True Stride

I just got back from the most beautiful weekend workshop called Celtic Medicine Storytelling, and I have to tell you, I didn't fully know what I was walking into when I signed up. What I walked away with has been sitting with me ever since. The whole purpose of the course was to honor the oral tradition of storytelling and to explore it through a Celtic lens, because the Irish, the Welsh, the English, they have always loved a good story. And honestly, who doesn't? There is something so timeless and so human about gathering together and sharing a story.

What really struck me was how the instructors used folktales that we all grew up with, like the Tortoise and the Hare, or the Ugly Duckling, or Red Riding Hood as examples of how stories can actually serve as medicine for the soul. We all know these stories, maybe just vaguely, tucked somewhere in the back of our memory. But when you stop and really think about them, those morals run deep. Slow and steady wins the race. Never judge based on appearance. Stay true to yourself. These weren't just bedtime stories. They were quietly shaping the way we see the world, the way we treat others, and honestly, the way we treat ourselves.

This got me thinking about the stories we carry with us, the ones that made an impression on us as kids and the ones we now have the opportunity to pass on. Whether you're a parent or a grandparent, an aunt or uncle or maybe just someone who has a young person in your life that you love and want to influence, give the gift of sharing these stories. In helping that next generation feel connected to something so much bigger than themselves. On today's Wise Walk, we're going to slow down and explore how the stories we tell can truly become medicine for our lives.

• When you reflect back on your childhood, what were some of the folktales or stories that really impacted you?
• What ones stuck with you, and what ones do you want to share with the younger generation in your life?
• How did those stories influence you, and how do they make an impression on you now as you reflect back?
• What are the ways you are continuing to honor this oral tradition of storytelling, maybe sharing stories from your own life in a folk style way so that others feel the moral is relatable and tangible?
• How are you using stories in your life to support you?
• How are you taking a folktale you heard and relating to the moral of that story, applying it in your life, or giving yourself some grace because you connect with it on some level?
• Where can you stop judging yourself for being different or unique, and how can you give yourself the patience and the grace and the space to become the hero in your own story?
• Over the next several days, can you listen to whatever stories come your way with this perspective of how you can feed the story that someone is sharing, noticing what resonates and how you relate?
• Can you also feed yourself with that awareness in a way that supports your own growth, your own ability to be kind to yourself, and to just be at peace with whatever surfaces?
• When was the last time you told a story about how you struggled, what you gained, and how you got to the other side?
• Whatever is going on in your life right now, how can you hone the craft of your oral storytelling and share your stories with vulnerability, carving out the essential details so your listener stays engaged?
• How can you speak from your heart, allow awareness to surface, and then welcome the listener to feed the story back to you?
• What are the stories you want to continue to share because they are so resonant that you could apply them at various phases of your life and give yourself the grace and acceptance that you deserve?

Stories are medicine. That is truly the gift I took away from this experience, and I hope it feels just as resonant for you wherever you are and however your day is unfolding. I want you to know that you are medicine for me too.

When you share your feedback, when you share what surfaced for you after an episode, you are feeding this story that we are all building together. I would love to hear what you took away from today and what is coming up for you in your own life. Until next Thursday, I look forward to our next Wise Walk together.

In this episode:

• [03:48] I've always been athletic, but I haven't always been the fastest. I really connected with the story of the tortoise and the hare.
• [05:15] Accepting that I'm not always the fastest one has given me peace.
• [07:17] At the Celtic Medicine Storytelling workshop, they would tell Celtic stories and then ask us to share how we related to the stories. Feeding the story.
• [08:18] I love how when we hear stories during different phases of our lives, we relate on different levels.
• [09:00] We're constantly trying to engage with others.
• [11:19] I also had an opportunity to share a personal story in a folk style way. There was a moral and contrast or climax.
• [13:34] We were also to honor the tradition of oral story telling. The oral tradition is more freeing with our speech and rhythm.
• [16:03] After I published my book, Heart Value, there were several who reached out to me and said they could completely relate to the stories.
• [18:23] I also appreciated the opportunity to be vulnerable and stretch outside of my comfort zone.
• [19:30] I named my character, Brigid and incorporated the use of my drum.
• [20:17] We are all looking for connection and relatability but may identify differently with the characters.
• [21:04] One of the participants said my story was medicine for her. This was powerful for me and something I hold dear in my heart.
• [22:41] How can we get back to the oral tradition and relating to stories?
• [24:21] I didn't know what I was getting into, but the idea of a story as medicine was a gift.

Memorable Quotes:

• "Stories are medicine. And when we share them from the heart, we heal each other." - Mary Tess
• "Give yourself the patience, the grace, and the space to become the hero in your own story." - Mary Tess
• "We are all connected in more ways than we realize, and our stories are the bridge." - Mary Tess
• "When you share your story, you give someone else permission to feel less alone in theirs." - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

As we approach springtime, I can already feel that anticipation and anxiety. This idea of okay, let's get ready to rush, let's get ready to move fast. This wanting, this desire to move out of the waiting place. Because winter kind of feels like a waiting place. This season of calmness, this season of slowing down. And then we hit spring and everything just moves a little bit faster.

I have a dear friend who is waiting for his house to sell. He has done everything right, including pricing it well and doing his homework; now he just has to trust that the right buyer will come at the right time. On the flip side, I am actively looking for a home, and I keep finding properties that are close but not quite right. As much as I want to just pull the trigger and move on, I keep coming back to this truth: when I have rushed things in the past, when I have been more impulsive, that is when I tend to make mistakes. That is when the unintended consequences show up.

On today's Wise Walk, we're going to slow down, check our reality, and explore how to truly embrace the power of waiting and what it can open up for us when we do.

• As you move into this new season, are you feeling rushed or are you managing your expectations with patience?
• Are you planting seeds in your life and then wanting them to bloom immediately?
• Are you appreciating the power of waiting and what it can open up for you?
• Where in your life are you feeling impatient right now?
• Is there something you are excited about but find yourself wanting to rush?
• When a big decision is in front of you, are you giving yourself enough time to truly sleep on it?
• Are you spending energy trying to control things that are simply not yours to control?
• What areas of your life are calling for your attention while you wait?
• What strategies are you using to remind yourself to trust the process?
• How are you shifting away from the pull of instant gratification and giving yourself space to sleep on it?
• Are you able to release the outcome once you have done everything you can?
• How are you looking to nature for inspiration to stay grounded when the impulse to rush starts to creep in?

I would love to hear what you took away from today's episode and how you are applying patience in your life. The self-awareness you bring to your own journey inspires me and helps us all move through the seasons, whatever season we are in, with a little more grace.

Drop me a note and let me know what strategies are working for you, because I am always learning too. I look forward to joining you on next Thursday's Wise Walk, so be sure to tune in. Until then, prioritize fun as you read the signs, direct your path, and get your Stride On.

In this episode:

• [02:47] A dear friend of mine listed his house on the market. The waiting is a painful process. He knows his best plan is to wait patiently.
• [04:57] I'm trying to find a home. I want at least two acres and no HOA (Home Owners Association).
• [06:06] I want the flexibility and freedom to change my situation if needed.
• [07:16] I found an amazing property, but there was an HOA. There's a three-day rule for big decisions. We often get impatient.
• [08:24] Strategies for waiting include acknowledging the feeling, sleeping on it, creating space, and seeing if the sense of urgency is still as strong.
• [09:30] It's okay, the right property will come up when it's meant to be.
• [10:07] FOMO can create mistakes and regrets. We live in abundance and can always find another deal.
• [12:49] Another strategy I'm using is shifting my focus to another part of my life.
• [13:13] I need to put my energy in areas of my life that I can control.
• [14:01] Last year, my word of the year was co-create. This year, I chose the word bloom. I'm looking for inspiration from nature, and nature will bloom in its own due time.
• [15:24] A cool thing about this strategy is that other areas of my life are getting the attention they need.
• [16:01] When we release the impatience that we're feeling, we create space to put our energy into other areas that matter.
• [16:32] My friend has put everything in place to attract the right buyer. Now he is releasing it and going to Paris while it sells.
• [17:04] I hope you're employing strategies to manage the impatience and waiting.

Memorable Quotes:

• "The right opportunities will unfold at the perfect time, just as springtime arrives at the perfect time." - Mary Tess
• "When we release the impatience we are feeling, we create space to put our energy on the things that matter." - Mary Tess
• "We live in abundance. That will never be the last good deal, the last great view, the last right opportunity." - Mary Tess
• "Waiting is not wasted time. It is a skill, and when you master it, it gives you a gift you cannot always explain." - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

• As a follow-up to last week, I chose to attend my friend's 50th birthday party and go all in on that experience, and I'll tell you what, it totally paid off. We danced, we laughed, we had some sentimental moments. It was just a beautiful thing. I haven't danced in a long time and I love dancing, so it was really fun to connect with myself, and I felt even more connected to my friend and her family too.

And here's the thing, I got inspiration at that party. I was talking to my dear friend's sister, Ingrid, and she was sharing how much she loved her new gig. She had been a school teacher and now she's working in corporate America, and to see her on the other side of that major shift, was powerful. She just looked vibrant and happy. Her choice to reinvent her career path and the action she put behind it, that is the essence of embracing change with courage.

So on today's Wise Walk, let's slow down and consider how you are facing changes in your life. Are you able to face them with courage, with tenacity, with self-belief? Because I truly believe that when you embrace change with the courage that already exists within you, you will get to the other side.

• Can you tap into the brave part of yourself and trust that if you embrace change with courage you will get to the other side?
• How are you supporting yourself as you explore the change you are being called toward?
• Whatever change you are seeking, whether it is career, relationship, a move, retirement, a hobby, or something else entirely, can you hone in on your intention?
• What is driving you to embrace this change?
• Can you find a way to move forward with courage, bravery, self-belief, and tenacity?
• Can you look at where you are today and commit to taking just one small step?
• Can you acknowledge just how far you have come with each step you have already taken?
• Can you recognize the power of your own ability to get unstuck when you feel stuck?
• If you do feel stuck right now, what is one thing that will support you in seeking the freedom and true independence that comes from within?

Thank you for taking this Wise Walk with me and for sharing your stories. I love how when we come together and get vulnerable, we give each other the gifts of self-belief, tenacity, and courage to move forward.

So tap into that deep inner knowing and muster up the courage to take just one small step today, whatever that looks like for you. And until next Thursday, prioritize fun, read the signs, direct your path, and get your Stride On.

In this episode:

• [04:01] There are many times in our life where we may feel stuck. When it's time to implement change, we need to be careful with how we think about it and who we let influence our decisions.
• [05:10] Embracing change can be scary. We have internal struggles and opposing external sources influencing us.
• [06:08] True freedom comes from doing our own thing and following our heart. We have the freedom to choose and pivot.
• [07:22] Fear can show us that it's something we actually care about. Taking one small step at a time can lead to big shifts and big results.
• [10:16] If Ingrid is listening, please take this time to acknowledge yourself and the life you've created. Thank you for the inspiration.
• [11:03] I'm also facing a change and planning to look at property in Northern Georgia. I'm drawn to this area for multiple reasons.
• [12:31] I'm going to immerse myself in the community, look at properties, and keep taking small steps.
• [13:08] I'm protecting this intention and not sharing it with just anybody. You Striders are important.
• [16:17] "I never lose. I either win or learn." Nelson Mandela
• [17:05] When we embrace change, we don't lose. We win when we better ourselves.
• [18:39] If I go through a change and make a major shift in life, I can always pivot if it doesn't play out the way I want.

Memorable Quotes:

• • "True freedom comes from doing our own thing. When we follow our heart, set an intention, and follow through, that is very freeing." - Mary Tess
  • "Anytime I have fear, I go, okay, this is scary, but I know that this is also important to me. When I get that fear response, it means this is something I actually care about, something I really want." - Mary Tess
  • "We are so busy taking those small steps that we forget to acknowledge just how far we've come." - Mary Tess
  • "You already have what you need. Go after whatever your heart is calling you to do and see what's possible for yourself." - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

Have you ever said yes to something that felt like a full-body, no-doubt-about-it yes and then almost immediately, another opportunity showed up that you were equally excited about? That has been my world lately. And honestly, as much as I love having options, there is something quietly exhausting about standing at a crossroads when both paths genuinely appeal to you.

What I've been noticing is that the pull to do it all, to find some creative way to say yes to everything, doesn't always come from ambition. Sometimes it comes from not wanting to miss out, or from not wanting to let anyone down including yourself. But I've been learning, slowly and sometimes the hard way, that trying to be in two places at once often means you're not truly present in either one.

So on today's Wise Walk, I'm inviting you to slow down with me and get honest about what it actually feels like to choose one thing and let the other go with intention, without guilt, and without the weight of regret. Because there's real power in going all in on the one thing your heart is calling you toward.

• How are you getting grounded in order to make the best choice for you in this moment, in the you that exists right now?
• How are you going through the process of dropping into your heart or checking in with yourself enough to get clarity?
• How are you following up with yourself to release that other opportunity and not doubt it or have regrets?
• What does this experience look like for you right now, and are there opportunities to refine it so you get better and better at following your heart?
• When you're torn between two opportunities, what are the ways you are staying true to yourself and not getting caught up in FOMO?
• When can you say no because you're choosing your own sanity and choosing to be fully present for the one experience you're going all in on?
• Can you trust that if another opportunity needs to be part of your experience, something similar if not better will present itself at a later date?
• Is no for now okay, and can you just let it go?
• How often do savvy marketing strategies create fear or anxiety of missing out, and are you able to distance yourself enough to ask if you'd still say yes next month?
• What is the best use of your time and energy in this moment?
• How do you handle it when a dear loved one is the one creating that pressure to show up?
• Are you staying grounded in how you show up and not spreading yourself too thin?
• What does it feel like when you say no for now and choose your sanity, your peace, and your harmony?
• Are you giving yourself credit for being intentional about directing your energy toward what matters most to you?

Wherever you are and whatever's unfolding in your life right now, I hope you're showing up fully energized, present, and excited about what you're saying yes to. And for the things you're saying not right now to, I hope you're holding those with anticipation rather than regret.

It goes a long way. I'd love to hear what you took away from today's episode, so feel free to reach out, and I'll see you next Thursday for another Wise Walk.

In this episode:

• [02:58] I'm super excited because my friend's 50th birthday party is coming up this weekend. It's important for me to show up for her.
• [04:02] Then I was invited to attend a workshop on the same weekend. This Workshop is something that I would be excited to learn, and it's also a rare opportunity. I had to reflect on if I could do both things.
• [05:07] Would I be able to enjoy the party if I had to fly at the crack of dawn to do both? I felt anxiety rising in me when I thought about this question.
• [06:03] The thought of doing both made me feel exhausted. I ended up saying no to the workshop.
• [07:09] When I try to do too much in too short of a period, I don't show up as my best self.
• [11:00] It's funny because in my life, I feel like when I need to learn a lesson, this happens more often than not.
• [12:22] When I have opportunities competing with my time, I'm getting better at saying I can't do both and not putting pressure on myself.
• [13:47] I'm choosing not to get swept up in the energy of fear of missing out.
• [15:20] I also want to take this moment to thank you. All of the Wise Walks that we go on creates a safe place for me to reflect. You have helped me to go inward and be intentional.

Memorable Quotes:

• • "I don't have to buy into that fear of missing out. I don't have to let that influence my decision because my decisions affect me." - Mary Tess
  • "Anytime I try to do too much in too short of a period, I am not showing up as my best self." - Mary Tess
  • "I want to enjoy life. I really want to show up in meaningful ways for myself and for those that I love." - Mary Tess
  • "I'm getting better at making choices that say — I can't do both, I don't want to do both, I don't want to put that pressure on myself." - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

There are moments in life when something can feel completely right and heavy at the same time. That's the space I've been sitting in lately. We recently sold our camper van, and while I know this decision aligns with where I am in this season, I'd be lying if I said it didn't stir up a surprising mix of emotions. Gratitude, nostalgia, sadness, relief, excitement. They've all been showing up, sometimes within minutes of each other.

What this experience has reminded me is how often endings and beginnings travel together. Rarely do we get one without the other. And even when we consciously choose change, there can still be grief, doubt, or that strange bittersweet feeling that's hard to put into words. This conversation explores what it means to make space for those emotions rather than rushing past them, and today's Wise Walk invites you to reflect on the transitions unfolding in your own life.

• Are you giving yourself permission to feel your emotions without judgment as you move through transitions?
• Can you acknowledge both the excitement and the heaviness that may be present at the same time?
• Are there feelings of loss, doubt, or uncertainty that need space and recognition?
• Can you process these emotions in a way you can clearly articulate and share with someone you trust?
• What identity, role, or chapter of your life feels like it is coming to an end?
• Which emotions feel most present for you right now?
• What feels heavy or difficult to release?
• What about this transition feels hopeful, relieving, or exciting?
• Can you sit with this ending long enough to honor who you were in that phase of life?
• What did you value, learn, or gain from that version of yourself?
• Where have you grown through this experience?
• What no longer serves you as you step into your next chapter?

If you're moving through a transition right now, I hope you remember to be kind and gentle with yourself. And if someone you love is navigating change, your patience and support can mean more than you realize.

I'm still in the process of working through my own bittersweet emotions, and I look forward to sharing the new beginnings ahead. Until next time, keep honoring your journey, prioritize fun, and get your stride on.

In this episode:

• [05:14] Sometimes in the past, when I worked really hard to achieve something, I didn't feel like I was allowed to acknowledge any emotions that didn't match that goal.
• [06:04] My bittersweet emotions about selling the van also need to be acknowledged.
• [07:15] Saying goodbye to the van is like saying goodbye to a dear friend. It's natural to feel grief and happiness.
• [08:06] I know I need to release the heavy emotions I have about selling the van.
• [09:02] Navigating transitions is complex for all of us. We can be happy and sad for different reasons. We can have bittersweet experiences where both emotions exist.
• [10:49] Bittersweet feelings come up in every transition in life. Instead of judging or dismissing them, try to get comfortable with them.
• [11:13] Embrace and express your emotions in a way where you can get closure.
• [12:14] Feeling our complex feelings of beautiful, sad, or joyous helps us honor and process them.
• [13:29] Letting go of the van was emotionally heavy, but I know there are good things in store for me and the dogs.
• [14:40] This transition gives me less things to worry about and helps me be more grounded.
• [15:25] We'll still be going on adventures together, and that's the most important part.
• [16:11] I'm glad we're on a Wise Walk today talking about bittersweet emotions and how we can befriend them and offer support for ourselves.
• [17:34] Allowing our feelings to flow and expressing them helps us be our authentic selves.
• [18:48] Once we bring closure to an aspect of our lives, we have more space to step into a new beginning.

Memorable Quotes:

• • "Closure isn't always about intellectually understanding everything. Sometimes it's about allowing the emotional experience to move through us." - Mary Tess
  • "Something can be absolutely right for your life and still feel surprisingly difficult to release. Those two truths can exist together without meaning you made the wrong decision." - Mary Tess
  • "An ending doesn't diminish the beauty, the joy, or the meaning of what came before it. It simply marks that a chapter has run its course." - Mary Tess
  • "Every ending, whether we welcome it or resist it, quietly carries the seed of a new beginning we may not yet fully understand." - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this episode:

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

Memorable Quotes:

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

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

The past week felt like it stayed with me longer than I expected. After getting back from New York and everything surrounding my Aunt Ronnie's service, I noticed I was still sitting with that feeling of surrender I talked about in the last episode. There were so many moving parts with the travel and the weather, and even though everything worked out, I could feel how tired I was from trying to hold it all together. What helped was coming back, again and again, to what I could actually control, and letting the rest be what it was.

As I was settling back into my routine, I started thinking about alignment and how I find my footing when things feel uncertain. I'm always learning, always taking something new in, and recently I started a course on the Celtic Wheel of the Year. On the very first call, we were invited to look at our values, and I'll be honest, I didn't think much would come up. As I sat with it, I realized some of my values have changed because I've changed. That clarity felt grounding in a way I didn't expect. On today's Wise Walk, I invite you to slow down and spend some time with the values that are guiding you right now, and notice how they may be shaping the way you're moving through this season of your life.

• What values feel most important to you right now, whether that's your top ten or just a few that truly stand out?
• What qualities do you most admire in others, and how do those reflect the values you hold?
• Which values are guiding you in this present moment, especially as you move through uncertainty or challenge?
• How are these values helping you envision the person you are becoming?
• What values feel connected to who you are right now and who you want to be moving forward?
• How do these values shape your choices, actions, and daily habits?
• In what ways do your values act as motivators that help you go after what matters most to you?
• How are your values showing up in your life right now, both in visible and subtle ways?
• How can your values serve as living guides that support your highest and best self?
• How do your values define you when you are at your best?
• How do your values influence the way you show up in relationships with others?
• How can you honor shared values in your relationships while allowing space for others to live those values in their own way?
• Where might greater clarity around your values help you communicate boundaries or make agreements with others?
• How can you create more alignment and mutual respect in your relationships by naming what truly matters to you?
• How can you apply your values awareness to your career or daily work?
• Are there areas in your career or relationships where something feels off or out of alignment?
• When you notice imbalance or discomfort, how can you return to your values as a compass to guide your next choice or action?

I'd love to hear what values are guiding you right now. Whether it's your top ten or just one or two that feel especially alive for you, notice how you're holding space for them in this season and how they're shaping the choices you're making.

Thank you so much for being here and for showing up with such openness and self-awareness. I'll meet you back here next Thursday for our Wise Walk, and until then, prioritize fun, read the signs, trust your path, and get your Stride On.

In this episode:

• [03:23] How the Celtic Wheel of the Year is just another opportunity for us to align with the universe, seasons, and the flow of nature.
• [04:26] As I defined my values, I realized that over time some of them have shifted. Knowing your values serves as a living guide for all of us.
• [06:12] As I went on my own Wise Walk, I realized that focusing on my values was more difficult than I thought. It took me a while to target my top 10.
• [07:02] Kindness is a fallback value for me. I also love being of service to others. Love and gratitude are very connected, but I honed in on love.
• [08:16] Other big ones for me include learning and growth, adventure in nature, and openness. Balance and freedom were also very important to me.
• [09:16] I also wanted to show up authentically as myself. Health is also a priority and part of my top 10.
• [11:20] My top 10 are kindness, service, love, learning, adventure in nature, openness, balance, freedom, authenticity, and health.
• [13:10] One of my values is health. This is also the value of many of my friends, but the way health shows up is unique for each of us.
• [15:48] I was speaking with a client about career values and growth. They've now admitted that this isn't a value that they're passionate about anymore.
• [16:55] They now have a career value of stability. Getting clear on this was very powerful.
• [18:24] Identifying my values as a living guide is going to increase my decision making and help me feel more aligned with my choices.
• [19:02] This exercise will also help reduce internal conflict or conflict with others.

Memorable Quotes:

• • "Living in alignment doesn't mean life gets easier, it means you trust yourself more when it gets hard." - Mary Tess
  • "Your values are not rules to follow, they are reminders that bring you home to yourself." - Mary Tess
  • "Clarity comes when you stop asking what you should want and start listening to what truly matters to you." - Mary Tess
  • "When you live by your values, your choices begin to feel lighter and more intentional." - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value
• The Celtic Wheel Of The Year

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

This past week really tested my need for control. I had a lot going on emotionally as I was getting ready to travel back to New York to honor the passing of my Aunt Ronnie. There was a snowstorm moving across the country, flights were being delayed and canceled, and plans kept changing. Emotions were already high, and with everything unfolding the way it was, I had to keep reminding myself that there were things outside of my control that I just had to accept.

As the week unfolded, I could feel anxiety start to creep in with all the unknowns. I can't control the weather or the flights, but I can control how present I stay and how I choose to show up in the middle of it. This is a reflection on surrender and releasing that grip. I share a story from my teenage years as a lifeguard, helping a frightened little girl learn how to float, and how breath, trust, and letting go allowed her to be supported by the water. On today's Wise Walk, I invite you to slow down and reflect on where you may be holding on too tightly, and become aware of what you can control or release to help you discover peace and freedom amidst the uncertainty.

• When you notice anxiety, stress, fear, or a lack of safety coming up, how much of that is a need for control, and how much might be a trigger from something else?
• Are you able to identify the root of that emotion and consider how you might respond differently so you can reduce anxiety, stress, or fear?
• How do you gain awareness and focus on the present, when you're facing resistance or situations that are outside of your control?
• Is there an area of your life where you realize that you may be trying to control something that isn't actually yours to control?
• As you take yourself on a Wise Walk, can you notice what's triggering your stress and consider whether more realistic expectations might help you feel supported and grounded?
• Can you visualize yourself floating, breathing, and being supported by what's around you, trusting that you are safe and worthy, exactly as you are?
• Are there tasks or goals in your life that are distracting you from where you want to go, or are they supporting you in feeling more at peace and showing up the way you want?
• Can you feel good about the small steps you're taking so that even when things don't go as planned, you know you that did what you could?
• If circumstances don't allow you to show up in the way you originally intended, how might you still be present in a different way, whether in spirit, intention, or connection?
• Can you shift your energy away from needing things to happen in a very specific way and open yourself to new ways of participating through the things you can control?

It's my hope that we can float together. That we can surrender, release, and find a little more peace, letting Mother Nature, the water, and the elements support us along the way.

As always, I'd love to hear what you took away from today's episode, so please feel free to reach out and send me a DM.

I'm sending good thoughts your way and hoping that you feel supported in all the ways that really matter to you. I look forward to next Thursday's Wise Walk.

In this episode:

• [03:44] When I was in high school I was a lifeguard at the Marriott Hotel. I remember helping a five-year-old girl who had a fear of floating.
• [05:55] I coached her on how to let go and to let the water do the work for her. She needed to release anxiety, stress, and control. The more she released her tension and grip, the easier it became for her to float.
• [06:19] This is true in life. If we're resisting, we're fighting against the grain. Accepting safety and support can appear in a way that we're not used to.
• [07:01] The art of surrendering is what will keep us afloat. I needed to remind myself of this during this stressful week with so many factors coming into play.
• [08:08] The best thing I can do is surrender and do the things I can control. We need to see surrender as a strength. It's not defeat.
• [09:20] I'm also separating from holding on too tightly, expecting things to happen the way that I want them to.
• [10:47] I feel safe and supported right now from the Universe and the individuals who decide whether it's safe to fly or not.
• [11:08] I'm going to stay in my lane, and visualize myself floating in the water.

Memorable Quotes:

• • "There are things outside of my control that I just have to accept, and I have to do the best I can with what's in front of me." - Mary Tess
  • "We can't control the weather or the airlines or the flights, but we can control certain things in our life, and we can also surrender what we can't control." - Mary Tess
  • "When we let go and release the attachment to what we think should happen, it allows us to move through things with more peace." - Mary Tess
  • "Trying to control things we can't control just creates more stress, more anxiety, and more fear of uncertainty." - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value
• Colette Baron-Reid

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

Over the past eight months, I've lost two dear loved ones who had a profound impact on my life. They lived fully, with vibrant energy, wisdom, kindness, and deep care for others. While I'm heartbroken that I no longer get to experience their physical presence here on earth, I also feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the love I was able to receive from them, love that was unconditional and deeply shaping. One of them passed just yesterday, so forgive me if my emotions rise as I share, but in the midst of the sadness, I find comfort in knowing that even though I can no longer see them or hear their voices, their spirit lives on. And the love and impact they had on me and so many others remains.

This episode is a reflection on that truth that love and impact don't disappear when someone is gone. They continue through memory, through values, through the ways we show up for others because of what we were given or what we received. On today's Wise Walk, I invite you to slow down with me and reflect on the people you've loved and lost, and consider how their presence still guides you, shapes you, and lives on through you.

• As you reflect on the loved ones you have lost, how does their love and impact continue to live on in you today?
• In what ways were they a role model for you, and which of their qualities are you consciously choosing to carry forward for yourself or the next generation?
• What messages do you still receive from them, and how do you notice their guidance when you are at a crossroads or facing an important decision?
• What stories from your past bring their presence alive, and how can you retell those stories so others can appreciate how they lived, showed up, and influenced you?
• Is there someone in your life who has recently experienced a loss, and how might you invite them to share a meaningful story about the person or animal they loved?
• If you are unsure what to ask, what real-life challenge could you share while inviting their loved one's wisdom through a question like, what advice do you think they would offer me now?
• What other ways come to mind for helping someone you care about honor a memory and keep it alive through conversation, curiosity, or shared reflection?
• How are you showing up and leading by example for the people you interact with each day?
• In what ways is your love and impact staying with others, long after the moment has passed?
• How are you mentoring others and sharing your wisdom from a place of openness, authenticity, and unconditional care?
• How are you living your values in a way that inspires others to find their passions, live by what matters most to them, and step into their highest and best self?

I hope that whatever you and your loved ones are going through, that you have the ability to start looking at the love and impact around you, both living and passed on. Cherish it, because that's what this is all about.

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

In this episode:

• [02:59] There's a saying that we die twice. The first time is when we physically die, and the last time is when people stop saying your name or the memory of your spirit and impact dies.
• [04:00] I'm grateful we get to keep memories alive by holding our loved ones in our hearts, sharing what we learned from them, and continuing values and traditions they impressed upon us.
• [05:02] My loved ones are mentors that have kept me grounded and kept me in check. I love the acceptance and willingness to be vulnerable with each other.
• [06:04] My friend's dad recently passed, and she's been sharing stories about her connection with him. We have the ability to keep each other's loved ones' memories alive by being curious.
• [08:09] I asked my new friend a question about her father, and she started telling me stories about his time in the Navy. He respected rank, but he wasn't afraid to put his foot down and even told an Admiral why something wouldn't work.
• [09:12] It was wonderful to hear her voice light up when she shared a story about her father who showed up and was able to lead by example.
• [10:15] When I reflect on the love and impact of my loved ones, I think of their magical confidence and how they led by example.
• [11:29] The lesson my uncle was trying to teach me is if you have self-belief anything is possible.
• [12:02] I hope I can instill love and impact in others. The beautiful thing about loss is that you take stock of what you have.
• [13:38] The other big takeaway is how each of us have the ability to make each other feel special. Feeling seen, heard, and understood is impactful and carries legacy.
• [14:29] There is no direct path for healing from grief. If you are experiencing any grief, any loss, just know that you have love and support even in the Striders community and it takes as long as it takes.
• [15:05] Show up and be curious and caring for those that you care about.
• [16:03] I'm going to approach the services of Aunt Ronnie with the mindset of looking around the room and gathering stories about how her love and impact touched so many.

Memorable Quotes:

• • "I'm grateful for the fact that we get to keep the memory of whoever we cherish alive by talking about them, by holding them in our heart, and sharing what we learned from them." - Mary Tess
  • "My loved ones have served as mentors, both when they were here in this earthly presence, and they continue to do so, because I can still hear their voices in my head." - Mary Tess
  • "One of the things that I cherish about some of the loved ones that I have in my life is this acceptance and willingness to be vulnerable with each other. When we do that, we can learn from each other." - Mary Tess
  • "We're not striving for perfection. We're striving for being authentic, for really stepping into our own power and just loving and having positive influence in each other's lives." - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value
• Colette Baron-Reid

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

I feel like there's been a lot of conversation lately about the Chinese zodiac and the year we're moving out of, which is the Year of the Wood Snake. That year comes to an end on February 16, and then on February 17, according to the Chinese zodiac, we move into the Year of the Fire Horse. Even if you don't follow the Chinese New Year, I've really appreciated how this way of marking time gives us an opportunity to slow down, reflect, and check our own reality.

In this episode, I share why the energy of the Wood Snake has felt so accurate for this past year, with its focus on shedding, releasing, and doing the inner work that helps clear the way. I share what this year of the Wood Snake has looked like for me, including the purging, the releasing, and the work of letting go of what drains my peace. On today's Wise Walk, we focus on creating space and readiness so that when the energy of the Fire Horse arrives, it's the things that truly matter that gain momentum.

• Are you open to using this conversation as a way to go deeper within yourself and notice what feels meaningful right now?
• What are you willing to look at, release, forgive, or let go of so you can make space for the energy of the Fire Horse?
• Are you open to the opportunities that this new energy may bring?
• What limiting beliefs in your life are you ready to let go of?
• What is this snake energy calling you to release so you can make space for your highest and best self?
• If you feel aligned emotionally or energetically, what physical or material possessions are you ready to release?
• Are there emails, apps, conversations, or items in your space that you are ready to let go of?
• How can you reflect on both the snake and horse's energies to ready yourself for a year when action meets purpose?
• As you reflect on the past year, what are you ready to release and how do you envision your own rebirth?
• Are there relationships you need to release and relationships you want to nourish and invest in more fully?
• What tasks have you been avoiding that you could clear now so they do not drain your energy moving forward?
• What limiting beliefs can you make peace with and reframe through gratitude?
• What is something you need to forgive yourself for so your energy can move forward freely?
• What unhealthy habits are no longer serving you and are ready to be released?
• In what other ways can you take yourself on a Wise Walk and reflect on the shift from snake energy to horse energy?
• What resonated with you in this episode and what ideas feel like they are yours to carry forward?

I feel like this snake energy has helped me release what was draining me and let go of things that no longer light me up. That readiness is what allows me to invite in the Fire Horse energy of opportunity, action, and purpose, and I hope that's true for you as well.

As always, I'd love to hear what you took away from today's episode, so feel free to reach out and share. I also look forward to next Thursday's 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:

• [03:11] I love how the Chinese zodiac is represented by a different animal each year. I was born in the year of the Tiger. The animal is also paired with an element.
• [04:05] As I look back on this past year, I feel very aligned with the year of the wood snake. It represents deep inner work and the need to shed. It represents an opportunity to let go of anything that drains your peace.
• [05:03] I've been releasing things this past year. When I step into the year of the fire horse it's all about taking action and gaining momentum.
• [06:06] If you're carrying anything with you into the year of the fire horse, that's what's going to gain momentum.
• [07:08] I've been thinking about areas of my life that I want to release, so I won't bring them into this next year.
• [08:01] I've also been working on limiting beliefs around my body, and I've been working on my ability to squat.
• [09:06] As I work on my squat I say to myself, "I am safe". I don't want to move forward with a limiting belief.
• [10:04] One of the ways that we can reframe limiting beliefs is to usher them out and find gratitude and reinforce that we are safe and doing our best.
• [11:08] I also share a limiting belief a friend of mine had about her sleep hygiene.
• [12:16] In the past year we've acknowledged our limiting beliefs, and like the snake we're going to release them. We are going to create positive self-talk and give ourselves support when we need it.
• [14:14] When purging material possessions, I asked what I would miss if it were lost in some type of disaster. If I wouldn't miss these things, then it's a clear go. Another question to ask is would I replace them with the money that I have?
• [17:26] You have the opportunity to get rid of anything that is draining you or preventing you from being your highest self at this moment.
• [21:09] There are so many areas of my life where I feel ready. I feel like the snake energy has helped me release things that have drained me.

Memorable Quotes:

• • "The year of the Wood Snake represents an opportunity to let go of anything that drains your peace and to disconnect from anything that prevents you from stepping into your full power." - Mary Tess
  • "If you carry something into the year of the Fire Horse, that is what will gain momentum in your life." - Mary Tess
  • "Whenever we have a limiting belief, we get to counteract that with positive self-talk." - Mary Tess
  • "Just because something had meaning in the past doesn't mean it has meaning in the present in the same way." - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value
• Colette Baron-Reid

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram