True Stride

One of the messages I heard over and over growing up was simple: if you start something, you see it through. My mom taught us to keep going, push through the hard parts, and trust that we could get to the other side. That lesson gave me a lot of confidence, but I also remember one time in high school when she completely surprised me. I was struggling with a situation that had become hurtful, and instead of telling me to keep going, she told me that sometimes it is okay to "lick your battle scars and move on." At the time, I was almost shocked to hear those words from her, but I needed them. I had been so focused on not being a quitter that I wasn't paying attention to how much the situation was costing me emotionally.

That lesson came back to me recently when a friend told me about recognizing a red flag with someone she had just started talking to and deciding, very simply, to "tap out." I loved the phrase because there is strength in knowing when enough is enough. Tapping out does not always mean giving up. Sometimes it means protecting your peace, stepping away before more damage is done, or giving yourself enough space to come back with a clearer mind. I have been learning that on the farm too, where sometimes the best thing I can do is stop forcing a project, reset, and look at it again later with fresh eyes. So on today's Wise Walk, I'm looking at that line between staying the course and knowing when it's time to step back, regroup, and put your energy somewhere that feels better.

• Have you ever been in a challenging situation that creates a lot of conflict in your life, yet you hold on because you don't want to quit?
• Are you holding on so tightly that you may be directly or indirectly causing harm to yourself and collecting those micro battle scars along the way?
• When you find yourself in an unhealthy situation or predicament, do you give yourself permission to lick your battle scars, move on, and give yourself time to heal?
• Can you redirect the energy you've been using to push past the discomfort or conflict toward something that feels more aligned, fulfilling, and supportive of your overall well-being?
• Are you managing something in your life right now that feels unhealthy or is weighing on you, but you keep telling yourself you have to push through?
• Is there an opportunity to choose again, step back, hit pause, or tap out so you can reset and give yourself room to heal?
• Can you find a different way forward that still supports what you ultimately want, but feels more aligned and sustainable?
• If you step away for a while, do you actually feel called to re-engage, or might you realize that you're ready to let it go?

I hope today's episode reminds you that stepping back doesn't make you a quitter. Sometimes tapping out gives you the space to reset, heal, and move forward with more clarity. I'd love to hear what stood out to you, and I look forward to connecting again next Thursday for another Wise Walk.

In this episode:

• [05:39] I share a story about an event that happened to a dear friend of mine when she attempted online dating. She called out a guy when he wasn't telling the truth. Then she tapped out.
• [07:20] I love that my friend recognized the red flags and was able to tap out. We often forget that tapping out is an option.
• [08:51] Tapping out can prevent injury and prevent us from getting hurt.
• [09:38] Tapping out can also reset our cognitive fatigue.
• [10:33] Tapping out can also help us redirect our energy in a healthy way.
• [12:27] Tapping out can also create space for better long-term results.
• [16:11] Forcing something that does harm to us creates trauma and gives up our control.
• [17:04] I see tapping out as a healthy boundary setting not quitting.

Memorable Quotes:

• • "We do not have to push beyond pain and discomfort if we feel that tapping out is in our best interest." - Mary Tess
  • "Sometimes pulling back or sometimes stepping away, it just gives us that ability to see things from a different lens." - Mary Tess
  • "I still don't see that idea of tapping out as quitting. I see it more as a healthy boundary setting that prevents harm to us." - Mary Tess
  • "Knowing when enough is enough, knowing when to walk away, knowing when to step back, like that is a power you obtain always." - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value

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Sometimes you do not realize how much your life has changed until something makes you stop and look at it. New interests emerge. Our priorities change. Everyday experiences begin to feel natural even though they would have surprised an earlier version of us. A recent conversation with my sister gave me a chance to see my own transformation through her eyes. While she was excited about business meetings in Dallas, I was equally excited to spend the week harvesting green beans and learning canning. Her surprised laughter reminded me just how far my life has shifted from my years in New York City.

Each of us has an opportunity to reflect on the many versions we've experienced during our lifetime and appreciate each one without feeling obligated to remain there. On our Wise Walk, I share how I am reinventing my approach to exercise as my body and responsibilities change, along with the patience required to grow into a new way of living. Together, let's consider the small steps that can help us move toward the person we are becoming. Reinvention takes time, honest adjustments, and plenty of grace for ourselves and for the people who may need a moment to catch up with who we are becoming.

• As you appreciate where you are today, can you look back and value the many different versions of yourself?
• How many times have you reinvented yourself throughout your life?
• Have you ever surprised someone you love because they still pictured an earlier version of you?
• Is there a new version of yourself calling you forward right now?
• Who can support and encourage you as you move into this next phase of your life?
• Can you make room to try something new, even if what you have always done still feels familiar and comfortable?
• What does reinvention mean to you at this point in your life, and why does it matter now?
• What needs to change or be cleared away so you can move toward the vision you have for yourself?
• What small step could bring you even one percent closer to the person you want to become?
• How can you build momentum and begin to feel connected to this new version of yourself?
• How are you sharing the small changes in your life with the people who care about you?
• Can you invite supportive people into your vision so they have time to understand who you are becoming?
• Can those conversations strengthen your desire to make the changes that feel important to you?
• As you reinvent yourself, can you pause and recognize how far you have already come?
• Can you appreciate the person you once were while also welcoming the person you are becoming?
• What is lighting you up as you continue to grow, evolve, and reinvent yourself?

I encourage you to appreciate every version of yourself that helped bring you to where you are today. Give yourself the time and grace to keep growing, and trust that each small step is helping shape the person you are becoming.

I would love to hear what you took away from today's episode. Feel free to reach out and share how you are reinventing yourself or what changes you are beginning to explore. Please join us for another Wise Walk next Thursday.

In this episode:

• [04:27] I've even found a few moments where I've had to laugh at the dramatic change in my life since I've been on the farm.
• [05:04] In New York, I lived in the hustle and bustle of the city. My nature fixes were in Central Park.
• [06:12] I've reinvented myself, and I'm enjoying this new phase of my life. I'm transforming into a country girl.
• [08:22] One area that I'm clear on reinventing for myself is the way that I work out. My body has evolved to a place where hiking is a better fit than running. This change was hard to accept. I'm also incorporating more strength training.
• [10:21] True reinvention requires personal growth, transformation, and adaptation. This could take 5 years. I need to give myself space and grace.
• [11:56] Whatever your reinvention time, be realistic about it and give yourself permission to clarify and take baby steps.
• [12:43] Also give people around us the space and grace to adapt with us.
• [15:34] This conversation with my sister helped me take stock of just how far I've come.
• [16:07] We have the opportunity to reinvent ourselves at any age.
• [17:03] The choices you make today will write your biography for tomorrow.

Memorable Quotes:

• • "How cool that at any age, we have the opportunity to reinvent ourselves. We are not stuck in who we were, and the future has yet to be written." - Mary Tess
  • "I have to give myself a lot of space and grace to really get in flow with this new version of myself." - Mary Tess
  • "True reinvention requires personal growth. It requires transformation. It requires adaptation." - Mary Tess
  • "We are reinventing ourselves in small ways every single day. We change. Our tastes change. Our interests change." - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

Sometimes you can think you know exactly what you want, but actually experiencing it tells you something completely different. In backpacking, a shakedown gives you a chance to test your gear on a shorter trip before heading out on a bigger adventure. I love that idea because we do the same thing in everyday life, whether we realize it or not. I have test driven cars that looked great on paper, but felt completely wrong once I got behind the wheel, and my first trip hauling horses across the country taught me very quickly that leggings and sneakers were not nearly as practical as denim and cowboy boots. The experience gave me information I could use the next time around.

There are so many areas of our lives where giving something a trial run can help us figure out what actually fits. It might be a career, a neighborhood, a relationship, a subscription, or even where we set up a desk. Sometimes we just have to try something and see what happens. Maybe it works exactly the way we hoped, or maybe we realize pretty quickly that it is not for us. Either way, we learn something, and we can use that information to decide what comes next. On today's Wise Walk, we talk about where a test drive might help us figure out what fits, what doesn't, and what we want to choose from here.

• Is there an area of your life that would benefit from a shakedown or a test run to see if it truly aligns with you?
• How does that experience fit and feel for you right now?
• What feels good, what feels off, and what can you do with that information?
• Is there anything missing from the experience that would help you feel more prepared and avoid regrets later?
• When was the last time you were excited about something but realized, once you were in the experience, that you did not know what you did not know?
• Have you ever wished you had tried something on a smaller scale first so you could better understand what to expect and prepare accordingly?
• Is there something you are interested in experiencing or taking on that you could test in a smaller, lower-commitment way first?
• Do you give yourself opportunities to take something for a test drive before fully jumping into the deep end?

Can you look at the many things that you're juggling in your life right now, get curious, and give them a little bit of a shakedown? Can you try them on for size or give them a test run? Can you give yourself the space and grace to try it on for fit, feel, and no regrets before you fully commit?

As always, I would love to hear what you took away from today's episode. Feel free to reach out and share whatever areas of your life you are testing out for fit, feel, and no regrets. Please join us for another Wise Walk next Thursday.

In this episode:

• [02:43] When I think of a test drive, I think of taking cars for a test drive. Things can look good on paper and make logical sense, but you don't know until you've taken it for a test drive.
• [04:42] We can apply the test drive concept in any area of our lives.
• [05:22] I tried many neighborhoods on for size when I was thinking about moving.
• [06:20] I'm evaluating my closet and clothes to see what's a good fit. How does it feel? How does it fit? Is there a real life application for this?
• [08:18] Denim is definitely the best outfit for farm work.
• [11:39] When I was promoting my coaching service, I used the initial call as a two-way opportunity for the client to get to know me and for me to get to know them.
• [12:45] Am I doing this out of enjoyment or am I doing this out of obligation?
• [13:53] I share my friend's online dating systematic approach. After messaging, then he has a call. If the call doesn't go well, he doesn't move forward.

Memorable Quotes:

• • "Anytime we are open to this idea of doing a shakedown with a certain area of our life, we're just gaining information." - Mary Tess
  • "We are trying things on for size. We are giving that experiential test for fit, for feeling, for no regrets." - Mary Tess
  • "We can take career aspirations for test runs. We can take activities and interests for test runs. We can take vacations for test runs." - Mary Tess
  • "We are not locked into anything. We always have permission to choose again. It is ours to choose again." - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

Bravery is easy to admire when we see someone do something extraordinary. Lately, though, I have been noticing it in much quieter moments. It shows up when someone learns new skills because their career is changing. It is there when a friend tries online dating again or takes on an adventure that feels a little beyond their comfort zone. They may still feel nervous or unsure. They are simply choosing to move forward anyway.

Life on the farm has given me plenty of chances to practice this myself. Driving the tractor and learning to use the zero-turn lawn mower were both intimidating at first. I did not automatically feel confident just because other people told me they were easy. After a while, the tractor stopped feeling strange. The zero-turn is taking a little longer, but I am getting better at that too. None of it became easier because I suddenly knew exactly what I was doing. It became easier because I kept trying.

On this Wise Walk, we talk about the many ways bravery can show up in our lives. Sometimes it means making a major change. Other times, it is getting back on the mower, signing up for a class or taking one step toward something we have been putting off. It may not go exactly as planned, but there is still something to gain from doing it. We learn what works, what does not, and what we may do differently next time. That experience makes the unknown feel a little more manageable.

• Where can you appreciate the ways you are taking action despite your fear of the unknown?
• When discomfort rises, how can you tap into your bravery and do it anyway?
• How can you give yourself credit for bravely moving forward into the unknown?
• Where do you see bravery showing up in the people around you?
• How can you acknowledge someone who is pursuing what matters to them despite their fear of the unknown?
• Is there a career unknown you are struggling with right now?
• How can you recognize the courage it takes to embrace that discomfort and keep moving forward?
• Are you facing uncertainty in a relationship or in dating?
• How can you show up authentically, move through the discomfort and become braver through the experience?
• Is there an adventure or experience that has been calling to you?
• What small step can you take to move closer to it?
• Where in your life are you feeling challenged or uncomfortable with the unknown?
• How can you draw on the bravery you have shown at other times in your life?
• Once you take a small step in the direction you want to go, how can you celebrate it?
• Who can you invite to recognize and celebrate your bravery with you?
• How can you admire and encourage the bravery you see in others?
• How can you remind one another of the bravery that exists within you and all around you?
• Where can you set an intention to be brave without becoming too focused on the outcome?
• How can you appreciate yourself for entering unfamiliar territory with courage?
• How can you prepare through education, research, or practice and then show up with your best effort?

Do your best to prepare, show up with bravery, and move through the unknown with self-care and love. I would love to hear what helps you feel brave and how you are putting yourself out there. I look forward to next Thursday's Wise Walk.

In this episode:

• [02:37] I have a friend whose job has been impacted by the world of AI. She's learning and getting certifications, so she can continue to do the work she loves.
• [04:09] Instead of being paralyzed by fear, she decided to dive into the world of AI and learn how to understand it better. She's taking action despite the fear of the unknown.
• [05:01] I have another brave friend who is dating online. She's putting herself out there. There is risk and a fear of the unknown.
• [06:01] Every time we do brave things, we exercise that bravery muscle. I'm proud of my friends for taking action and being brave.
• [08:46] I grew up in a small town and a sheltered environment. I went to college and moved to Manhattan during a time when crime was at an all time high.
• [09:08] My transition to Manhattan and my new transition to living on a farm are both equally brave.
• [11:02] Whatever we are grappling with is about consistently showing up for ourselves and knowing that we have bravery within us.
• [14:30] We can step in and flex our bravery muscles, and show up for ourselves and embrace the discomfort and take action to pass the fear.
• [15:40] Each time I push through and take action I grow and get stronger and more confident.
• [16:40] Each time we step in with intentions of bravery, we get stronger.

Memorable Quotes:

• • "Bravery is the act of doing something despite the fear of the unknown." - Mary Tess
  • "Each time we embrace bravery, whatever we do next that is scary or unknown works that bravery muscle and makes the next time less intimidating." - Mary Tess
  • "You have already been brave in more ways than you remember. That strength is still there when you need it." - Mary Tess
  • "Courage becomes easier to find when we take the time to recognize how far we have already come." - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

There is a big difference between being taught something and actually feeling like you are learning it. I was reminded of that recently when I signed up for an eight-week line dancing class. Although I had tried line dancing before, this class felt different almost immediately. Rather than introducing the music and expecting us to follow along, the instructor broke each dance into smaller pieces. We practiced one move, added another, went back when someone had a question, and built from there. By the time the music started, we already had a foundation, and instead of feeling overwhelmed, we were having fun.

That experience stayed with me because it highlighted something we do not always recognize when learning a new skill. The struggle may not be the subject itself. Sometimes we need a different teacher or a more supportive environment. Other times we need time to become comfortable with the basics. Investing in our learning is so important. We need willingness to participate, stay curious, and put what we are learning into action.

In this Wise Walk, we talk about the experiences and relationships that can shorten a learning curve without taking away the value of doing the work. I share what this line dancing class taught me about repetition, confidence, and the importance of allowing ourselves to be beginners. We also explore the role commitment plays in the learning process, why small wins create momentum, and how the right support can make growth feel both challenging and rewarding.

• What are you naturally drawn to right now, even though you still feel like a novice or beginner?
• Since you are naturally curious about it, what could you do to invest in your own success?
• What resources might empower you in ways you have not yet anticipated?
• Where can you carve out 10 to 60 minutes a day to practice, build consistency and confidence, and apply what you are learning?
• As you reflect on something you are excited to learn, how do you feel about your learning experience so far?
• Do you feel like you are being set up for success?
• Have you invested in the right resources to gain the knowledge and support you are seeking?
• Do you leave your learning sessions or practice time feeling encouraged, or do you walk away feeling frustrated and deflated?
• If you are feeling frustrated, what could you give yourself or incorporate into the experience that would help you start small, build confidence, and experience a meaningful win?
• Are you allowing yourself to celebrate your progress and reinforce what you have learned in ways that will stay with you?
• How are you investing in your learning?
• Are you showing up with commitment and taking the process seriously?
• Are you contributing your time and energy in ways that keep the momentum and learning moving forward?
• Are you willing to listen, pay attention, and apply what you are learning so you can discover what works best for you?
• How can you honor your own learning style while exploring different resources, mentors, and educational opportunities?
• How can you make sure you feel supported and committed as you pursue something that is calling to you?
• Can you become comfortable with being a novice or beginner before advancing to the next level?
• Are you allowing yourself enough time to build a strong foundation before trying to move ahead?
• What are the small steps that will help you learn without becoming overwhelmed?
• Can you recognize that each new skill you develop is building your competence and bringing you closer to the next level?
• Can you get excited about completing something new without feeling frustrated or unsure of yourself?
• Can you continue to practice so that, when you are ready for the next level, you can relax and fully immerse yourself in learning what comes next?

Wherever your curiosity is leading you, I hope you give yourself the time, resources, and encouragement to enjoy the learning curve and recognize every bit of progress you are making.

I would love to hear what you took away from today's episode, so please feel free to reach out and share. I look forward to next Thursday's Wise Walk.

In this episode:

• [03:19] After my first line dancing session, I thanked the instructor for giving us short, digestible entry points.
• [04:31] We would learn one short move and then add on another. The repetition was beautiful.
• [05:14] There was also a safe environment to ask questions. Our confidence was built as we grew.
• [06:06] We also nailed one dance before going on to a new one. Each session builds and is broken down step-by-step.
• [08:54] Investing in your learning and success is broad. You can mentor and rally around people who can help you learn.
• [10:47] I'm still learning with my friends that are going to hike the John Muir Trail.
• [12:58] It's amazing what we can accomplish when we put our minds to something.
• [13:18] I love teaching, and some of the same elements apply as my love for learning.
• [15:57] If your heart isn't in it, it's not going to be a good time for the student or the teacher.
• [18:13] I'm so jazzed about my teacher that I'm also carving out time to learn the steps she's teaching us.
• [19:07] Building your foundation also sets your teacher up for success.

Memorable Quotes:

• "Learning doesn't just happen in a classroom. We are constantly learning. We are constantly challenging ourselves." - Mary Tess
• "It is amazing what we can accomplish when we put our minds to something and we invest in that commitment for ourselves." - Mary Tess
• "Each item that you learn, you're building competence, you're getting one step closer to advancing to that next level." - Mary Tess
• "All of us need that foundational work. We need to learn how to stand and walk on our skis before we can go down the slope." - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

It can be humbling to realize how much energy a new chapter asks of us, even when it is something we wanted. A new job, a new home, a new business, a relationship, a move, or any fresh beginning can bring possibility and purpose, but it can also bring pressure. Suddenly there are more doors open in the hallway, more decisions waiting, more people offering opinions, and more distractions trying to pull our attention away from what matters most.

I have been thinking about how companies create onboarding plans to help people succeed, but in our own lives we often expect ourselves to skip that process. We want to understand the new environment, make smart choices, adapt quickly, and prove we are capable, all while we are still learning the lay of the land. That is a lot to ask of ourselves. Sometimes the most aligned thing we can do is give ourselves permission to learn before we lead, to gather information before we act, and to let the learning curve have the space it needs.

On this Wise Walk, we slow down and check our reality around the new chapters we are navigating and the expectations we are carrying. We talk about creating a personal onboarding plan, protecting our boundaries, and using a shield of focus to keep distractions from draining the energy we need for this season. When we give ourselves grace, lower the noise, and stay present to what we are learning, we can move through change with more clarity, more patience, and a stronger sense of alignment.

• If you are managing a new chapter, endeavor, career, relationship, home, or transition, how are you managing your personal expectations?
• How are you approaching this new chapter as an onboarding experience that gives you grace, space, and support to learn, process, make mistakes, and adapt?
• How are you honoring the learning curve while setting realistic expectations you can actually manage?
• How are you protecting the boundaries you need during this season of newness?
• As you consider your new endeavor or new chapter, what expectations are you putting on yourself?
• What expectations can you eliminate?
• What distractions are pulling you away from being present and shortening your learning curve?
• How can you protect yourself from other people, outside opinions, and non-essentials so you can learn before you lead?
• Where did you get distracted this week?
• Where did you create space to fully discover, process, and adapt to the change you are in?
• Where did you do a good job of getting curious and asking questions?
• What other questions do you have as you move through this phase of life?
• What would make your onboarding experience in this new endeavor more meaningful?

I hope you honor your learning curve and move through your onboarding process in a way that feels aligned for you. Pace yourself, protect your energy, and give yourself the space you need for long-term success and alignment.

I would love to hear what you took away from today's episode, so please feel free to reach out and share. I look forward to next Thursday's Wise Walk.

In this episode:

• [04:15] Successful companies create an onboarding blueprint for an employee's success. When we onboard ourselves and establish a new learning curve, it makes things so much easier.
• [06:03] I know a successful company that didn't allow new leaders to make decisions within the first 6 months. This gave them critical time to adjust.
• [07:58] We have to feel safe in the unknown before we can see the strategic picture and take tactical actions.
• [08:48] Keeping early input slow can compress the learning curve.
• [10:31] I love the phrase learn before you lead.
• [11:22] When you know yourself, you can determine whether saying yes feels good or bad in your body.
• [12:52] Daily and weekly check-ins are another great strategy.
• [13:40] How do I create a winning onboarding plan for myself? Have check-ins for however long this plan will take.
• [15:07] Give yourself time to think about what is your onboarding blueprint for success. Implement a shield of focus to protect you from the outside.
• [16:50] We also can't make good decisions without all the data or information.

Memorable Quotes:

• • "Trying something new in your life can be awkward. It can be messy, but that's okay because it's part of our growth." - Mary Tess
  • "When we honor the learning curve and give ourselves time to experience the lay of the land before taking action, that can be a beautiful thing." - Mary Tess
  • "The shield of focus protects us from outside distractions and from well-intentioned people who want to tell us where our attention should go." - Mary Tess
  • "Learning before you lead is all about knowing ourselves." - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• EP301: Moving Through the Hallway of Life
• Email
• Heart Value

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

It seems like everyone I talk to right now is carrying a lot. We have the normal responsibilities of work, home, health, relationships, and family, but then summer arrives and somehow adds even more. More plans, more projects, more people needing support, more things blooming in the yard, and more opportunities that sound wonderful but still ask for time, energy, and attention.

I have been thinking about it like standing in a long hallway filled with doors. Some doors are open because they excite us and feel aligned with where we want to go. Others are open because life forced them open, like an unexpected home project or a responsibility that suddenly becomes urgent. Then there are the doors we opened with good intentions, but when we check in honestly, they may be draining us more than they are supporting us right now.

When everything is open at once, it can be hard to know where to begin. Sometimes we need a simple routine, a brain dump, a short list, or one small win that helps us feel grounded again. On this Wise Walk, we slow down and check our reality so we can see which doors are lighting us up, which ones need our attention, and which ones we may need to close, pause, hand off, or release as we keep moving one step at a time.

• As you stand halfway through the year in the hallway of your life, which doors are open because they excite you, light you up, and energize you?
• Which doors are open because they are priorities that need your attention right now?
• Which doors did you open with the best intentions, but now feel draining or unhealthy at this moment?
• Is there an opportunity to close the doors that are not energizing you or hand off the doors that are not yours to solve?
• In this hallway of possibilities and responsibilities, which doors are you ready to tackle because they will keep you energized and excited?
• Which doors are simply necessary, and which ones are you ready to release or surrender for now?
• Do you have a process for documenting the possibilities and responsibilities in your life?
• How do you acknowledge and appreciate the progress you are making, whether you use a checklist, a digital system, or another process that works for you?
• How do you stay present with the doors that are open, while still acknowledging the doors that are closed but not forgotten?
• How do you chip away at your list one item or one doorway at a time, while celebrating your progress and building your success rate?
• Do you ever feel like you are in a hallway of hell, surrounded by doors that are open, half open, or still waiting for your attention?
• How do you manage anxiety around the doors of possibility and responsibility?
• How can you reframe those opportunities and responsibilities as things you get to do because they are in service of you, your loved ones, your environment, and your well-being?
• What strategies help you eliminate distractions and stay focused on the doors that need your attention right now?
• How do you manage being overwhelmed when you are standing in the hallway of possibilities and responsibilities?
• How can you help yourself or your loved ones stay the course and feel better with each completed step?
• What routines, basics, or familiar tasks make you feel successful, grounded, and accomplished in this moment?
• Can you return to those basics as you assess your bigger dreams, ideas, and priorities?
• How can you create space for the possibilities that excite you and the memories you want to make with your loved ones?
• How can you create a container for it all so you can move through this hallway with greater ease, energy, and confidence?

I know there are so many great strategies for how you manage your hallways of possibilities and responsibilities, so I would love to hear what you took away from today's episode.

Please be sure to tune in next Thursday for another Wise Walk. I look forward to connecting with you. Until then, please be sure to prioritize fun as you read the signs, direct your path, and get your Stride On.

In this episode:

• [00:38] Everybody is expressing a sense of overwhelm. We are halfway through the year. Summer seems to heighten the amount of things on our plate.
• [02:30] It's like being in the hallway of life with doors that represent different obligations, responsibilities, or dreams.
• [03:06] We all have too many doors calling to us.
• [05:03] What makes routine beneficial is that it's a door that we don't have to open and close. An ingrained routine doesn't require mental fatigue.
• [06:02] When we accomplish things that we know are good for us, we clear the mind and clear the path. Those little habits and routines become ingrained, making it easier to tackle the hallway of responsibilities and possibilities in front of us.
• [07:18] One strategy I'm using is having a notebook with a list of to-do's that are on my plate right now. There are doors I need to get to, and doors that I find exciting.
• [08:25] I draw a heart next to my to-do items and then color it in.
• [11:17] My original list was overwhelming. Now, it's just a matter of choice.
• [14:57] I have too many items on my to-do list. I had to reframe my mindset as I get to do these things.
• [18:11] When there is newness in our lives, the to-do list becomes crazy.
• [19:03] When you're going through a major change in life, give yourself a lot of grace and patience.
• [20:32] We need to give ourselves grace when we can't show up like we used to as we are evolving.

Memorable Quotes:

• • "Once something is ingrained as a habit or routine, it doesn't really require mental capacity. It becomes one less door we have to struggle with." - Mary Tess
  • "We can focus our energy on the doorways that are more complicated or unknown when our routines help us feel successful." - Mary Tess
  • "With each doorway of life that we manage, we gain momentum, energy, excitement, and confidence in our own abilities." - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

I'm so excited to be celebrating episode 300 with you, my listeners and fellow Striders. Today, we are looking back at how True Stride began, how it has grown, and how much can change when we keep showing up with honesty, curiosity, and a willingness to listen to what feels aligned. When this podcast started nearly six years ago, I had just left corporate America, I was writing a book, and I was being told I needed to build a big social media presence. But that never felt like me, so I chose a different path and followed the thing that did feel true. I was showing up, one episode, and reflection at a time.

In this episode, we talk about what it has meant to grow in real time. I look back at the early days, when I was trying to pack in every story, every question, and every takeaway because I wanted so badly to be useful and make every connection clear. Over time, the podcast became more spacious and natural, and I learned to trust that you would take what resonated, leave what did not, and apply each reflection in the way that made sense for your own life.

I also share how my dreams have shifted along the way, from living near the beach in St. Augustine to following a new vision of life in the mountains with land, gardening, chickens, and a different daily rhythm. This 300th episode is a Wise Walk through the itches we cannot ignore, the dreams that keep evolving, and the small, honest steps that help us move toward a life that feels true and appreciate how far we have come together.

• When you first started listening to this podcast, what were you seeking?
• What was it about these episodes and Wise Walks that helped you get back in touch with yourself?
• What helped you remember what you truly want and what you truly need?
• What is it about these episodes that supports you in slowing down, dropping into that big, beautiful heart of yours, and surfacing those gut feelings, intentions, and dreams deep within you?
• What helps you notice what feels aligned or what does not feel aligned, so you can have an honest conversation with yourself?
• What brought you to this podcast?
• What has changed along the way?
• What has evolved for you?
• How does this podcast or this community support you right now, in this moment?
• Over the past 300 episodes, how have you released your fear of external pressures?
• How have you shown up for yourself, expressed yourself freely, or stayed in alignment with your True Stride when it really mattered?
• When you strip away the fear of others' opinions about what you are doing or how you are showing up, what is genuinely important to you?
• Are you living in ways that you want to?
• Are you investing time in ways that fulfill you?
• Are you in full gratitude for all that you have accomplished and all that you have become in the six years we have been going on Wise Walks and having self-reflection conversations together?
• As you take yourself on a Wise Walk and reflect on where you are investing your time, are there things that once lit you up but no longer do?
• Do you give yourself permission to release them?
• Maybe it is a literal investment, an item, or a possession that you have.
• Maybe it is an activity that once lit you up, but now, for whatever reason, just does not feel aligned.
• Can you let that go so that you make space for this current version of yourself and your future version?
• Can you write your next chapter in a way that includes and prioritizes the things in your life that you want to invest in and that light you up?

For this 300th episode, my heart is absolutely full of gratitude for how far we've come and for how many itches we've scratched together. We have shed fear of external judgment so that we could align with our daily actions, values, and choices. We've shown up for ourselves in ways that really matter.

We get to live the way we want to and invest our time in ways that fulfill us. Thank you for listening, for witnessing my own evolution, and for sharing vulnerably in yours. I look forward to unpacking whatever itches we need to scratch in the future as we listen to our big, beautiful hearts that already know our answers.

In this episode:

• [02:57] When I first started this podcast, everyone was saying, you need a social media presence. I tried social media, but it didn't feel aligned.
• [04:26] I was exploring other avenues and decided to start a podcast.
• [06:00] My book was about dropping into your heart, determining what lights you up, and then going after that, while staying in alignment with your true authentic self.
• [07:05] I've evolved as a podcaster. I used to pack a lot in my Wise Walks, but now I try to encourage discovering what feels in alignment for you.
• [08:23] These broad topics and free flowing conversations leave room to interpret and reflect in whatever way feels most relevant and aligned for you.
• [09:09] Pressure to create jam-packed episodes was a little too suffocating for me.
• [10:20] We are deeply connected, and this podcast has helped me show up in the best version of myself.
• [12:22] It's been one of my dreams to live in an area that made me feel like I was on vacation. I did that in St Augustine, Florida. My next dream was living in the mountains and on the land.
• [13:29] I journaled about a day in the life on my mountain, homestead farm.
• [14:45] I love how these Wise Walks allow me to continually check in with myself and examine whether I'm living in alignment.
• [15:32] Living our dream life takes time. The process of checking in with ourselves gives us a huge advantage.
• [17:12] Take time to recognize your dreams and put in action steps and everything that will move you toward the direction that you want to go.
• [18:26] This podcast has helped me continually ask questions and release what doesn't fulfill me anymore.
• [19:25] I love how the self-reflection questions on our Wise Walks give me time to check in with myself and see if what I'm investing in is still lighting me up.

Memorable Quotes:

• • "I understood the value of a podcast, and something about it felt aligned. It gave me a way to be vulnerable, share my message, and put myself out there in a way that could attract the right audience." - Mary Tess
  • "Growth happens when we keep showing up, one honest reflection at a time, even when we do not know exactly where the path is leading." - Mary Tess
  • "Over the course of these six years, both you and I have evolved, and you have always surprised me with how heartfelt your intentions are to show up as the best version of yourself." - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

When I was growing up, asking for what you wanted was not seen as a good thing. It was considered impolite, as though you were putting somebody out or being an imposition. If someone offered something to you, then you could say yes, but asking directly was different. It felt as though you were putting someone on the spot. I am not really sure what that mentality or belief system was about, but it shaped the way I thought about asking.

That belief shifted when I was working in one of my first careers in a sales organization. They completely flipped the script. Their whole mentality was that if you do not ask, you do not get. At first, that felt very different from what I had been taught, but it also made sense. We are not going to get what we want if we do not ask, unless we are relying on someone else to anticipate our needs or read our mind.

Retraining that muscle was not easy because I had spent so much of my life believing it was impolite to ask. Then I found myself in an environment where the message was clear. Ask for what you want. Lately, I have been thinking about that a lot because I am noticing it in myself and in others. On this Wise Walk, we explore the power of asking for what we want.

• What is your belief system around asking for things that you want in your life?
• When you think about asking for what you want, do you cringe because it feels impolite or uncomfortable?
• Are you in a place where you feel clear about what you want and need, and you are not afraid to ask for it?
• Is there something in your life right now that you want but have been hesitant to ask for?
• Is there someone you interact with consistently, and you find yourself hoping or waiting for them to offer something just so you can say yes?
• How can you flip your own script and get clear about what you need or want without being afraid to ask?
• What are the things you know about yourself at your core and have been able to express, communicate, or ask for?
• How does it feel when people understand what you want and serve it up to you, even when you do not have to ask?
• Do you notice how communicating your needs and wants can empower you while also giving others the opportunity to support you?
• How can asking, giving, and receiving flow more smoothly in your life?
• Is there something in your life, right now, that you need help with?
• What has been weighing on you, and where are you wondering how you are going to accomplish it?
• Can you journal, write, brainstorm with a loved one, or use another resource to get clear on the different ways you could approach this?
• Can you identify one opportunity, be vulnerable enough to ask, and then be patient enough to wait for the answer?
• What phase of help do you need right now, and who can you ask for help?
• Can you appreciate the sense of community that may rally around you to help you gain what you need?
• Have you ever offered advice or support in a conversation, only to realize that was not what the other person needed?
• Can you pause and ask, "What do you need from me?" or "How can I support you best?"
• Can you believe what someone tells you they need and show up for them in the way they are asking?

As we approach episode 300, I want to thank you for being part of this community and for walking beside me on each Wise Walk. Your support, your stories, and your reflections mean more to me than you know.

I would love your guidance as we look ahead. Please let me know what you value, what you want more of, and what you hope this podcast becomes in episode 300 and beyond.

In this episode:

• [03:31] I've noticed how the belief that it's impolite to ask has shown up in the actions of my nieces and nephews.
• [04:25] Not expressing what you want shows up in little ways, and then it becomes exponentially larger with things that really matter in your life.
• [05:26] Knowing and expressing what you want gives other people the opportunity to be on your level.
• [06:44] Those around us get the satisfaction of giving us what we want when we express to them what we want.
• [07:46] Since my move, I've had to ask for a lot of things. One of the things I wanted to learn was how to safely drive a tractor.
• [09:07] I went to the dealership, and they helped me learn how to drive the existing tractor. The hands-on tutorial empowered me, and I made some friends along the way.
• [11:31] The other thing I've gotten good at is recognizing when someone is sharing stories, whether they're asking for help or not.
• [12:59] Clarifying whether they're asking for help builds the foundation of trust.
• [13:36] Sometimes people just want us to listen. What is the ask?
• [15:14] I will admit that using the muscle of asking can sometimes feel hard.
• [16:05] What do you appreciate and value in this podcast? What would you like to hear more of? Which episode stands out as meaningful? What would you like to see differently?
• [17:03] We are nearing episode 300 of this podcast. Let me know what you're feeling, and what you hope 300 and beyond becomes?
• [18:04] This community is bringing people together and raising conversations we all know that we need to have.

Memorable Quotes:

• • "That muscle of asking, or at least being clear with what we want, is strengthened by those day-to-day routines." - Mary Tess
  • "When we are vulnerable enough to ask, we get to see who shows up for us. By expressing what is weighing on us, we allow the community to help share the load." - Mary Tess
  • "I know that what is most empowering for me is hearing from you and learning how these episodes either spark something in you or open the door to meaningful conversations." - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

Adversity has a way of showing us where we need support, even when we think we should be able to handle something on our own. Since moving to the farm, I have had plenty of moments that stretched me in new ways. Some have been exciting, some have been overwhelming, and some have involved learning more than I ever expected about chickens, weeds, acreage, and all the little surprises that come with farm life.

This past weekend brought one of those lessons into focus when my dear friend Alison and her daughter Eva came to visit from California. I had a list of things that had been weighing on me, and one of the biggest projects was clearing toxic weeds from the chicken run. It was not impossible for me to do by myself, but emotionally and mentally, it felt heavy. Once Alison stepped in with her positive attitude, mission-focused mindset, and willingness to get it done, the whole thing felt more manageable.

There we were after dinner, wearing masks and gloves, cutting weeds, gathering seed pods, and eventually working by headlamp in the dark. It was practical, a little comical, and also deeply meaningful. It reminded me how much trust is built when someone is willing to stand beside you in the messy moments. On today's Wise Walk, we are looking at what becomes possible when we are clear about what we need, brave enough to ask for help, and open enough to let the people who love us show up.

• When you are dealing with adversity, what strategies help you navigate it successfully?
• Who in your life can you count on to show up for you in difficult moments?
• How do you lean on the people who are there for you?
• How can you be vulnerable enough to let others support you in the ways you need?
• How can you channel a positive attitude and mission-focused mindset so you can move through adversity with greater ease?
• Who is the person you can be vulnerable with when life feels heavy or uncertain?
• Who shares your commitment, willingness, can-do spirit, and team mindset?
• Who makes you feel like, no matter what comes your way, you can face it together?
• Whatever adversity you are managing right now, who can you call?
• Who has an ear to listen?
• Who will reassure you that you can get it done, even when the moment feels heavy, toxic, or overwhelming?
• How are the people in your life showing up for you?
• Are they offering a listening ear, encouragement, and support?
• Are they providing resources and strategy to help you navigate in ways you may not see as possible right now?
• How can you willingly accept their help?
• How can you say thank you for the ear, the resources, the support, or whatever they are offering to help advance the mission?
• As you reflect on the goals or adversity you are managing right now, which projects or obstacles require support?
• Which challenges require extra hands, moral support, or emotional presence to remind you that you have got this?
• How can you be crystal clear about what you need so your support team can show up for you?
• How can you weed through the noise of everything else you want done and identify where support is most needed?
• How can you build camaraderie with the people in your life who are there for you?
• How can you be clear about the specific areas where you need support?

Whatever you are navigating right now, please remember that you are not alone. We really are better together, and sometimes the support we need comes through extra hands, a listening ear, or simply the encouragement to keep going.

I would love to hear what you took away from today's episode, and if you have any tips or tricks for managing farm life, I am open to those too. Thank you, thank you, thank you for listening. Be sure to tune in next Thursday for another Wise Walk.

In this episode:

• [02:36] We often hear clichés like "We are better together," and they are true. They exist for a reason.
• [03:27] My dear friends from California were visiting, and I had a list of things that I thought I would ask them to help me with, in between all of the fun we were also having.
• [04:13] There is pride and satisfaction when you see what you can accomplish together.
• [05:21] My chicken run was overgrown with weeds. They ended up being toxic jimson weeds. We had to find a way to safely clear out these weeds.
• [06:51] We suited up and cut them one by one. This was weighing on me and having the extra help made it possible.
• [08:08] We had a team mindset and tackled it with rhythm and flow.
• [09:03] We were willing to be vulnerable and lean into each other's strengths. We were better together.
• [10:40] Even when we're apart, we listen really well because sometimes it's about the emotional presence.
• [13:56] Leaning in for support can also help you bond in ways that are really cool.
• [15:09] It's important to be clear on what you need. I had a list, and when I helped my friend in California, she also had a list. It's about balance and knowing what you need help with.
• [17:01] Find ways to balance work and play.
• [18:47] I'm also feeling grateful for how each success energizes me.

Memorable Quotes:

• • "When we are clear about what we need, we give others a chance to show up in meaningful ways." - Mary Tess
  • "The messy moments can become bonding moments when we face them with people we trust." - Mary Tess
  • "Support does not always have to be physical. Sometimes encouragement, reassurance, and presence are enough to help us keep going." - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram