need help you move through hardship while carrying the lessons from that experience forward?

I hope you're not carrying heavy loads by yourself. Be vulnerable enough to ask for the support you deserve and allow others to share the load. In doing so, you may deepen the bonds of friendship, love, respect, and support around you.

I would love to hear what you took away from today's episode. Thank you so much for listening. Be sure to tune in next Thursday for another wise walk. Please be sure to prioritize fun as you read the signs, direct your path and get your Stride On.

In this episode:

• [03:26] I've tweaked my back in the past. My back has vulnerable points. I need to be more careful than most.
• [04:39] Each time I injure my back I get a little more in tune on how to respond.
• [05:36] While I was laid up, I began to make phone calls and request help for my current situation.
• [06:44] The thing I took away from this experience is that I had to learn how to ask for help.
• [07:27] When we are down and out we have to face our fears about being vulnerable. Pain forces us to confront the feeling of resistance when asking for help.
• [09:09] I also had to call my cousin for help with feeding my dogs.
• [11:21] Once I started exercising the muscle of asking for help, it actually got a lot easier.
• [12:33] When we are vulnerable, it's important to feel seen and heard.
• [13:37] I also started thinking about support in broader terms. I invested in a back brace to feel more secure and calm.
• [16:17] My big takeaway is that it's okay to have a mentality of self-reliance. It's also important to remember that we don't have to carry everything by ourselves.
• [17:28] We all need each other and are better together. We stand stronger in our foundational root chakra when we know when to ask for help.

Memorable Quotes:

• • "Where in your life are you carrying a heavy load that you don't need to carry alone? Sometimes asking for help is exactly what allows life to move a little more smoothly." - Mary Tess
  • "When we are vulnerable enough to ask for help, we also get to see who genuinely shows up for us, who has our back, and who is willing to stand beside us when things get hard." - Mary Tess
  • "When we ask for help and allow ourselves to receive it without guilt, we create a beautiful balance between self-reliance and the support that is available all around us." - Mary Tess
  • "The more we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and receive the support we need, the more easily we can move through life's difficult moments with confidence that we will get through them." - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

Years ago, I spent some time studying Ayurveda and learning more about how food can support the body. One thing I remember really liking was the idea of bringing different tastes into a meal. Instead of eating something that hits only one note, you include a mix of flavors so the meal feels more satisfying and complete.

I started thinking about that again recently, only this time in terms of life. There are certain things I need in my day that help me feel good about how I invested my time. Moving my body is one. Being outside is another. I love learning, having meaningful conversations, working with my animals, and knowing I did something useful for someone else. I also need that point when I can say, "day is done," and stop pushing myself to do more.

On today's Wise Walk, we talk about the different flavor profiles that make a life feel satisfying, why those ingredients will look different for each of us, and how being more intentional about what we include in our days can help us feel more balanced and complete.

• What does feeling satisfied mean to you?
• In what ways do you feel satisfied in your body, heart, energy, relationships, career, and activities?
• How can you direct or redirect your energy toward the things that help you feel satisfied?
• What activities allow you to actively direct your energy toward the areas of your life that bring you satisfaction?
• How do you incorporate those activities into your day?
• Do you have enough variety in the things that help you feel satisfied?
• Are your personal flavor profiles connected to relationships, learning, acts of service, or other meaningful experiences?
• How are you incorporating your heart, mind, body, and soul into the way you live each day?
• What are the things that light you up, and how do you feel when you make time for them?
• What do you notice when those important elements are missing from your day?
• Where can you be more intentional about choosing the things that help you feel satisfied, grounded, calm, and balanced?
• How can you create a clear stopping point at the end of the day and shift your energy toward reflection, recovery, restoration, or nourishment?
• How do you create satisfaction during the times when you do not need to be "on"?
• Are there areas of your life where you are depriving yourself of the flavor profiles or sensory experiences that help you feel abundant, grateful, and fulfilled?
• How can you become more aware of what feels aligned for you and what does not?
• How can you intentionally choose more of the things that bring you satisfaction?
• What can you eliminate from your life that is weighing you down or pulling you away from the experience you want to create?
• What elements help you feel complete in how you show up for others and how you show up for yourself?
• How can you create balance between being of service to others and giving yourself what you need to unwind at the end of the day?

I'd love to hear what helps you feel satisfied and how you create balance in your life. Please send me your thoughts and feedback. I look forward to next Thursday's Wise Walk. Until then, prioritize fun as you read the signs, direct your path, and get your stride on.

In this episode:

• [01:47] I studied Ayurvedic practices as a way to support my body. Ayurveda has different healing beliefs and works with food and spices as nourishment, and also incorporates body cleansing practices.
• [02:16] They focus on the mind, body, heart and soul alignment. It's being intentional about how we prepare our food.
• [03:07] Spices are incorporated to help our bodies feel supported.
• [04:02] There are six fundamental taste that we should achieve in every meal including sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent.
• [05:19] Things I should include in my everyday life flavor profile include exercise, nature, meaningful conversations, learning, and being of service.
• [07:07] At the end of the day, my aunt and I will always say, "Day is done."
• [08:36] Shifting energy and going inward and using your "off switch" is also very satisfying.
• [12:51] One of the ayurvedic flavor profiles is sweetness. I make a point to incorporate sweetness in my day. I have something sweet after my meal.
• [14:40] My sweet stopper has helped prevent me from overindulging.
• [15:43] This helps close out the eating experience for me.
• [17:11] We can be intentional about incorporating flavor profiles into our days so we feel satisfied.

Memorable Quotes:

• • "Satisfaction is personal. Each of us has to recognize what makes us feel nourished, supported, and complete, then intentionally direct our energy toward those things." - Mary Tess
  • "A satisfying life is not built from one thing alone. It comes from understanding the different experiences that energize us and making space for them in our daily lives." - Mary Tess
  • "When we make room for the things that light us up, we give ourselves a better chance to end the day feeling complete rather than wondering what was missing." - Mary Tess
  • "Balance includes knowing when to be fully engaged and when to create a clear stopping point so our energy can shift toward calm and recovery." - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram