True Stride

Realizing your True Stride means moving forward in alignment with you heart, mind, body, energy and soul. This podcast offers thoughtful conversations to help you discover your groove at work, at home, during play and with your community. Empowerment coach, author and fellow Strider, Mary Tess Rooney, inspires heart-centered views to elevate your Heart Value, relationships and joy. Tune-in every Thursday for wise walks to get your stride on!

EP276: Looking Back Through Pleasure and Expansion 01/08/2026

EP276: Looking Back Through Pleasure and Expansion At the start of a new year, I always notice a shift. It’s subtle, but it’s there. A little lightness. A sense that I can pause, take stock, and step into something new. Even though it’s just one calendar year turning into the next, it still feels like permission to begin again. To set new intentions. To let the past be the past. I don’t overthink it. I just pay attention to that sense of possibility. As I look back on the year behind me, it wasn’t especially easy. There were moments that felt heavy, uncertain, and stretching in ways I didn’t expect. Yet, when I slow down and really look, I can also see where pleasure lived right alongside that expansion. Travel, learning, connection, small moments that mattered more than I realized at the time. It reminds me how misleading it can be to label a year as good or bad when most years are a mix of both. My word for this year is bloom, and it feels honest for where I am right now. Instead of evaluating the past year through success or failure, I’m choosing to look at it through the lenses of pleasure and expansion. Noticing what felt nourishing. Noticing what stretched me. On this Wise Walk, we’ll slow down and reflect on where those two experiences showed up, and what they might be opening up as we move into the year ahead. As you reflect on the past year, what was the overall feeling you experienced, if you had to name just one feeling? Did the year feel joyful, satisfying, like you were in your groove, or did it feel heavier or harder than you expected? Can you write down that overall feeling without judging it, changing it, or trying to rationalize your way into a different one? As you look back on the year, where did you experience pleasure, whether through moments, activities, trips, connections, or things you gifted yourself? Where did you feel waves of pleasure, satisfaction, joy, appreciation, or gratitude, and can you document those experiences in detail? As you reflect on your list of pleasurable moments, are there any expansion experiences that stand out, meaning challenges or uncomfortable situations that prompted you to grow or evolve? Which of those expansion experiences felt hard, uncomfortable, or even necessary at the time, and how did they ultimately build competence or strength? As you review your lists, can you look back through your calendar or memory to see if there is anything you missed that deserves acknowledgment or appreciation? Can you recognize that whatever you moved through, whether pleasurable or challenging, you found a way forward, and can you offer yourself credit for that? I look forward to continuing this journey of noticing pleasure and expansion with you as the year unfolds. As always, I’d love to hear what stood out for you from today’s episode, so feel free to reach out and share. Then tune in next Thursday for another Wise Walk. Until then, happy, happy New Year. In this episode: [06:58] When I started this reflection exercise, I listed some pleasurable moments for me over the last year. [07:17] I had some awesome trips including a trip to Ireland, seeing a Wrexham football match, exploring Nantucket, New York, Long Beach, and my cross-country road trip. [08:14] I feel so much pleasure and gratitude for these trips. [09:02] Selling my home was a double experience of pleasure and expansion. My certifications were also very fulfilling. I also met multiple cool people and had all kinds of adventures. [10:29] When I reflected on how heavy last year felt, I was discounting the abundance of pleasurable experiences I had. [11:45] The growth and expansion has been such a blessing, and I feel even more grounded now. [12:13] We dive into the expansion experiences of last year including the loss of a loved one and emotional heaviness. [14:13] As you look at the contrast of pleasure and expansion in your life, have you noticed things that you forgot about or things that need acknowledgment? [15:01] Now that we're in the new year and you've found your word to set your guiding intention, take time to do this pleasure and expansion exercise at the close of each week or month. By year-end, you'll have the list to easily reference when you wrap up and reflect on the year. [16:14] 2025 was hard for me, but I feel gratitude for all of the pleasurable moments I had. I'm going to hold these memories near my heart and embrace them. Memorable Quotes: “Expansion doesn’t usually feel good while it’s happening. It makes sense only when you look back.” - Mary Tess “When you stop judging the year and just notice how it felt, something softens.” - Mary Tess “In any given year, we’re going to have pleasure and we’re going to have expansion. Both deserve reflection and acknowledgment.” - Mary Tess “When we have those hard moments, something shifts in us. We realize this doesn’t feel right, and we’re ready to expand in a new direction.” - Mary Tess Links and Resources: | | | /episode/index/show/truestride/id/39644920

EP275: A Word to Ground, Guide, and Inspire You 01/01/2026

EP275: A Word to Ground, Guide, and Inspire You I can’t quite believe that yet another year of us going on Wise Walks together has come and gone. In our last episode, I invited you to reflect on your previous Word of the Year, and I’ve been doing that too. Looking back, I can see how my word, Co-create, supported me in ways I couldn’t have fully anticipated at the time. Sometimes we choose a word with a clear sense of direction or intuition about what will help us feel more aligned and in our True Stride. When I think about why this practice matters to me, I always come back to the idea of choosing a word for the year not as something to achieve, but as something to lean and live into. A word that helps me stay grounded when things feel uncertain and reminds me of who I want to be when life gets messy. As this new year begins, I found myself slowing down and really asking what kind of support I need right now, not just externally, but from within. On today’s Wise Walk, I invite you to explore what a Word of the Year might look like for you. I share the word that emerged for me after reflecting on the past several years and what it means to create the conditions for growth, even when life feels transitional. Together, we’ll consider how a single word can act as a quiet compass, helping us stay aligned, rooted, and open to what wants to unfold next. As you reflect on where you’ve been, where you are now, and how do you want to show up? What word best captures that intention for you this year? Is there a word you want to embody more fully, whether it feels literal and clear or more like a feeling or essence that you’re drawn toward? Do you give yourself permission to let one word, or perhaps a few words, or a mantra, gently guide you through the coming year? What word could serve as a navigational star for you, grounding and centering you when things feel rocky or out of alignment? Looking back over the past five years and the seasons that shaped you, what feels ready to carry you into what’s next? What word might help you transform, open, or root yourself in ways that feel aligned with who you are becoming? Which areas of your life feel most important to focus on right now, whether physical, mental, spiritual, or relational? Can you choose one word to serve as a steady reminder of how far you’ve come and where you’re headed next? And as you acknowledge the work you’ve already done, how can you honor your continued growth and unfold it with compassion and trust? I look forward to going on this epic adventure with you in the coming year and blooming in ways we can’t even expect right now. Trusting that it will unfold naturally. As always, I would love to hear what you took away from today’s episode. Feel free to reach out and share. Then tune in to next Thursday’s Wise Walk for another conversation. Until then, happy, happy New Year. In this episode: [03:37] Upon reflection, the idea of opening myself up to further possibilities washed over me. For the last 5 years, I've been going inward and looking for words that would help me grow. [04:44] I give myself permission to choose again and wonder what the possibilities are if I open myself up. [05:38] There has been a tending to my inner self, so my outer self can show up the way it's meant to. Co-create supported me last year, and this year the word that popped up for me is bloom. [06:06] Bloom is tending your garden and appreciating nature's growth from the soil nourishing a seedling, to growing and flourishing. [07:01] I love that this word means that I'm going to put some roots down even in my transitional stage. [10:03] Another cool thing about the word of the year is that many others including striders like yourself are going on this journey with me. [11:03] Thank you so much for listening, and I look forward to going on this adventure with you in the coming year! Memorable Quotes: “Blooming isn’t about pushing or proving. It’s about creating the conditions that allow growth to happen.” - Mary Tess “You don’t have to know exactly what’s coming next to trust that something meaningful is unfolding.” - Mary Tess “A word for the year isn’t something to chase. It’s something to return to when you need grounding.” - Mary Tess “Sometimes the most powerful growth happens quietly, beneath the surface, long before we see the bloom.” - Mary Tess Links and Resources: | | | /episode/index/show/truestride/id/39575375

EP274: Reflecting on the Year Through One Word 12/25/2025

EP274: Reflecting on the Year Through One Word As this year comes to a close, I wanted to slow things down and really look at how my word for 2025 actually showed up in my life. I’ve shared before that I no longer set New Year’s resolutions. Instead, I choose a word that helps ground me in how I want to show up and what I want to experience. This year, that word was co-create. As someone who has always relied on planning, structure, and execution, this word challenged me to loosen my grip and trust timing instead of forcing outcomes. It became a way to check myself when things felt rushed, heavy, or resistant, and to ask whether I was truly aligned or just trying to muscle my way through. One of the clearest examples of this showed up around selling my house. Early in the year, I pushed forward because it seemed logical, but everything felt off. There was resistance, frustration, and a sense that nothing was flowing. When I stepped back and let go of the timeline, things shifted. Later in the year, when it felt right, the process unfolded easily. The right realtor, better communication, aligned decisions, and even an offer before the house officially hit the market. The contrast between those two experiences taught me more than any checklist ever could. This Wise Walk is an invitation to reflect on how your own word supported you, redirected you, or surprised you this year, and to notice the difference between moments that felt forced and moments that felt fully aligned. Did you choose a word for the year that helped ground or center you in how you wanted to show up for yourself? How did that word show up in your life throughout the year? In moments when you felt off track, did your word help redirect or re-center you in any way? What awareness did you gain by setting and living with a word for the year in 2025? Early in the year, were there times when the word didn’t feel fully embodied or integrated yet? Can you share an example of a moment when you consciously returned to your word to reground yourself? Can you share an experience where you fully embodied your word for the year? What did that aligned experience feel like in your body or emotions? When you compare moments that felt misaligned with those that felt aligned, what differences do you notice? How did alignment or misalignment affect how you showed up for yourself or for others? I hope your word for the year brought meaning into your life, especially during moments that felt challenging. I also hope you can look back on this past year with appreciation for what it offered you. I’ll be sharing my word for 2026 soon, so be sure to tune in. And if you’d like, send me an email or a DM and let me know how your word shaped you this year. I’m wishing you and yours a very happy holiday, and I’ll see you next Thursday for another Wise Walk. In this episode: [04:09] As I reflect back on how co-create showed up for me in delightful ways, I realized it was a really great word for me. [05:05] I want to trust the process that God or the Universe has a plan for us. Co-creation helped me stay present and be more patient. [06:16] I don't want to miss the lessons in the experience by rushing to achieve something. Creating openness might show me that there's something better out there. [08:00] When I have that energy for co-creation, magical things can be revealed. [09:14] Identifying resistance helps us notice obstacles that come up. A great example of this was when I was selling my house and the realtor wasn't a great fit. [10:02] I'm going to co-create from a place of trust not a place of forcing it. [11:50] The second time I listed my house, everything flowed. [13:32] The word co-create helped me take a step back, reevaluate, and see if I needed to be more open to create with divine timing. [15:12] Another cool way that co-create showed up for me was taking a cross-country trip with my dogs and showing up at my aunt's house. I had no way of knowing this was going to happen. She didn't even have the ranch yet. [15:45] I now embody the trust of co-creation. I love that I'm leaning more into it. [16:53] I hope you reflect on how your word helps you bring out the best qualities in yourself and in your life. [17:53] I'm also truly grateful for co-creating with you. Memorable Quotes: “A word for the year isn’t about fixing yourself. It’s about grounding how you want to show up in your life.” - Mary Tess “When things feel forced and heavy, that resistance is information. It’s telling you something isn’t aligned.” - Mary Tess “Sometimes releasing the timeline is what allows the right outcome to show up.” - Mary Tess “When I stopped fixating on the outcome, I created space for something better to emerge.” - Mary Tess Links and Resources: | | | /episode/index/show/truestride/id/39531795

EP273: Leaning Into Your Inner Athlete 12/18/2025

EP273: Leaning Into Your Inner Athlete It’s funny how aging has a way of quietly changing the conversation we have with our bodies. I notice it when I’m moving or when a familiar pose needs more support, or when strength and flexibility show up differently than they used to. For a long time, I thought that meant I was losing something. What I’m realizing now is that it simply means that I’m being asked to listen more closely. There’s still a part of me that loves a challenge, that enjoys feeling capable and engaged, even if the expression of that looks different than it once did. Lately, I’ve been paying attention to how I move instead of how far or how fast I go. Some days that means slowing down more than I expect. Other days it means stopping and taking a breath, or letting myself enjoy what’s right in front of me instead of pushing through it. What’s surprised me is how much steadier I feel when I do that physically and mentally. I’ve noticed that when I stop trying to push my body into a version of itself that’s not in alignment anymore, everything softens a bit. The movement feels more grounded. My mind settles. And I walk away feeling steadier than I expected. That’s what I want to explore today as you lean into your inner athlete, at any age in real time, with all the adjustments and recalibrations that feel supportive. We’ll carry that sentiment into today’s Wise Walk and let it unfold gently, as we stay connected to our bodies, our breath, and our True Stride. As you age, are you leaning into your inner athlete and finding different activities that satisfy your need to overcome mental or physical challenges? Are you willing to keep doing some activities that you’ve done for a long time, and modify them to support the you that exists right now? What is an experience or activity you find yourself leaning into, and how is it supporting you? Why do you love it so much? Are you in touch with the feelings that surface when you participate in that activity and how it nurtures you mentally, emotionally, energetically, and physically? As you reflect on an activity or experience that feels aligned for you right now, are you focusing on enjoying the journey, not just the destination? If you are not, what are some ways you might begin to enjoy the journey more? How can you treat movement as a physical gift and take in the sights and senses as you appreciate it? Are you pacing yourself in a way that feels like your own natural pace? Are you avoiding rushing unless moving faster truly fuels you? What do you love about this activity or experience? How can you incorporate more of what you love so you receive both an energetic and an emotional high, not just a physical one? What is an experience or activity in your life that gives you a sense of purpose and belonging? How can you experience more of that in this season of life? In what ways can you explore or talk with others about the activities and experiences where they lean into their inner athlete? What does leaning into your inner athlete mean to you at this phase of life? How have you witnessed your own mental fortitude and athleticism by embracing successes, failures, and the modifications you need along the way? Are you willing to pace yourself in ways that feel aligned for you? Can you move through moments of fear or self-doubt because you know you can press on and it will be worth it in the end? Do you have the self-awareness to recognize that you are capable of far more than you sometimes give yourself credit for? Whatever you’re doing in life, lean into that inner athlete and keep moving in a way that feels aligned with your True Stride. As always, I’d love to hear what you took away from today’s episode. I look forward to next Thursday’s Wise Walk, and until then, read the signs, direct your path, and get your Stride on! In this episode: [02:41] I love hiking because I get to physically move my body and I get to do it in a beautiful setting in nature. [03:18] There are moments of pushing yourself with rocky terrain or steep elevations. [04:05] When hiking, we're using so many of our natural abilities and instincts. We also get to move at our own pace. [05:42] How working out with an accountability partner and tracking your progress really benefits you. [08:05] Sometimes it gets in my head that I can't do the things that I used to be able to do. With hiking, I have no choice but to keep going and it helps eliminate some of the self-doubt. [09:07] There's gratitude and appreciation and positive self-talk that builds when you're hiking. [10:45] Being partnered with people that you can rely on increases your ability to succeed. [11:31] Hiking is truly just one step after the next. It is about surveying the landscape and then navigating to the destination that you want. [12:29] All of that focus, awareness, and positive self-talk gets ingrained in you, creating muscle memory that helps you recognize what success and failure actually feel like. [14:23] Another thing I love about hiking is the idea of being present whether in nature or outdoors. It's just magical. [16:38] Whatever you're doing in life, can you lean into that inner athlete just to put one foot in front of the next, to align with your True Stride, and then continue on your path? Memorable Quotes: “Hiking is about enjoying the journey, not just getting to the destination.” - Mary Tess “Hiking is building confidence in me, strengthening my mental fortitude, and helping me embrace both success and failure.” - Mary Tess “You get personal satisfaction by navigating and building self-belief and overcoming challenges through your own positive self-talk and the support of others.” - Mary Tess “Being partnered with people that you can rely on increases your ability to succeed.” - Mary Tess Links and Resources: | | | /episode/index/show/truestride/id/39443285

EP272: Freedom Waiting Beyond Your Limits 12/11/2025

EP272: Freedom Waiting Beyond Your Limits Lately I have been spending time out on my Aunt’s ranch in Joshua Tree, California, and the rhythm of the animals has offered me a new perspective on how we respond to the boundaries in our lives. Watching the horses move through their space, communicate their needs, and express their energy reminded me how easy it is to accept certain limits without ever pausing to ask whether they still feel aligned. Their behavior became an unexpected mirror, showing me where I have honored barriers that were never truly mine or that no longer support who I am becoming. Their exuberance and clarity sparked something in me, and it led to a few honest reflections about how I define freedom and success. As I witnessed one strong and determined horse rear up just enough to press her chest through the electric fence until it snapped, I felt this surge of admiration and recognition. There are moments in life when we feel something calling us forward, even if others do not understand it or caution us to stay put. Sometimes the only way to understand what is possible is to trust our instincts and step into the unknown with confidence and curiosity. On today’s Wise Walk we will explore the barriers we have been honoring, the beliefs that might be holding us back, and the freedom available to us when we choose to move beyond them. Is there a self imposed barrier you honor that no longer feels aligned, and are you ready to let it go so you can run free? How can you build your confidence and communicate clearly so this barrier no longer holds you back, whether it is mental or physical? Are you ready to release any naysayers in your life and trust what is possible on the other side of the barrier? Is it worth it to you to cross this barrier, and what limiting beliefs are keeping you from taking that step? If fear of failure is present, can you let it soften so your momentum and desire can carry you forward? What mental or physical barriers feel most constraining right now, and how does your definition of success influence whether you stay within them or move beyond them? What becomes possible for you when you define success on your terms and allow yourself to feel free and expansive? Where in your life can you embody the majestic power of a horse and invite more freedom into your daily rhythm? What vision of success feels true to you, and how can you move through obstacles with strength, grace, and authenticity? I hope you tune in next Thursday for another Wise Walk. As always, I would love to hear what you took away from today's episode. Feel free to reach out and message me. Be sure to break those barriers that do not feel good to you anymore and let yourself run free with that majestic power that you already innately have. In this episode: [02:34] I break down the fencing on the ranch and how going from pipe corral to an expanded electric fenced area was a plan to give the horses more area to roam. [04:12] My Aunt put up four volt electric fencing which the horses have used before. [05:01] When we opened the gates, the horses were bucking and running and having the best time in their expanded area. [06:06] The horse who was the boss was thinking about breaking free in spite of my Aunt's warnings. Suddenly, she pressed her chest against the fence and it snapped. [07:07] All of the horses and the Donkey were running wild on the property. They were still contained, because there was an additional fence line. [08:04] They had so much joy with the additional space and free access to the feed station. [09:03] If we have the drive and know the goal, nothing can stand in our way. The horse's example creates a great reminder for us to pursue our dreams and authentic desires. [11:16] For different periods of my life, self-limiting beliefs have gotten in my head. I've tried some of the advice I've been given when I became a self-employed author and podcaster, but some things don't align with me. [12:10] One of the things I've learned from this experience by reflecting is knowing what success means to me. [13:17] The self-imposed barriers that we might be living by could be due to our own internal beliefs or external pressures. We get to decide which ones we're going to keep. [14:29] There's always a leader who will break through first and show us what's possible. It's up to us to decide if we want to follow. [15:28] Remember that you are powerful and have a spirited personality just like a horse. Others are attracted to you when they see you running free and tackling your life. [17:19] My Aunt and I are still laughing about this incident, and we're giving kudos to the horses and the donkey for being themselves. [18:19] Can you support other people when you see them getting ready to break a barrier? [19:04] I feel myself gearing up to break some barriers that no longer serve me. Memorable Quotes: “There are moments when we outgrow the barriers we once agreed to, and our heart knows it long before our mind catches up.” - Mary Tess “If a boundary no longer supports who you are becoming, you get to redefine it or release it.” - Mary Tess “When we stop honoring old limitations, we make space for new energy, new confidence, and new possibilities.” - Mary Tess Links and Resources: | | | /episode/index/show/truestride/id/39357675

EP271: Honoring Your Rites of Passage 12/04/2025

EP271: Honoring Your Rites of Passage A conversation on a recent hike surprised me in the best way. My friend and I wandered into a chat about how we grew up and what shaped us, and it pulled up old memories I had not thought about in a long time. I shared a bit about my upbringing and the sense of community that came with it, but what really landed for me was how many different ways people mark the big moments in their lives. It does not matter if it comes from a formal tradition or something more personal. We all have these turning points that nudge us forward and help us understand who we are right now. Lately I have been noticing how many shifts in my own life feel like they are asking me to pause and pay attention. Some changes are easy to name and others are messy or in progress, and I am realizing that the in-between space is where a lot of the real movement happens. It is not always comfortable, but it is honest. So for this Wise Walk, I thought we could take a moment to look at whatever passages we are each moving through and give ourselves a little grace as we find our footing. Where are you in this present moment, and can you sense whether it marks a rite of passage in your life? What shift, milestone, or change feels most present for you right now, even if it is still taking shape? How is your career, environment, or relationships inviting you into a new phase of growth? Is there something you are preparing to welcome or create, whether a relationship, a move, a new project, or a dream you are finally giving energy to? What passages in your life feel ready to be acknowledged, honored, or named out loud? When you think about separation, what are you slowly releasing or loosening your grip on? Where are you standing in a liminal space, not quite who you were and not yet who you are becoming? How does uncertainty show up for you in this season, and what helps you stay grounded as you move through it? What inner resources or strengths are helping you navigate this in-between phase? Where can you feel the beginning of reintegration, that subtle shift that tells you something within is changing? How might you celebrate or honor the moment you recognize yourself emerging on the other side of this threshold? What does stepping into your next version of self look or feel like in your body, your heart, or your daily rhythm? Thank you for spending this time with me. I hope today’s conversation helps you notice the passages unfolding in your own life and gives you a little more appreciation for where you are right now. Until next Thursday’s Wise Walk, remember to read the signs, trust your path, and get your stride on. In this episode: [05:08] The term rite of passage comes from French anthropologist Arnold van Gennep, who coined it in 1909 and described three phases: separation, liminal, and reintegration. [07:39] In the different ceremonies there's a separation of who we were, then a transformation of stepping into a new identity, and it's about incorporating yourself as a new emerging entity. [08:16] Not all of the rites of passage that I've experienced are religious. My current situation and moving is a massive rite of passage. I've separated from my home, and I'm in a liminal phase of uncertainty. [09:04] I'm moving to a phase of re-emerging into something different. [10:13] Retirement is a rite of passage as well as changing careers. [11:37] Going back to school or going through a phase of education and knowledge are all rites and passage. [12:50] I've moved many times, and it's a literal rite of passage. It has emotional, mental and spiritual passages that we have to overcome to get where we want to go. [13:12] Divorce is another rite of passage. [14:23] I like the idea of honoring all rites of passage whether it's transitional or an expansion of heavy stuff. [15:04] I'm also going through a professional rite of passage with all of the new certifications I'm getting like shamanic Reiki and healing and energy work and drum making. [16:07] I'm going to embrace and celebrate this liminal phase, because there is beauty in being in the corridor of not knowing exactly. Memorable Quotes: “Some moments in life tap you on the shoulder and remind you that you’re changing, even if you didn’t mean to.” - Mary Tess “Every rite of passage has a little uncertainty in it, and that’s what makes the celebration on the other side so meaningful.” - Mary Tess “When you pause long enough to notice a transition, you give yourself a chance to honor who you’re becoming.” - Mary Tess Links and Resources: | | | /episode/index/show/truestride/id/39251030

EP270: What Gratitude Makes Possible 11/27/2025

EP270: What Gratitude Makes Possible Happy Thanksgiving, fellow Striders. If you’re celebrating here in the U.S., I hope you’re surrounded by loved ones, friends, or even your fur babies, and that you’re feeling a sense of appreciation for the blessings in your life, the ones you’re experiencing now and the ones that have shaped you along the way. This time of year is a good reminder to pause, take a breath, and really acknowledge the good that is already present. As I’ve been reflecting on gratitude, I keep coming back to how much shifts when we look at what’s working instead of what’s missing. When we notice the good in ourselves and in our relationships, it changes the energy around everything else. And whether we’re thinking about moments that made us laugh, the qualities we’re proud of, or the people who show up for us when it matters, there is so much to be thankful for. So for today’s Wise Walk, we’re going to slow down, check our reality, and explore what gratitude looks like in our own lives including what we’re grateful for about ourselves, the memories that bring us joy, and the people who support us and inspire us. Let’s take this time to honor those blessings together. What does a consistent gratitude practice look like in your life right now, and how can you honor this Thanksgiving by acknowledging the blessings you’ve experienced? What are you personally grateful for about who you are and how you show up in the world? How can you count your blessings in relationship to others and appreciate the people who support you or whom you’ve supported? What recent moment made you laugh so hard your abs hurt, and how can you give gratitude for the joy, the courage, and the people who shared it with you? How did that memory make you feel, and how can you recreate more moments that spark that kind of joy? What is one physical quality you love about yourself, and why does it matter to you? What is one emotional or spiritual quality you are grateful for, and how has it blessed your life? What challenging experience are you moving through, and what unexpected blessings have surfaced because of it? How is that experience preparing you for your hopes and dreams and helping you connect more intentionally with the people in your life? How can you give yourself gratitude for how you’re showing up through difficulty with strength, grace, and growth? Who in your life needs to hear that you appreciate them, and how can you let them know in a meaningful way this Thanksgiving? How can you express gratitude for both giving and receiving support, and appreciate the love that surrounds you right now? Thank you for spending this time with me today. I’m grateful for you and for this True Stride community, and I hope you carry a spirit of appreciation into the days ahead. Wishing you and your loved ones a warm, joyful, and very Happy Thanksgiving, and until next Thursday, please remember to prioritize fun, read the signs, and get your stride on. In this episode: [02:11] "Acknowledging the good that you already have in life is the foundation for all abundance." Eckhart Tolle [03:04] When we see the good in others, it becomes the overarching theme of our lives, and that's what we put out. [04:03] The joy of laughter and how fun and playful it is. I'm grateful that laughter is contagious. [07:19] What do you love about yourself? I love how I take chances and do things that are scary. I'm okay with failure. [10:30] In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I'm giving gratitude to count my blessings in these areas. [11:18] Reflect on areas of your life that have been hard, but that you've done it anyway. What have you gained? [15:09] I also want to acknowledge thankfulness and gratefulness for the relationships in my life. [16:52] I feel blessed by my supporters near and far. I give gratitude for those who allow me to express myself and give me support. [18:07] Happy Happy Thanksgiving! Take some time to reflect on when you've laughed so hard your abs hurt, attributes you love about yourself, and gratitude for the relationships in your life. Memorable Quotes: “Gratitude shifts everything. The moment we acknowledge what’s already good in our lives, we invite more of that goodness in.” - Mary Tess “We all have qualities worth celebrating. When we recognize what we love about ourselves, we stand a little taller.” - Mary Tess “Giving thanks for the people who support us is a beautiful way to strengthen connections and deepen relationships.” - Mary Tess Links and Resources: | | | /episode/index/show/truestride/id/39186030

EP269: Marathon Lessons to Finish Strong 11/20/2025

EP269: Marathon Lessons to Finish Strong I was really moved recently when a Strider reached out to share that they had just completed the New York City Marathon and were reflecting on what that experience meant for them. They realized after crossing the finish line that they wished they had celebrated more and invited others to cheer them on, because training for something so big ends up being a rite of passage. Their honesty stirred up memories from my own marathon experiences and reminded me just how powerful those transitions are when we separate from who we were and stretch ourselves into something new. It got me thinking about the lessons we learn when we take on something that feels huge, unknown, and uncomfortable, and then come out the other side stronger. Life asks us to pace ourselves, to stay connected to our why, to lean on a support system, and to celebrate each milestone along the way. On today’s Wise Walk let’s explore what our literal or metaphorical marathons can teach us about self belief, resilience, and finishing strong. What lessons can you learn from the idea of running a marathon, even if you never plan to run one? What experience or accomplishment are you in the midst of right now that feels like a marathon? Can you apply the lessons of training, pacing, and consistent effort to help you cross your own finish line feeling strong and proud? What is the marathon you are embracing in your life, and how is it shaping your self belief and confidence? Are you setting yourself up for success by understanding your why, pacing yourself, and honoring rest when you need it? Are you practicing self care in the ways that support your highest and best self? Who is part of your support system, and how can you let them cheer you on through the ups, the downs, and everything in between? You do not need to have a massive goal to honor your own rite of passage. Whatever you are working toward, set the intention and take steady steps forward. With consistent effort you will discover that you are far more capable than you realize, so keep going. We are here to cheer you on and celebrate each milestone. I would love to hear what spoke to you today, so feel free to reach out and share your reflections. Thank you for spending this time with me. Tune in next Thursday for another Wise Walk. In this episode: [05:23] When I took myself on a Wise Walk and reflected on the lessons learned from my marathons, I realized that these lessons apply to so many things in life. [06:17] With consistent effort we're capable of way more than we think. Lessons Learned include setting goals and following a plan. [07:43] I also learned to listen to my body and pace myself to avoid burnout. [09:03] I met a runner who stuck with me, because I was really good at pacing myself. No matter what you're working on, pace yourself and finish strong instead of burning yourself out. [10:05] Self care is not a luxury. [11:03] Focus on what you can control and prepare. [12:46] How can you support your body and your training towards achieving your big goal? [13:09] Also consider what your "why" is. [14:16] "The real purpose of running isn't to win a race. It's to test the limits of the human heart." Bill Bowerman [15:09] My goal was to enjoy the spectators and finish while feeling strong. [16:04] Celebrate your wins with a support system. Lean in and feel their support and presence. [17:50] A story about how I felt seen and heard by my good friend. [20:32] The New York City marathon is a big melting pot with 50,000 runners taking over Manhattan. Memorable Quotes: “Life asks us to keep showing up even when it feels hard, because that is where we discover what we are truly capable of.” - Mary Tess “Pacing yourself is not slowing down. It is choosing strength over burnout so you can finish with pride.” - Mary Tess “You were not meant to walk every mile alone. Let people cheer for you. Let them lift you higher.” - Mary Tess Links and Resources: | | | /episode/index/show/truestride/id/39099815

EP268: How Discernment Helps You Emerge Stronger 11/13/2025

EP268: How Discernment Helps You Emerge Stronger This week, I wanted to dive deeper into something that came up from our last conversation about unburdening ourselves as we head toward the end of the year. One of our Striders reached out and said, “I love that word discernment, but sometimes I struggle with knowing when I’m releasing something for my own good and when I’m just isolating.” That question really resonated with me because I’ve been there too with trying to figure out if I’m stepping back for clarity or pulling away out of self-protection. So in this episode, we’re exploring what it means to practice discernment versus isolation, and how both can show up in our lives. There have been times when I’ve had to hit pause and really tune in to what my own voice was saying. These are moments when I needed quiet to think, to breathe, to just be with myself. There have also been times when pulling back for a bit was the kindest thing I could do. That space wasn’t about pushing people away. It was about giving myself room to reset. When we bring a little more awareness, intention, and compassion to those moments, it changes everything. It helps us reflect instead of react. Since the holidays are coming, with all the emotions they tend to stir up, it feels like the perfect time to notice what we’re running toward and what we might be running from. The pauses we take can either drain us or refuel us, so let’s be mindful of which kind we’re choosing. On today’s Wise Walk we’ll see how discernment can help us reemerge stronger, clearer, and more connected than before. As you reflect on your life, are there times when you know you need to take a step back, step aside, or release something, and you feel that discernment guiding you? Do you recognize moments when you react, withdraw without reflection, or feel too overwhelmed to process what’s happening? How can you hold space for both discernment and isolation and understand when each is serving you? Can you feel good about applying them when necessary, with the hope that both lead to deeper connection? Are you withdrawing without reflection, reacting out of hurt or defensiveness, or intentionally isolating to heal and protect yourself? Can you be aware of what’s motivating your choice and what outcome you truly want? Are you stepping back to foster connection or pushing others away out of fear or exhaustion? Where in your life are you practicing healthy discernment that supports connection? Where might you be isolating without a plan for how to reemerge better? Are you running toward something that aligns with your growth or running away from something that feels hard to face? With that awareness, can you make new choices that bring you the support you need? Can you focus on what you’re running toward and what you’re running away from, and take action that helps you reemerge stronger? Do you sense when it’s time to immerse yourself in community and when it’s time to rest and recharge in solitude, knowing both can help you reemerge stronger? I want to thank the Strider who reached out with that thoughtful question. It reminded me how powerful it is to pause, reflect, and check in with ourselves. The holidays can stir up so much joy, nostalgia, and even heaviness. It’s okay to take a step back when you need to. Until next week, please remember to listen to your heart, honor your energy, and always make space for fun along the way. In this episode: [03:05] I share Google's definition of discernment being the ability to make sound judgments through perception and wisdom. Isolation is the state of being alone or separate from others. [04:04] Sometimes when making a big decision, I would isolate myself from others, so I could reflect on my own voice. [05:26] Language can have different meanings, but when I was judged for isolation I was actually using discernment to look into my heart and find what's best for me. [06:08] The temporary timeout we give ourselves is good, because it allows us to re-emerge better. Discernment can foster connection when we find what's true to ourselves. [07:24] It's important for us to know the difference between isolating and searching for discernment. [08:04] We should also be aware of when our isolation is reactive. [09:22] The other day my aunt's horse, Blue, needed dental work. I had to take a step back because I have some trauma around dental work. [11:20] It's important for us to have discernment to navigate and flow with things that come up in life. [12:59] My goal is to emerge stronger and clearer. [13:32] Holidays can be hard emotionally for many different reasons. [16:03] Thank you to The Strider who asked this question. It was really helpful for me to self reflect on the differences between isolation and discernment. Memorable Quotes: “Discernment is that pause we take to hear our own voice again.” - Mary Tess “Sometimes that step back is the most loving thing you can do for yourself and others.” - Mary Tess “Awareness helps us know whether we’re protecting our peace or avoiding our growth.” - Mary Tess Links and Resources: | | | /episode/index/show/truestride/id/39007585

EP267: Unburden Yourself Before the New Year 11/06/2025

EP267: Unburden Yourself Before the New Year 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: | | | /episode/index/show/truestride/id/38912385

EP266: Rewire Your Nervous System, One Breath at a Time 10/30/2025

EP266: Rewire Your Nervous System, One Breath at a Time 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: | | | /episode/index/show/truestride/id/38813820

EP265: Embrace Your Emotional Complexity 10/23/2025

EP265: Embrace Your Emotional Complexity 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: | | | /episode/index/show/truestride/id/38743720

EP264: Leaving Room for Magic 10/16/2025

EP264: Leaving Room for Magic 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: | | | /episode/index/show/truestride/id/38595090

EP263: Turning Frustration Into Self-Awareness 10/09/2025

EP263: Turning Frustration Into Self-Awareness 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: | | | /episode/index/show/truestride/id/38510970

EP262: Awareness That Leads to Change 10/02/2025

EP262: Awareness That Leads to Change 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: | | | /episode/index/show/truestride/id/38440055

EP261: Compost and the Gifts of Friendship 09/25/2025

EP261: Compost and the Gifts of Friendship 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: | | | /episode/index/show/truestride/id/38348845

EP260: Trusting Yourself to Navigate the Unknown 09/18/2025

EP260: Trusting Yourself to Navigate the Unknown 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: | | | /episode/index/show/truestride/id/38240250

EP259: Where Home Is, On a Heart-Level 09/11/2025

EP259: Where Home Is, On a Heart-Level 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: | | | /episode/index/show/truestride/id/38158180

EP258: Balance After High Intensity Moments 09/04/2025

EP258: Balance After High Intensity Moments 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: | | | /episode/index/show/truestride/id/38076905

EP257: Open Road Gratitude for Life’s Curveballs 08/28/2025

EP257: Open Road Gratitude for Life’s Curveballs I’ve been laughing at how quickly all my best-laid plans just kind of went sideways. I thought I had this trip with my dogs mapped out perfectly with the timing, the route, and the stops. But then, I encountered one little hiccup after another. A tire sensor acting up, late departures, and rolling into towns I didn’t even plan to see. I somehow even ended up in a fancy hotel with two German shepherds in tow. None of it was what I pictured, but it actually turned out better. As frustrating as change can feel in the moment, I’ve found it brings unexpected gifts like extra time with loved ones, new confidence in my dogs (and myself), and the simple joy of realizing we can handle more than we think. That’s what today’s Wise Walk is all about. It’s embracing the open road, giving gratitude for the surprises, and seeing how getting out of our comfort zone deepens our rhythm with ourselves and those we care about. Where in your life are you navigating the metaphorical open road? Is it requiring you to embrace change, embrace possibilities, and get resourceful because the unexpected is happening and you have to navigate that unexpectedness? As you ponder and reflect, are you gaining a deeper understanding of yourself and of others? What lessons are you learning as you navigate your open road, your journey, or how you want to move from point A to point B? Where in your life are you open to your own rhythm and open to the open road? When you get curveballs in life or a delay of game, can you give gratitude for how you embrace the change? Can you give gratitude for the possibilities that surface from that change? Can you see what’s possible out of it and recognize that this was a blessing in disguise, not what you set out to do, not your original plan, but something even better? As you step outside your comfort zone and embrace the change and possibilities in front of you, are you giving gratitude for those unexpected blessings? Are you giving gratitude for how you rise to the level of your own expectations? Are you giving celebration and kudos to those around you who rise to the level of the expectations that you set? Where in your life are you giving gratitude and appreciation for how you are navigating and staying in rhythm and flow as you deepen your own experience? I’d love to hear where in your life you’re giving gratitude and appreciation for how you’re navigating and staying in rhythm and flow. I have so much to give gratitude for including you, this podcast, and our weekly Wise Walks. Thank you for joining me, and I would love to hear what you took away from today's episode. Until next Thursday, keep your Stride On! In this episode: [02:14] My big lesson on this journey was the idea about embracing change and possibilities. I had intentions of leaving on a certain date, but I kept getting thrown curveballs. [03:08] I'm goal-oriented and having my plans changed was frustrating. In reality there was no reason that I couldn't pivot, and I got to spend extra quality time with my family. [04:35] The unexpected extra time that I got in St Augustine was really beautiful for me, my family, and my dogs. [05:45] I ended up stopping in Mobile, Alabama and staying at a very nice downtown hotel. I had some anxiety about the whole thing, but the dogs behaved perfectly. [07:39] I learned to embrace change when I'm in an environment that I didn't anticipate. The outcome was beautiful, and we were in a rhythm together. [08:36] This set us up with the idea of possibilities and being able to handle whatever was before us. [09:59] I also ended up connecting with a friend in Wichita Falls, Texas. It was an unexpected, awesome blessing to meet up with my friend on a road trip. [12:32] I had targeted destinations, but now I've learned it's better to go with the flow. [13:35] Embracing change and trying new things gets us out of our comfort zone. This expanded my understanding of myself and of my dogs and their capabilities. I have to give them more credit. [15:48] How often in our life can we embrace this mentality where we step out of our comfort zone and embrace change and then give gratitude for it? Memorable Quotes: “The best moments aren’t the ones I planned. They’re the ones that showed up when I finally stopped trying to control every detail.” - Mary Tess “I am gaining so much, and the dogs are gaining so much. We are gaining as a family unit by learning the rhythm of the road and learning what we're capable of while inviting transformation and going with the flow.” - Mary Tess “The rhythm of the road is a lot like the rhythm of life. It can be messy and unpredictable, but full of hidden gifts.” - Mary Tess Links and Resources: | | | /episode/index/show/truestride/id/37980120

EP256: A Gap For Self Discovery 08/21/2025

EP256: A Gap For Self Discovery I’ve been thinking a lot about what happens when we actually give ourselves permission to step away from the routines that keep us comfortable. Right now, I’m on the road with my dogs and a van that’s more functional than fancy, and I’m calling this time my adult gap year (or period, lol). I may not have everything figured out, but I’m seeing what comes up when I put myself in new places and give myself space to grow. A “gap” experience is all about having the courage to NOT KNOW what’s next. And for making space for what nourishes you. You know, it's funny what you start to think about when you finally peel yourself away from the day-to-day grind. Mostly, it’s just about giving myself space to breathe and seeing what bubbles up when I’m not constantly busy. I think this is why shaking up routine matters. I’d love for you to join me on this Wise Walk to explore that very feeling. We'll explore the magic that happens when you shake things up, how to tune into those little sparks that give you life, and why it's more than okay to not have the next step all figured out. It seems like the best moments happen when we finally switch off autopilot and just let ourselves be. Outside of becoming homeless, what are the ways you can change things up or bring in some gap year elements so you can immerse yourself in new experiences and perspectives? Where in your life can you shake things up to gain a new experience and increase self-awareness? What’s a routine that has been working for you, but you’re curious if there’s another avenue worth exploring? Are you willing to step outside of that norm or structure you created to gain different perspectives, new real-world experiences, and then decide if you want to continue, enhance, or change before committing to a new path? Are there areas in your life that you cherish but want to approach differently, especially with self-care practices you haven’t been consistent with? How can you set yourself up to release what’s holding you back and take yourself on a new exploration to try things differently? What is it you want to do with your time, what really matters to you, and are you willing to commit to making space for that? Where can you carve out alone time so you can hear your own voice and emotions above everyone else’s? What do you want to do with the information that surfaces when you slow down and listen to yourself? Where in your life can you be open to receiving messages and self-awareness that are already inside of you? How does it feel to imagine yourself excited about what might surface? I’m really excited to pour my energy into the self-care practices and creative outlets that feel aligned right now, and to see what comes to life for me. And I’m so grateful that you’re here, walking this journey with me. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I can’t wait for next Thursday’s Wise Walk. In the meantime, I’d love to hear your thoughts, ideas, or feedback from today’s conversation. Don’t forget to prioritize fun as you read the signs, direct your path, and get your Stride On! In this episode: [03:04] I realized that I had gotten into routines and habits that felt like I was on autopilot. When you're in these routines it's more difficult to gain new perspectives and experiences. [04:09] When things are too consistent, I don't feel like I'm growing and expanding as much as I could. During this gap period I'm disconnecting from what I've known for a long time. [05:29] The beauty of this period of newness is that we don't know what we don't know. [06:39] I'm excited about bringing some of my favorite self-care routines on this trip. [08:56] My van is functional with bins and bags of beautiful self-care items. I got very clear on what I'm going to make space for in the van. [10:48] The biggest thing I'm making space for is my dogs. Nourishment is another big thing. Plus my self care items, and I'm holding space for my creativity. [12:17] Podcast equipment is coming, so you get to hear all about my new adventures. These Wise Walks and you, my listeners, are so important to me! [13:30] I also want to see what surfaces in this gap experience. [15:17] Sometimes we can't hear our own thoughts, if we have too many things and too many well-intentioned people influencing us. [17:24] I'm excited to invest time and energy in the nourishment and the self-care practices that feel aligned for me. And to hold space and invest in my own creativity and those outlets and see what comes to life. Memorable Quotes: “I am someone who appreciates change because it helps me shift out of that autopilot mode and it makes me go on Wise Walks with myself.” - Mary Tess “Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is say, I don’t know what’s next, and be okay with it.” - Mary Tess “When you quiet the outside voices, your own wisdom gets louder.” - Mary Tess Links and Resources: | | | /episode/index/show/truestride/id/37900315

EP255: The Intentional Path to Feelings That Guide You 08/14/2025

EP255: The Intentional Path to Feelings That Guide You Lately, I’ve been asking myself, when I feel something that lights me up, do I actually stop and name it? This week, I’m sharing what happened when I did exactly that. Selling my St. Augustine home opened the door to a season of uncertainty that, surprisingly, feels incredibly freeing. I’m traveling lighter, spending more time with the people and experiences I love, and carrying this sense of safety that comes from showing up as my authentic self and surrounding myself with the right energy. On this Wise Walk, we’ll talk about why naming your feelings matters, how to trace them back to what’s creating them, and how to protect them for as long as they serve you. It’s about being present with the emotions you want to keep and having a plan to bring them back whenever life tries to pull you off course. When you feel your feels, whether they are positive and exciting or heavy and icky, do you take time to name them so you can own and understand them? Can you get curious about that feeling to see where it has shown up in your past, where it is showing up in your present, or how you want to create or avoid it in the future? What is a positive feeling in your heart right now that you want to honor, name, and own? Can you pay attention to all of the things you did or the experiences you had to create this feeling in this moment? How can you make sure you protect that feeling for as long as you can? What are the things that contribute to that feeling? Who are the people that support you in thriving with that feeling? How long do you want to hold on to that feeling? Is it something you want to weave into your life for the rest of your life? What are the ways you can do that? Thank you for letting me feel free and safe with you, Striders. Your support and feedback mean so much. I’ll see you on next Thursday’s Wise Walk. Until then, prioritize fun, read the signs, direct your path, and get your stride on. In this episode: [02:41] I sold my St Augustine home and I'm moving. I'm also not really sure where I'm going next. [03:03] I feel like I closed doors to open new opportunities. I feel extremely free. [04:02] Now I can reconnect with all the things that are meaningful to me like my dogs, relationships, exploration, and adventure. [05:03] I'm going to appreciate this moment of feeling free and all of the things I did to create this moment. [06:05] I had to go through overwhelm, stress, and doubt to get to this moment of freedom. [07:56] Since this feeling of freedom and not owning a home may not be long-term, I am going to enjoy it while it feels aligned for me. [09:07] The other positive feeling I have is a feeling of safety. [10:04] I feel safe when I'm interacting with consistent, reliable humans. [11:20] It's a beautiful exchange when we can be our authentic selves. We can also communicate the boundaries, the support, the energies that we need in order to feel that freedom or safety. [12:01] I'm allowing myself to make mistakes and do the best I can. [13:02] As we drop in our heart and name the feelings, we can create more of it. [14:34] Let me know what you took away from today's episode and the positive feelings that you are holding in your heart. And how are you contributing to them. Memorable Quotes: “When we name our feelings, we give ourselves the power to own them and recreate them.” - Mary Tess “The people who make me feel safe are the ones who show up consistently and without judgment.” - Mary Tess “When we protect the feelings that matter most, they can guide us through anything.” - Mary Tess Links and Resources: | | | /episode/index/show/truestride/id/37816200

EP254: Let the Feelings Flow & Let Go 08/07/2025

EP254: Let the Feelings Flow & Let Go When was the last time you really allowed yourself to feel everything without judgment, distraction, or the pressure to move on to the next thing? In this episode, I open up about the emotional purpose behind my upcoming cross-country road trip. After a whirlwind few years filled with surgery, loss, milestones, and transformation, I realized I hadn’t fully processed so much of what I’d been carrying. This trip is my way of slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and making space to feel all the feelings I’ve had to put on hold. From chance encounters to meditation messages, the universe keeps nudging me toward this deeper intention, and I’m listening. If you’ve been powering through without taking time to truly check in with your heart, this episode invites you to reflect, release, and reconnect with yourself. Let’s explore what it means to feel our feels and move forward from a more grounded and present place in today’s Wise Walk. Are there moments over the past several years where you've been too busy to fully feel your emotions; the good, the challenging and everything in between? Have you ever acknowledged your feelings but skipped the part where you truly unpack, accept, and allow them to move through you? Are you taking time now to honor how far you’ve come and the full range of emotions you’ve experienced along the way? Are messages surfacing in your life through people or patterns that feel like gentle nudges from the universe? What would it look like to carve out time to drop into your heart and feel what those messages mean for you? How can you support yourself emotionally so you can move forward as your highest and best self? If you’re not seeing clear messages, can you get curious about what themes are showing up in your life right now? What do you feel called to notice, feel, or act on from what’s rising up within you? Can you slow down, minimize distractions, and give yourself space to fully feel your feels? As you tune in, can you name what you’re feeling so you can release it, understand it, and move through it with clarity? What might change in your life if you stopped letting your emotions “own you,” and instead you owned them with awareness and compassion? I’d love to hear what feelings are surfacing for you right now. How are you planning to slow down, check your reality, and express those emotions in ways that truly serve you? I’m also looking forward to our chat on next Thursday’s Wise Walk. In this episode: [04:55] I had already been thinking about this intention of the road trip being a healing journey to feel my feels, to get back to writing. [06:12] During this morning's yoga class, the meditation I read from Melody Beattie's Journey to the Heart was all about allowing our feelings to surface. [07:09] People in class needed to hear this message, and it inspired this episode. [08:03] I made a new friend in the line at UPS. His catch phrase was "feel it". [10:51] Talking to my new friend about his future podcast made me think of my own podcast and its origins. I started it five years ago. It's funny how it has evolved. [11:29] The Wise Walk intention is so powerful, because it's all about slowing down, dropping into our heart, and checking our reality. [12:37] On this trip I'm going to have drive time. There will be music, audiobooks, conversations with friends, and quiet time for reflection. I'll be present for the ride. [14:28] Whatever you feel, it is okay. We need to feel our feelings, because they communicate to us. We need to pay attention. Memorable Quotes: “There's just so much richness in how we can move forward if we pay attention to what our heart is saying.” - Mary Tess “This road trip represents an opportunity for me to heal, feel my feels, and then let that creativity flow through my writing, which is really important to me.” - Mary Tess “Part of what I need to do is allow whatever feelings to come up and to honor them, to accept them, and to name them.” - Mary Tess Links and Resources: | | | /episode/index/show/truestride/id/37710970

EP253: The Reset Ritual After Big Life Changes 07/31/2025

EP253: The Reset Ritual After Big Life Changes Transitions can hit harder than expected. You get through the big push whether it’s a move, a deadline, or some intense life shift and then suddenly it all catches up with you. The to-do list might be done, but your body and brain haven’t caught up. That space between pushing hard and moving forward again? That’s where the real reset needs to happen. In this Wise Walk, we’re talking about what it looks like to come down from that kind of high gear. It’s not always graceful. Sometimes you're overtired, undernourished, and just plain spent. But there’s a lot of value in recognizing that and giving yourself space to pause. This episode is about acknowledging the effort it took to get here, noticing what needs rebalancing, and slowly stepping back into a rhythm that feels sustainable. Because rest isn’t a luxury, it's part of the process. When was the last time you felt burnt out, totally drained, or came off a big life change, crisis, or intense mission that left you with nothing left to give? When you're on the backside of that finish line, how do you acknowledge what you just accomplished and give yourself space to recover, heal, and reset? What are the ways you acknowledge the effort you just put in when you’ve gone all in on something that mattered deeply to you? Do you take time to celebrate how far you’ve come, even if the journey wasn’t perfect or the final stretch got a little messy? Are you allowing yourself a transition period to reflect, recover, and reset before diving into the next big thing? As you look ahead, how do you feel about this next chapter or current transition? What are some ways you can create focus or intention so you feel better as you move forward? Are you allowing everyone to reset and regroup during this transition time? As you take on big projects or navigate major life changes, I invite you to be patient with yourself. Give yourself plenty of grace, and extend that same grace to those supporting you. We’re all doing the best we can, especially in times of transition. I’ll talk to you next Thursday, so be sure to tune in! In this episode: [04:51] One of the patterns I've noticed with myself is when I'm on a mission to get something done, I get an adrenaline high. [05:35] I try to acknowledge this, because I also know I have a hard time downshifting. [06:02] There's a period of transition for me from go-go to absolute recovery mode. [07:38] I'm glad I took time to acknowledge what I had accomplished and have a celebratory evening. I also knew that I was too tired to do anything else. [08:46] Acknowledging how far you've come and what you've accomplished is huge. [09:07] It's also important to acknowledge what you want to reset on. [10:32] There's a transition period of acknowledging the effort put in and then getting back into a routine that sets myself up for success. [11:53] I'm going to rebalance by prioritizing sleep, nourishment, hydration, and saying no. [12:57] I'm also going to try to re-establish my routine with my family and my two German Shepherds. [13:52] We are cocooning and getting back to basics. [15:19] As you work through whatever you've accomplished, take the time to notice what the family is doing and going through. Allow time for everyone to reset and rebalance. [16:12] The hard thing about this move is that I'm imagining more than one location and also unknown locations. [17:49] Sometimes we have plans with the best of intentions and they don't always work out the way we intended. That's okay as long as we acknowledge and accept that. [18:16] Another strategy I use is finding one thing that I can do today that will make me feel 1% better. Playing frisbee with the dogs will help me feel 1% better. [20:23] I invite you to be patient and give yourself grace when you take on big projects. Memorable Quotes: “When you're on a mission, you burn the midnight candle, and at some point, you have to stop and rest, or you're not going to be at your best.” - Mary Tess “There’s a period of transition between go mode and recovery. I can’t just flip a switch. I have to ease my way back.” - Mary Tess “Rest isn’t just about me resetting. It’s about the whole household finding its rhythm again.” - Mary Tess Links and Resources: | | | /episode/index/show/truestride/id/37621405

EP252: Creativity as a Grounding Tool 07/24/2025

EP252: Creativity as a Grounding Tool I'm in the final days before closing on my St. Augustine home, and I forgot how truly exhausting and emotional moving can be. Amid all the boxes and decisions, I found unexpected peace through a creative project of building custom crates to protect my framed pictures. What started as a money-saving task turned into a grounding experience that reminded me how much joy and calm I find in working with my hands and being present in the moment. In this Wise Walk, we explore how creativity can serve as a powerful grounding tool when life feels overwhelming. Whether it's building, painting, playing music, or teaching yoga, I share how creative outlets help me stay connected to myself and centered in my environment. I invite you to reflect on what activities bring you back to yourself and offer space to breathe a little deeper. ● What tools do you fall back on to stay grounded, present, and refueled when life feels overwhelming? ● Are you aware of the moments when you need to lean into those tools to retreat from chaos and reconnect within? ● What activities help you feel grounded, present, and connected to your body, mind, heart, and senses? ● How do those activities help you slow down and let the non-creative parts of your brain turn off? ● What experiences in your life help you switch modes, breathe deeper, and feel more centered and satisfied through your senses? I invite you to explore the creative outlets that are calling to you. Use them to ground yourself, especially when life feels chaotic. And if you’re inspired, I’d love to hear what’s working for you, so feel free to share and send ideas my way. I’ll see you next Thursday for another Wise Walk. In this episode: [03:27] To save money, I decided to build a crate system to keep my pictures safe while moving. [04:18] I really got into the project, and realized I really enjoyed working with wood. This gave me peace of mind and will make moving the pictures really easy. [05:20] My supportive sister agreed to help me. She also got a rush of satisfaction from completing the project. [06:33] The project and the construction made me calm and helped me be present. You can't work with power tools and not be present. [07:13] Creativity and creative outlets is one of my grounding tools. [09:03] There are many psychologists and scientists that talk about the power of using creativity as a grounding tool. It promotes relaxation, triggers endorphins, and helps us be present. [10:53] Rock climbing is another activity that helps me shut off parts of my brain. I need to be present for the next hold that I can grab safely. [11:30] Make a list of the things that are in your toolkit that will help you express yourself creatively. [12:01] Grounding is a way to center yourself on the most basic function. It's being present with what you're doing. [13:28] Creativity and mindful movement allows us to use specific parts of our brain. [14:03] Another way I'm grounding is by teaching yoga. When I'm teaching yoga, it feels like I'm fully present and grounded. [15:37] I just wanted to share how impactful these creative tools have been for me during this crunch time. Memorable Quotes: “Grounding is really just about tuning out the noise and tuning in to the here and now.” - Mary Tess “There’s something so satisfying about creating with your hands, moment by moment, and then stepping back to see what you’ve built.” - Mary Tess “One of the grounding tools that becomes really important for me when I'm under stress or overwhelm or exhaustion is using my creativity.” - Mary Tess Links and Resources: | | | /episode/index/show/truestride/id/37528455

EP251: Energy By the Minute 07/17/2025

EP251: Energy By the Minute As I get ready to move out of my St. Augustine home, I’ve been thinking a lot about the value of our time and energy. I’ve been preparing for this transition by hiring movers, boxing things up, and letting go of what no longer serves me. This has given me a chance to notice where I’m spending my energy and whether it aligns with what matters most. Even a simple conversation with a mover helped reframe things for me. When he broke down the cost of their services by the minute, it really hit home how every minute counts. Not just in dollars, but in how we feel, what we carry, and what we choose to release. In this week’s Wise Walk, we slow down and get real about the minute-to-minute choices we make. From relationships to routines to random clutter, everything we touch, physically or emotionally, takes a piece of our energy. Whether it’s a short but soul-filling trip to Tahoe or skipping a big party in favor of deeper connection, I’m leaning into decisions that feel true for me in this season. How often do you evaluate how you're investing your time, energy, resources, and money by the minute? When you consider that investment, does it feel worthwhile and aligned with what you value? Is your energy investment fueling you, or giving you a sense of safety, security, or peace of mind? How does your investment by the minute make you feel? What do you want to own by the minute, and what do you want to delegate to others? Looking at your life right now, how can you protect your energy by the minute? What are the things you need to say no to in this season of life? Are there experiences you want to engage in differently to honor your current energy? How can you create space for more quality connections instead of quantity? How can you hold space for your energy and your minute-by-minute investments? Thanks for spending this time with me. I hope this episode got you thinking about where your energy goes and how to make each minute count. I always love hearing your thoughts, so reach out and let me know how you're protecting your energy these days. Until next time, keep prioritizing fun as you read the signs and get your stride on. In this episode: [04:03] I moved multiple times in my life. I got used to hiring movers when I lived in Manhattan. [05:43] I love the fact that I can hire help for this move, and I know what I want them to do and what I can do. [06:34] I love this idea of what is our investment energy-wise or resource-wise, time-wise, by the minute? [07:06] I'm getting ready to go on a trip to Tahoe to see my good friends. I know this will replenish me, and it's an investment in our relationship. [08:50] We need to figure out what the "energy by the minute" is that makes sense for us. [10:47] It's important for me to have quality connections. [13:18] You can also look at this as an investment in things. These things occupy precious space in my life so I'm letting a lot of them go. [14:10] How many times do we touch something in our life where it was worth our "energy by the minute"? Memorable Quotes: “Sometimes, the investment itself is the education. You don’t know what’s worth your energy until you’ve experienced it.” - Mary Tess “Every object we hold onto takes up space either physically or emotionally. If it doesn’t serve you, why keep touching it?” - Mary Tess “You have to figure out what is the ‘energy by the minute' that makes sense for you. What feels aligned in your heart, in your body, in your mind, and in your soul?” - Mary Tess “Moving is so stressful and so I rely on professionals to help me manage the things in my home that I want to preserve.” Mary Tess Links and Resources: | | | /episode/index/show/truestride/id/37438810

EP250: Saying Goodbye to Welcome What’s New 07/10/2025

EP250: Saying Goodbye to Welcome What’s New As I mentioned in the last episode, I got an offer on my St. Augustine home. After completing the inspection process, we’ve come to an agreement, and I’ll be closing down the house at the end of July. While this move feels exciting, especially since I’m not exactly sure what’s next, the unknown can feel overwhelming too. This got me thinking about what it means to close a door in our life, especially when that door has brought so much joy, healing, and comfort. Over the years, I’ve had to let go of things I loved, and it wasn’t always easy. Sometimes the things that once energized us start to feel misaligned, and even though we hesitate, we know in our hearts it’s time to move on. As I pack up this home that’s been such a sacred space, I’m reminded that clarity and new opportunity can surface when we stop lingering in what was and begin focusing on what’s possible now. So on today’s Wise Walk, I thought we would slow down, check our reality, and explore the doors in our life that we are ready to close, whether they are emotional, mental, physical, or spiritual. Are there doors in your life you're ready to release so you can gain clarity and be fully present in what's possible now? Have you recently closed a door but still feel emotionally tied to it, and what would it take to truly move forward? Are you holding on to a joyful chapter that no longer serves you, and is it time to make peace and let it go? Can you let go emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually so new opportunities have space to appear? Which open doors in your life are draining your energy or focus, and are you ready to close them, for now? Can you identify which doors support your alignment and which are distracting you from your best stride? Thank you so much for your support and for sharing your own journey of growth and change. Every time you reach out, you open doors for connection, reflection, and expansion. I’d love to hear what resonated with you from today’s episode, and I hope you’ll join me for next Thursday’s Wise Walk. In this episode: [02:19] "When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us." - Helen Keller [03:17] Sometimes we can't be fully present with what's ahead, because we're still looking back. [04:16] Letting go and transitioning from running to hiking and walking. [06:00] I love the beautiful nature and scenery when I'm walking and hiking. [08:00] My biggest takeaways are when one door closes, another one opens. It is this idea of using energy to focus on the present. [09:44] I feel like this change I've been called to is about closing this door, so that a new door can open for me. [10:06] I can easily get swept up with other people's needs. This may be distracting me from seeing where I need to be going. [12:22] I have a friend who feels called to close some doors on some long-term relationships. The energies of the relationship dynamics are taking away what's possible for her. [14:00] I'm an individual who embraces change. It somehow gives me an adrenaline rush. I seek out change after a certain period of time. [17:23] Big takeaway for me is that I need to embrace change and have to let go of the past. I need to thank the past, so I can discover new opportunities. Also I can release some of the distractions and noise that have been swirling around with this big life change. [18:27] Any door we close is forward movement, and I'm excited to be moving forward. Memorable Quotes: “You want the doors that are open to you to be close and to be fulfilling and to really just help you move forward in that special and meaningful and aligned way.” - Mary Tess “Even when you can’t see what’s next, honoring your intuition and releasing distractions can bring the clarity you need.” - Mary Tess “What is meant for you will find you. It will not pass you by if you are open to it.” - Mary Tess Links and Resources: | | | /episode/index/show/truestride/id/37357040

EP249: Mid Year Check-In 07/03/2025

EP249: Mid Year Check-In As I was reflecting on today's Wise Walk, I realized we are halfway through the year. 2025 has been flying by, so I thought a mid-year check-in would make a great episode. Today,we'll do that check-in, and I'll share some of the things I'm most proud of, like sharing my Heart Value through speaking gigs, coaching others, and deepening my skills through Shamanic Reiki and a drum-making apprenticeship. I'll also touch on the joy of traveling and the emotional journey of losing my Aunt Mary. I'm so appreciative of my journey and lessons learned along the way. Now let's slow down and check our reality and ask ourselves these questions. What memories, experiences, or thoughts stand out as you reflect on the past six months? What have you done that truly surprised you? What is something you said yes to that you're now really grateful for? What distractions came up that pulled you away from something you were hoping to experience? With hindsight, did any of those detours bless you in unexpected ways or help you grow? Where have you taken time to go inward, retreat, nurture yourself, or celebrate your journey? What went well in the first half of the year? What do you want to stop doing moving forward? What can you tweak or modify to better align with your future self? What are you ready to release because it no longer serves where you're headed? What version of yourself are you working toward, and what next step will move you closer to that vision? Are there areas in your life where your word of the year is clearly supporting you? How does it feel when you’re in flow and inviting things in, versus trying to force outcomes? Where might you be pushing too hard, and can you consider shifting your energy to something that feels more aligned? Where can you invest in yourself today that your future self will thank you for? I would love to hear what you took away from today's episode. Please feel free to reach out and share. I'd love specifically to hear how your word for the year is supporting you, or if you had to change it, because something else came up that feels more aligned. Mid-year check-ins are just your time to reflect, to review, to change, to cherish, to appreciate, and to adapt. Because, this is your time! In this episode: [03:14] Wins I'm proud of are my meaningful speaking gig and connections I made with others and helping them find alignment through coaching. [03:59] I'm also proud of the apprenticeships and certifications I'm taking to expand my skill set. [04:58] I've also invested time into learning how to make drums. Check this out. [06:14] I love to teach. [07:02] I've also taken time to travel and go on some amazing retreats. [07:25] My family also moved through heavy times, like when my Aunt Mary passed away. [10:37] I see my future self teaching workshops. [12:14] Are there uncomfortable or hard things in your life that are just a moment in time as you move towards bigger and better things? [13:04] I really want to be moving forward in alignment and co-creating with the Universe. Sometimes it's also about timing. [15:17] How divine timing was more in alignment for me the second time I tried to sell my house. [16:13] Sometimes there are factors at play that are beyond our awareness. [19:14] I can't believe what a crazy six months it has been. I'm looking forward to the next 6 months with you in this podcast. Memorable Quotes: “I’m learning to notice the difference between forcing and co-creating, and that awareness changes everything.” - Mary Tess “Your present self and your future self are worth the investment. Even the uncomfortable steps are part of the bigger picture.” - Mary Tess “Divine timing is real. When something doesn’t feel aligned, maybe it’s just not the right time, and that’s not failure, that’s wisdom.” - Mary Tess Links and Resources: | | | /episode/index/show/truestride/id/37267730

EP248: Your Inner Retreat 06/26/2025

EP248: Your Inner Retreat Have you ever felt like your whole being was craving stillness, but life just kept charging ahead? That’s exactly where I’m at right now. I am so excited because it’s the night before I get to go on vacation and not just any trip. I’ve secured a whole week off where I’m going inward to retreat. No plans, no agendas, no schedules. I may sleep in. I don’t know what I’m going to do, and honestly, that’s the whole point. This retreat is all about giving myself space to go with the flow. I’m bringing along a few intentional self-care rituals that nourish me mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, and creatively, but beyond that, I’m releasing expectations. I just feel very called to embrace my own experience and be fully present with myself. After a long stretch of pushing through deadlines and showing up for others, it feels really good to show up for me. So in today’s Wise Walk, we’re slowing down together. We’re going to check our reality and ask ourselves these questions. Are you willing to commit to retreating, even if you don’t leave your home? What helps you recharge, restore balance, and reconnect with yourself? How can you reignite the parts of you that feel dimmed or suppressed? What will you commit to now to prevent burnout later? What absolutely must get done right now, and what can wait? Where can you give yourself breathing room to approach tasks with more energy? How can you structure your days to match what you realistically have energy for? What can you postpone guilt-free, knowing it’s still on your list but not urgent? How can you set yourself up for success by prioritizing balance over busyness? Where can you celebrate yourself for choosing harmony and self-care alongside productivity? I can’t wait to hear how you’re creating space to retreat and realign in your own way. Until next time, keep prioritizing fun as you read the signs, direct your path, and get your stride on. In this episode: [03:04] My sister and I booked a trip to Nantucket to go on a retreat. I love the coastal sea immersion and the charm of the town. [04:47] We've had a lot going on and questioned whether this was the right time. [05:08] A good thing about booking in advance is that there is a financial loss if you cancel. I also really need this trip on an energetic and emotional level. [06:18] We should be able to take a week off and retreat without feeling stress. [08:05] When it comes to deadlines, I'll do whatever I need to do to hit it. Having the retreat scheduled, helps me focus on what I need to accomplish even if I have to do a little extra before leaving. [09:40] I also had to make strategic decisions to put some things on the back burner. [12:16] Another great thing about scheduling a retreat in your life is you get to design it however you see fit. [13:08] I also want to wear an eye mask and earplugs and sleep in and tune out. [14:11] I look forward to sharing whatever awakenings and impressions come out of this retreat. I'd also like to hear what you have planned. Memorable Quotes: “I just feel very called to embrace my own experience and be very, very present with myself.” - Mary Tess “We all benefit from retreating from the norm. It helps us open our eyes, gain a different perspective, and connect with our bodies without expectations.” - Mary Tess “You are the only one that knows what is best for you.” - Mary Tess Links and Resources: | | | /episode/index/show/truestride/id/37138705

EP247: Grief Beyond Death 06/19/2025

EP247: Grief Beyond Death Sometimes it hits us out of nowhere. That heaviness in the chest. The ache behind the smile. We usually reserve the word “grief” for death, but what about all the other losses we quietly carry? In this episode, I share personal reflections on how grief can show up in transitions that have nothing to do with someone passing. From divorces, moves, and job changes to letting go of dreams that didn’t come true, grief is often hiding in plain sight. I open up about what it felt like to mourn the life I thought I’d have and how that process shaped the person I am today. On this Wise Walk, we slow down to check our reality and honor the losses that don’t always get acknowledged. Whether you're holding space for yourself or someone you love, I hope this conversation reminds you that your feelings are valid, your identity is evolving, and you're not alone. Where in your life are you holding space for a dream or hope that hasn’t turned out the way you envisioned? Are you allowing yourself to mourn what didn’t come into your life so you can feel your emotions and move forward? Are you holding space for grief as you navigate life’s transitions and emotional shifts? Are you or someone you love grieving something right now, even if life looks steady on the surface? Are you watching someone struggle and you feel grief of not being able to step in or fix it? Are you in a relationship shift where the identity of who you were as a couple no longer exists? Are you trying to redefine what life looks like—either together or apart—while honoring what you both gave? Are you grieving a loss caused by tragedy, natural disaster, or the collective anxiety of today’s world? Are you allowing yourself to grieve and release emotions in the way they naturally arise for you? Do you need to cry, talk, dance, listen to music, or connect with someone to let it out? Are you recognizing that even joyous moments, like watching a child grow up, can carry grief? Where are you feeling uncertain about your identity or where you're headed next? Can you acknowledge that your past identities are still part of you, even as you evolve? Can you hold space for your own growth and also for the transformation of those you love? Are you keeping your connections alive through memories and stories that still bring meaning? I can feel a new chapter unfolding, even if I don’t know exactly what it looks like yet. What brings me peace is knowing that I’m grounded in every version of who I’ve been. I hope you take time to honor your own evolution and hold space for all the parts of you that helped you get here. Until next time, keep reading the signs, directing your path, and getting your stride on. In this episode: [03:29] There are so many emotionally heavy things going on in this world. You would be perfectly okay to hold space for mourning or grief. [04:07] Big transitions create a death of identity, of who we once were or hope to be. [05:40] How my divorce was a big transition and change of my hopes and dreams. I had to reinvent myself. [10:37] A dear friend of mine just lost her father. I asked about her memories of him and she shared two very powerful stories. [12:36] Oftentimes when we're mourning, we shy away from talking about memories that can bring up pain or sadness. [13:18] Tapping into those memories keeps the connection alive. [15:12] I'm grateful to recall elements of my past identity so that I don't forget them. [17:27] I feel a major life change coming towards me. I'm also holding space and having gratitude for the mini life changes that have made me who I am. Memorable Quotes: “So often in life, we only view death as the impetus for true grief, but there are so many other moments we deserve to grieve.” - Mary Tess “Every experience changes us. If we hold space for it and honor it, we grow with each evolution of ourselves.” - Mary Tess “You're not losing those identities. You're just continuing to evolve.” - Mary Tess Links and Resources: | | | /episode/index/show/truestride/id/37067325

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