True Stride

As the year winds down and the holidays approach, I feel a quiet pull to lighten my load. November always feels like a bridge between what's been and what's next, and I've been asking myself what I can release before stepping into a new season. There's something deeply satisfying about clearing space, whether that's finishing something I've been avoiding, resolving an annoyance that's been draining me, or simply letting go of the pressure to do it all.

In this episode, I share how discernment helps me emerge better. It's so easy to carry unnecessary weight like chasing perfection or holding onto small frustrations that siphon energy from what truly matters. From everyday logistics, like finally sorting out an insurance issue, to bigger lessons about trusting myself as a student and letting my work be imperfect, I'm learning that ease arrives through acceptance, not over-effort. Living simply in Joshua Tree keeps reinforcing that peace doesn't come from adding more. It comes from doing less, more intentionally.

I'm also noticing how this applies to relationships. Some connections feel light and energizing while others carry worry or judgment that isn't mine to hold. Giving those spaces room to breathe feels like a gift to both sides. On this Wise Walk, I invite you to reflect on where your energy goes, what no longer fits, and how to lovingly set it down, so you can step forward with clarity, ease, and a little more spaciousness.

• As you think about what's weighing on you right now, what do you want to tackle and what can you release to set yourself up for success next year?
• What feels heavy on your heart or impossible to complete, and what would make you feel proud to finish before the year ends?
• Are there things that feel heavy but don't truly need to get done, and can you give yourself permission to release them?
• Will you take time to journal and hold space for the idea of unburdening yourself?
• As you take yourself on a Wise Walk, are there areas in your mental or emotional life where you could unburden yourself?
• What thoughts, worries, or energetic weights are not serving you anymore?
• Can you let them go, or deal with them now so they don't follow you into the new year?
• When you think about your physical environment and your calendar, what feels heavy or unnecessary?
• Is there something you've always done out of habit that doesn't matter as much anymore?
• What can you lovingly say no to in order to support your well-being and make space for creativity and rest?
• Can you say yes to more of what truly nourishes you and let go of the things that no longer resonate?
• As you reflect on relationships that feel a little heavy right now, which ones might you release from constant engagement because there's a disconnect or energetic misalignment?
• Can you make peace with that, knowing it doesn't have to be forever?
• Maybe the relationship will shift, or maybe it won't—but can you allow yourself to let go, trust the season you're in, and free up space for what feels aligned?

I'm so grateful for this space we share and for every Strider who walks alongside me. Five years in, it still amazes me how light and energizing our Wise Walks feel, and how this community continues to grow. Your support truly fuels me.

So please, keep reaching out and letting me know what resonates. You never burden me; you remind me why this journey matters. As we move through the rest of this year, may we keep releasing what doesn't serve us and make room for more of what does. I can't wait to walk with you again next Thursday.

In this episode:

• [03:00] The three main areas I need to unburden are mental and emotional space, physical environment, and relationships.
• [04:18] I need to take care of an auto insurance issue that is weighing on me and work on my perfectionism.
• [05:17] My perfectionism made me want to rerecord audio I created for my shamanic Reiki. I realized there was no need other than my perfectionism to redo the whole thing.
• [06:18] I was proud of myself for making the choice to unburden myself.
• [07:33] I also needed to unburden my physical and environmental calendar. Managing clutter is a priority, especially in my 300 square foot casita in Joshua Tree. There are also dust issues in the desert.
• [09:24] I have a favorite quote that focuses on doing less of what doesn't matter.
• [11:08] I love the idea of being mindful about what we can unburden and have less in our life of what doesn't matter.
• [13:39] The last category I've been reflecting on unburdening is relationships. I'm meeting new people and trying to balance spending time with new people and those that I already love.
• [14:36] I want to discern who is supporting me.
• [17:16] I am so grateful for you. Our relationship and going on Wise Walks together feel so light and energizing.

Memorable Quotes:

• • "Discernment is the quiet courage to say no when something no longer feels aligned." - Mary Tess
  • "Every time you clear what feels heavy, you create room for joy to return." - Mary Tess
  • "Sometimes the most powerful step forward is the one that frees us from what we no longer need to carry." - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

Sometimes the smallest things create the biggest shift. Lately, I've been reminded how something as simple as breathing, something we do automatically, can completely change how we feel. It's easy to forget that breath is both instinct and invitation. When I guide a yoga class or begin a shamanic reiki session, I always start with three unifying breaths. Each one feels like a soft landing, a way to come home to myself before I do anything else. It's a quiet reminder that calm isn't something we chase; it's something we breathe into being.

Let's take a moment to breathe together now: The first breath will be a nourishing breath. Inhale deeply, exhale, let it out. The second breath will be a cleansing breath. Inhale deeply, exhale, let it out. And the last breath will be a rejuvenating breath. Inhale deeply, exhale, let it out. Then, just settle back into the natural rhythm of your own breath.

On this Wise Walk, we'll look at how intentional breathing can nourish and even rewire your nervous system. We'll pause long enough to notice when we hold our breath, especially in those moments when life feels a bit too fast or too heavy. And we'll experiment with simple ways to release that tension, like box breathing or the 4-7-8 rhythm, so the body can find its own natural balance again. So as you walk, breathe, and listen, see if you can feel how each inhale steadies you and each exhale clears space for a calmer, more connected you.

• Do you notice the natural rhythm of your breath, or do you sometimes catch yourself holding it without realizing?

• When stress or anticipation builds, can you sense the moment your breath becomes shallow or tight?
• How does it feel when you pause and guide your breath back to a slower, steadier rhythm?
• Can you sense the shifts in your body as your breath begins to calm your nervous system?
• What practices help you stay connected to your breath when life feels fast or heavy?
• When you feel tension rise, how can you use your breath to bring yourself back to balance?
• How can you create time and space in your day to practice deep, intentional breathing that nourishes and restores you?

As you move through the rest of your day, notice the moments when you can come back to your breath. Let it steady you. Let it clear space for calm, connection, and whatever comes next.

I hope this Wise Walk reminded you that your breath is both your anchor and your reset button. Until next Thursday, keep tuning in, breathing deeply, and honoring the rhythm that keeps you aligned with your heart and your True Stride.

In this episode:

• [04:40] There have been times in my life where I certainly catch myself holding my breath.
• [05:37] What I love about the three unifying breaths is that three deep breaths resets the nervous system.
• [06:12] There is scientific backing that supports this. Deep breathing will rewire our nervous systems.
• [07:21] I also catch myself holding my breath during a deep tissue massage. Breathwork can help us breathe through stress and cleanse.
• [08:25] The box breath is on counts of four. You inhale for a count of four. Then you hold for a count of four. Exhale for a count of four. Hold for a count of four. Repeat.
• [09:18] Being intentional about rewiring our nervous system is a great skill for all of us to have.
• [10:34] Box breathing is a beautiful rhythmic structure that gives us focus.
• [11:59] Breath work is always a focus like when we exercise.
• [12:41] You could also try the 4-7-8 practice. Inhale for four breaths. Hold for seven. Exhale for eight.
• [15:20] Scan your body to see how these practices help you.

Memorable Quotes:

• • "Every time we take three deep breaths, we give our nervous system a chance to reset." - Mary Tess
  • "When we hold our breath, we hold tension. When we breathe deeply, we create space for ease." - Mary Tess
  • "Breathwork is a bridge between the body and the mind. It reconnects what stress tries to separate." - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

Have you ever caught yourself saying "I'm fine" when that's not really the whole truth? In this episode, I talk about what happens when we slow down and get honest about how we actually feel with the mix of emotions that come and go throughout the day.

A chat with a friend got me thinking about how we can be hopeful and nervous, happy and uneasy, all at once. It reminded me that our feelings don't need to make perfect sense. They just need space to exist. I also share a small moment with a stranger that showed me how powerful it can be to simply pause, listen, and let someone be where they are.

This Wise Walk is about getting curious instead of critical. It's about noticing what's really happening inside us and giving it room to breathe. When we do, we find a little more ease, a little more compassion, and a deeper connection to ourselves and the people we care about.

• When someone asks how you're doing, do you pause to reflect and check in with your heart to see what you're really feeling in that moment?
• Do you get curious about the emotions that surface, even the ones that might not feel comfortable or socially accepted?
• Can you acknowledge the full range of feelings inside you and express them honestly, whether or not you assign percentages or labels?
• Are you willing to go within and simply accept where you are right now, without judgment or resistance?
• As you move through your day, can you drop into your heart more often and get curious about the mix of emotions that make you human?
• Can you share your inner experience with the people you love so they begin to see their own emotional complexity too?
• Is it possible to hold two truths at once to feel excited and anxious, optimistic and a little scared and still trust that both are okay?
• Wherever you are in your heart space right now, can you accept and express yourself fully, just as you are?

Thanks for joining me for this week's Wise Walk. I'd love to hear what resonated with you and what emotions surfaced as you listened, so feel free to reach out and share your thoughts.

Be sure to tune in next week as we keep exploring ways to deepen our awareness and live with more intention. Until then, prioritize fun as you stay curious about what your heart wants to show you.

In this episode:

• [02:56] After having this powerful conversation with my friend, I tweaked my back again. This is a powerful reminder of how fragile our bodies can be.
• [04:03] I'm mindful of the fact that my back hurts right now. I'm also excited about an upcoming wedding, but nervous about the flight. So I do have a range of emotions going on.
• [05:10] If it weren't for my conversation with my friend, I may not have had the awareness when my chiropractors receptionist stated that she didn't know how she was doing.
• [06:02] It's a beautiful thing when you can hold space for each other and see each other as the complex human beings that we are.
• [07:54] My friend had been working with this modality called internal family systems where she studied and learned language on how to express her emotions.
• [08:45] I love that her vulnerable sharing, plus me holding space for her, really brought this new language and this new dynamic to light.

Memorable Quotes:

• • "Sometimes the most powerful thing we can say is, 'I don't know how I feel right now,' and trust that it's enough." - Mary Tess
  • "When we give ourselves permission to feel everything we're feeling, we stop judging our emotions and start understanding them." - Mary Tess
  • "Let's accept the full complexity of our hearts and show the younger generation how to do the same." - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

Sometimes the best moments happen when we stop planning and start allowing life to unfold. Recently, I traveled to Boston for my yearlong drum apprenticeship and discovered just how powerful it can be to leave space in the schedule. From crafting drums with horsehide, bison, and cowhide to sharing unhurried time with friends Carolyn and Willow, I experienced what it feels like to truly be in flow—creating, connecting, and noticing the magic that happens when we're not rushing to the next thing.

For much of my life, I've been known as the girl who gets it done. Productivity gave me purpose, but it also kept me tethered to constant motion. This trip reminded me that presence is just as valuable as progress. Whether it was seeing a bald eagle soar overhead or having a soulful, unplanned conversation with my teacher, every moment felt richer because I gave myself permission to slow down and breathe it all in.

On this Wise Walk, let's explore what it means to be present to what unfolds and create space to celebrate our accomplishments while resting in a feeling of completeness, and allowing life to reveal its quiet gifts.

• Have you created enough space in your day to let something magical unfold instead of rushing from one task to the next?
• When you look at your calendar, are you giving yourself room to breathe or are you packing your schedule with back-to-back commitments?
• How does it feel when your days are so full that there's little time to simply pause and be?
• What would it look like to be more intentional about creating openness in your life rather than filling every moment with doing?
• When was the last time you allowed yourself to just be present, noticing what surfaced naturally without trying to control the outcome?
• Can you hold space for yourself and others to connect more deeply simply by slowing down and being available in the moment?
• How often do you catch yourself wishing for more time, and what small changes could help you feel less rushed and more grounded?
• What does it feel like to sit with a sense of completeness and satisfaction before moving on to the next goal?
• Can you take time to appreciate what you've just accomplished without immediately planning what comes next?
• Where in your life could you allow more space for spontaneous conversations or experiences that might surprise and fulfill you in unexpected ways?

Whatever you have on your docket this week, whatever you have planned for the day, I hope that you create space for yourself to appreciate those accomplishments, to not worry or anticipate or feel anxiety about what's next, and to gently retreat more into yourself and into that magical experience of being present.

And be sure to tune in next week for another Wise Walk as we continue to explore ways to align with our heart and our True Stride.

In this episode:

• [03:20] Throughout my personal and professional life, I have been known as the girl who gets things done. This became part of my identity.
• [05:02] I also love that this past weekend, I was intentional about arriving early and having some time to play with my friend.
• [06:23] Holding space for each other and attending the workshop were both magical. A bald eagle even flew over us.
• [07:40] Reflecting back on the bald eagle coming towards us, I wonder how many times I miss what's coming right towards me.
• [09:15] At the end of our workshop, I was fully present because I wasn't worried about my next flight.
• [11:44] I also had time to hang out, and I had a lovely Soulful conversation with my teacher. This beautiful conversation just happened organically.
• [12:25] It was all about human-to-human connection.
• [14:08] Trying to orchestrate every moment prevents organic, fluid moments from unfolding. We can't have magic in the moment if we've already moved on to the next space.
• [16:13] As we were driving home, we were visited by another bald eagle. This reinforces the point of paying attention to what's in front of me and staying grounded in my current lane.
• [17:11] Focusing on what's coming next, interrupts the present. I want to stay in the current flow more, cherish whatever I accomplish, and receive the magic of the moment.

Memorable Quotes:

• • "There was just this natural unfolding without expectations, without this rigorous agenda of what we were going to accomplish that day" - Mary Tess
  • "It was all about noticing and paying attention to who I was with, and paying attention to what would surface and what was literally coming towards me, and how I could appreciate that moment." - Mary Tess
  • "I think a big lesson learned is that if we are busy designing, if we are busy trying to orchestrate our experience, and if we have things like, back to back, then what will naturally unfold can't be as fluid." - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

I've been thinking about frustration lately. Specifically about a class I took where the experience didn't match what was advertised. I tried to address it in different ways, but my concerns never seemed to land. At some point, I realized part of my frustration came from wanting more control than I actually had, and from expectations that were probably too rigid. That shift in perspective helped.

On this Wise Walk, I want to explore what happens when our expectations clash with reality, and how we can extract value from those moments anyway. Instead of staying in disappointment, we can examine what the situation reveals, let go of what we can't influence, and work with what's actually available to us. The more we do this, the more capable we become at adapting and refocusing on what genuinely matters.

• Have you felt frustrated by anything recently, and when you gave yourself space to process that emotion what did you learn about yourself in the process?
• Is there a quality or pattern tied to that frustration, and can you redirect that energy in a way that shifts the experience or even the outcome?
• When you look back at present or past frustrations, what awareness is that feeling trying to bring forward about what truly matters to you?
• After doing everything you could to communicate or realign with someone else, how can you adjust your expectations around what you can and cannot control?
• What is it that you ultimately want to experience in this situation, and where can you release the heavy or negative feelings that are weighing you down?
• Where can you pause and say to yourself, this is what I'm learning about who I am, and this is how I'm going to respond so I can stay in my stride?
• When frustration sparks that immediate knee-jerk reaction, what is the deeper feeling underneath it? How do you usually respond, and how can you pivot your energy so you feel more aligned and at peace?
• What lessons have surfaced for you when things didn't go the way you expected, and how did those moments shape your confidence to move forward?
• How do you balance holding high expectations with extending grace when outcomes fall short of what you envisioned?
• Where in your life right now can you practice letting go of control and trusting that you can still grow even if the circumstances aren't ideal?
• How can you turn an unexpected setback, like a delay or disruption, into an opportunity to practice patience and creativity in the way you respond?
• What helps you remember that every experience, even frustrating ones, can still offer something valuable if you're open to seeing it?

I'd love to hear what you took away from today's episode. Feel free to reach out and share your Wise Walk reflections, awareness, and lessons you're gaining. If you found value here, please share this episode or leave a review so we can continue to grow together and expand this community that I'm so proud to be a part of. I look forward to going on another Wise Walk with you next Thursday, so be sure to tune in.

In this episode:

• [03:01] At different times in my career I've led and managed training programs. I geek out on learning so that I can teach what I learn.
• [04:07] As this current class is drawing to a close, I realized that we are way behind and we are not going to accomplish all the learning objectives. I tried to communicate this to the best of my ability, but I'm not sure I was heard in an actionable way.
• [06:12] I realized that I'm just going to have to accept this. I also realized that I might have some control issues when it comes to key learning objectives not being met.
• [07:17] On a human level, I enjoy the teacher and really appreciate the people.
• [08:17] Frustration for me can sometimes indicate a level of control. I have to ask if there's an opportunity for me to learn something different.
• [09:12] Even if you communicate, it may not influence the person you're speaking with.
• [12:09] I'm also preparing to go back to St. Augustine for a week. I just got a notification that my flight has been changed to include a four and a half hour layover.
• [14:04] I had an awareness that I can only control what I can control. Fortunately, I was able to book a different flight.
• [15:20] Knowing what our triggers are and how to pivot through them can bring us at peace again and build confidence.
• [16:09] Maybe I'm learning to find my center and feel grounded regardless of the circumstance. I'm speaking up for myself and making the best of the situation.

Memorable Quotes:

• • "I can only control what I can control, and I have to let the rest go if I still want to salvage the best I can out of this experience." - Mary Tess
  • "The more we face adversity, the more we build the muscle to realign and get back into stride." - Mary Tess
  • "I always regret being silent more than I regret communicating." - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

After weeks on the road (after selling my home) and a big move, my body finally caught up with me. I could feel it in my neck, my shoulders, even headaches by mid-afternoon. All those miles gripping the steering wheel and lifting more than I should have left me out of whack. When I finally slowed down enough to notice, I realized that I needed to get support and realign. A chiropractor, a massage, and even some posture technology gave me the clues that I needed to start shifting things back into place.

In this episode, I share what that process looked like for me, and how even small changes have already eased the pain and cleared my energy. It reminded me how connected our physical state is with our emotional and mental wellbeing. Sometimes a little attention makes a huge difference. On this Wise Walk, we'll check in on the areas where we might feel just a bit off, think about the support that could help us realign, and look at what steps will help us feel lighter and more in sync moving forward.

• Where in your life do you feel just a little bit off?
• Is it physical, like your neck, head, shoulders, or back, or do you feel off energetically?
• Do you feel a little bit off with your relationships or work?
• What area of your life feels out of sync, where you notice pain, resistance or strain?
• What small steps can you take to address that imbalance and support yourself?
• How can you show up for yourself in a way that feels nourishing?
• Where might you need to enlist the help of others to find relief and structure?
• As you drop into your heart, what needs the most attention in your life right now?
• What is one thing you can do today to feel more supported and aligned?
• Can you name what feels off so you can tame it and start to shift it?
• Who can you talk to that you trust so you don't carry it alone?
• What tools, resources, or individuals could help you realign in a way that fits you best?
• What motivates you most? For example, visual cues, conversations, or other kinds of support?
• Can you give yourself permission to seek what you need without guilt?
• What would feeling more balanced and in sync with your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing look like for you?

Maybe there is someone that just needs a little bit of your good juju. And maybe that's what you can take away from today's Wise Walk. Whatever it is, I would love to hear what you took away from today's episode.

As always, please reach out and share this episode if you know there's someone that needs to hear this message. Also be sure to tune in to next Thursday for another Wise Walk.

In this episode:

• [02:58] I knew I needed to work with a chiropractor in order to address my pain and also a masseuse to get some knots out.
• [03:43] I discovered that the doctor I went to had technology that helps address what's going on with me from a digital imagery standpoint. It was really helpful to get those visual cues.
• [05:36] It was so helpful to see my body alignment visually. I can see where things were a little bit off.
• [06:33] We've driven over 5,800 miles in the past month. There were a lot of miles and a lot of sitting. It makes sense that I need to unwind and realign the imbalances.
• [08:16] The way my head was out of alignment and shifted forward, meant that my normal 11lb head was more like carrying a 46lbs head.
• [09:07] Everything is connected. That's so true for everything in our life. If we are off emotionally it affects our family life. If we're off at work, there's bad energy and stress.
• [10:04] Ignoring when we feel off will lead to more imbalance.
• [11:51] I'm excited and motivated to improve the alignment and imbalance with this new awareness I've gained.
• [14:06] If you feel like you're totally aligned, do you know of someone who you sense may be off. Do you have the bandwidth to help them?
• [15:03] I have a friend going through a home renovation, and the contractor isn't doing right by her. I keep reaching out and trying to support her, even if it's just listening.
• [16:14] If everything's aligned for you, maybe there's someone who needs your help that you can be inspired to reach out to after this Wise Walk.

Memorable Quotes:

• • "Everything in our lives is connected. If we're off emotionally, it shows up physically, and if we're off physically, it ripples into everything else." - Mary Tess
  • "Sometimes our body gives us signals long before we're ready to pay attention" - Mary Tess
  • "There's a huge relief when you finally get clarity on the problem. That's when you can make real progress" - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

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

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

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

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

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

In this episode:

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

Memorable Quotes:

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

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

I'm recording this episode from Joshua Tree, California, where the dogs and I recently landed and are staying with my Aunt Christine on her two-acre property surrounded by horses, a donkey, and plenty of desert beauty. From the outside, our little 300-square-foot casita looks like a simple metal shed, but inside meets our basic needs and has become a cozy, surprising space for reflection. Being here has me thinking about the habits I've carried with me, especially my natural tendency to plan ahead and anticipate every scenario.

That planning instinct served me well in my corporate career, but I'm noticing how it can sometimes get in the way of trusting the present moment and myself. In this episode, I share stories, from navigating life in a smaller space to managing my soy allergy on a birthday dinner out, that highlight how fear and scarcity can shape our choices. On this Wise Walk, we'll explore how letting go of fear-based habits and leaning into trust can create more peace, freedom, and alignment with the future we want to build.

• As you reflect on your present and future goals or dreams, how is your ability to plan serving you?
• Where is this planning mentality adding value and setting you up for success?
• Where is this habitual need to plan getting in your way or bringing you down?
• Are you planning for the best outcomes and the positivity you know you're attracting, or are you stuck preparing for worst-case scenarios out of fear?
• Are you able to pivot in order to manage those circumstances?
• What's an example in your life where you are stockpiling something you use regularly or something you've run out of once and don't want to run out of again?
• Is that mentality or habit serving you at this moment, or are you open to releasing that old pattern and trusting that when you need it, you'll have the means and resources to acquire it?
• Is there another quality you are known for, like being a good troubleshooter, that has served you in life or your career but doesn't serve you in other areas?
• Do you find yourself seeing problems nonstop, and where can you open your mind to seeing the good that's waiting for you?
• What qualities are beneficial to you that you want to hold on to in the present and as you look toward the future?
• What qualities come from lack, fear, or worry that you want to release so you can lean more into trust and divine timing?
• Where in your life can you take the leap and release some of the overplanning or qualities that you've relied on for so long?
• Where can you step into a peaceful mindset that trusts things will come together, even if you can't yet see how, knowing you'll acquire what you need moment by moment?

As always, I'd love to hear what you took away from today's episode, so please feel free to reach out. I hope you stay open to what the day brings and notice the ways it may surprise you with something even better than you planned. I'd love for you to tune in next Thursday for another Wise Walk.

In this episode:

• [05:37] A long track record of successfully planning for the best, worst, and everything in between scenarios gave me extreme confidence that I could navigate the unknown.
• [06:05] I could trust that I could keep moving forward no matter what I was faced with.
• [07:15] I know you Striders also have the innate ability to navigate the unknown.
• [08:19] On this trip, I've reflected a lot on what my basic needs are.
• [09:13] I love coconut milk in my tea in the morning. I struggled with not buying extra at the store, even though I knew I needed only one.
• [10:56] We need to release that scarcity mindset. We don't have to plan for the worst scenario right now.
• [12:02] I don't have to come from a place of scarcity. I can trust that it will be there when I need it.
• [14:13] I also have a fear of going out to eat, because of my soy allergy.
• [15:21] The lesson I learned while going out to eat on my 51st birthday.
• [18:24] It was a great example of when we trust that what we need is going to appear when we need it, being a beautiful gift.
• [19:53] I hope as you go through your day that you can see where old habits served you and don't, and be able to release those that don't align anymore.

Memorable Quotes:

• "You do not have to plan for the worst case scenario. You can have a self-belief in yourself that you are going to navigate the unknown with style, with grace, with peace, with harmony." - Mary Tess
• "Trusting that what we need is going to appear when we need it. That's a beautiful gift." - Mary Tess
• "We can build enough self-trust to know that we can navigate whatever comes our way, and we'll find the resources we need in exactly the right time frame." - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value

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Lately, I've been thinking about what it really means to feel at home. On a recent call with my mom, she asked if I missed Florida, and it hit me that I don't miss the house I lived in for seven years. I miss the people. That reminder, along with an old saying from my grandma Cullen, got me thinking about how home isn't about walls or an address. It's about the heart-level connections that make us feel supported, understood, and truly at ease.

In this episode, I share stories from the road. I reflect on time with friends in Scottsdale, a soulful experience in Sedona with a sound healer, and the importance of finding people who feel like home. As we take our Wise Walk together, I invite you to slow down, check in with your own heart, and consider who and what makes you feel most connected.

• Where is your heart pulling you or calling you to go?
• What is it about this idea of home that makes you feel emotionally connected?
• Can you drop into your heart and pay attention to the emotional connections that feel most like home?
• What qualities or humans in your life feel most like home to you?
• Who in your life feels naturally like home?
• Where can you have deep, soulful connections and conversations that light you up?
• How can you put yourself in situations where you attract and experience more of that feeling?
• Is there a relationship you've newly come into contact with that makes you feel at peace and relaxed?
• Do you feel called to deepen that new relationship and see what possibilities it holds for your growth?

I grow so much from your heartfelt shares, from seeing where you are in this space and time, and from watching the openness you create lead you forward. I'm always cheering you on.

Please reach out and let me know what resonated for you in today's episode. And as always, be sure to prioritize fun as you read the signs, direct your path, and get your Stride On.

In this episode:

• • [03:49] I love the high vibe in Sedona, and it's known for its energy vortexes.
  • [04:42] When I was there, I decided to work with a sound healing practitioner. We also got into a great conversation afterwards. I'm healing and allowing myself to be open to opportunities that present themselves.
  • [06:04] I want to be of service and use my gifts and talents and Heart Value in a way that feels aligned.
  • [07:29] Not everywhere will feel like home, but the awareness we give ourselves is a beautiful thing.
  • [08:22] Having an emotional connection on a community level feels like home.
  • [09:17] It's the people that keep us connected and grounded on our journey.
  • [10:13] The healer's name is Karen, and we're going to stay connected.
  • [11:48] We went on a beautiful hike, and she gave me a different perspective on the area.
  • [13:27] I love that we can have these experiences and share them from the heart, no matter where we are.
  • [14:21] I'm glad I was brave and sold the home and was able to detach and go on this journey.
  • [15:16] I love this podcast, and I feel so connected to the inner work that we are doing together.

Memorable Quotes:

• "Home is where the heart is, and where the heart is, the feet will follow." - Mary Tess's Grandma Cullen
• "Our true home is defined by emotional connection, not by physical structure." - Mary Tess
• "Not everywhere we visit will feel like home, and that's okay. The awareness we gain from those experiences is a beautiful gift." - Mary Tess
• "It's the people who keep us grounded, who remind us who we are, and who help us discover more about ourselves." - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

We just spent a wonderful five days in Flagstaff, Arizona, and things were beautiful, including the weather. I was so excited to escape the Florida heat, pack up the van, and take the dogs out on some beautiful hikes. But the second we rolled in, the altitude made itself known. I was winded just walking to the trailhead, and the dogs looked at me like, what's your problem, mom? Even the bag of chips I brought along puffed up like it was ready to pop, which cracked me up because it felt like the universe was saying, "yep, everything's under pressure up here."

Instead of charging ahead like I planned, I had to back off. We took shorter hikes, stopped more often, and drank water like it was our full-time job. I had this vision of big adventure days, but once I stopped fighting it, I noticed the little things. One pup, Trooper, bounding over rocks like a champ, the other, Cali, carefully navigating her way around them, and me realizing maybe I don't always have to be in go-mode to enjoy myself. Slowing down wasn't what I pictured, but it actually made the trip better.

That's what today's Wise Walk is about. It's those times when life forces you to downshift, and how the pause can end up being exactly what you needed all along.

• • Where in your life are you experiencing high intensity times?
  • Are you juggling so much that you're just trying not to drop anything?
  • When you're in go-mode, are you remembering to retreat and rest?
  • Are you giving your body time to adjust instead of pushing through?
  • Where are you pushing yourself harder than feels sustainable?
  • What does it look like for you to take a reprieve from demands?
  • How can you create moments of stillness to check in with yourself?
  • Are you nurturing your heart, mind, body, and spirit with what they need?
  • Are you remembering that high intensity modes are temporary?
  • Where can you build in time to rest and restore before the next push?
  • Are you aware when you've slipped into high intensity mode?
  • Can you pause long enough to say, "this is not sustainable"?
  • What helps you balance intensity with stillness?
  • How do you allow yourself to recharge after a big effort?
  • What practices help you feel grounded in the middle of chaos?
  • Where in your life can you retreat or slow down right now?
  • What shifts when you notice your surroundings with fresh eyes?
  • How can you meander without purpose and still find perspective?
  • Where have you gained clarity by stepping back?
  • How can you apply that clarity the next time intensity rises?

As always, I would love to hear what you took away from today's episode, so please feel free to reach out, and then I look forward to next Thursday's Wise Walk, so be sure to tune in, share this episode if it resonates with you, and until then, please be sure to prioritize fun as you read the signs, direct your path, and get your Stride On.

In this episode:

• [03:27] Previously I talked about flying into Reno to visit some friends in Tahoe, California, and I forgot about the elevation differences, and I did get altitude sickness on that trip.
• [04:10] Our bodies have to adjust. Everything has to adjust from the dogs to my bag of potato chips.
• [05:18] We allowed time to hydrate and let our bodies adjust. We didn't push ourselves to a point of exertion that would make us sick.
• [06:11] In those high intensity moments, it's hard to know the internal needs of our own bodies, minds, and hearts.
• [07:34] The dogs and I had a magical time in Flagstaff, Arizona. We did some intense hiking and then slept hard.
• [08:49] Periods of exertion are healthy.
• [11:12] I also saw this idea come to life driving from Flagstaff, Arizona to Sedona, Arizona. There were swerving roads and hills and driving was a high intensity moment.
• [13:50] Life is like that when you have those high intensity moments. I was gripping the wheel and then when I got to the other side I could just breathe.
• [14:39] High intensity moments are just life, and I need to balance them out with time to decompress.
• [15:58] This awareness has reminded me that I need to create space to get out of my own environment.
• [17:11] On my trip to Ireland, I was able to get out of my environment, and it's the same for this trip.
• [19:39] The other big gift this trip has given me is perspective from seeing the contrast in my life from intense to recovery.

Memorable Quotes:

• "We can do high intensity as long as we balance that with some downtime, some downshifting, some restorative time." - Mary Tess
• "We don't have to live in go-mode all the time. Downshifting is how we keep moving forward with joy." - Mary Tess
• "Rest doesn't mean you're falling behind. It means you're preparing for the next climb." - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

• Mary Tess Rooney
• Email
• Heart Value

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