Mary Tess Rooney, Author at Mary Tess Rooney

EP226: Manifest Your Feels

In our last episode, we explored faith in action, and how powerful faith-based practices help guide our lives. Afterward, a Strider reached out with reflections on communicating through prayer, sparking a deeper dive into the connections and distinctions between prayer, meditation, and manifestation. Another listener then asked if we could unpack manifestation even more. They had dreams for 2025 and wanted to learn how to incorporate manifestation into their daily life.

That’s what I love about this True Stride community. Each week, as we go on this journey together, you help me drop into my heart, ground myself, and re-center on what’s happening and what matters. These Wise Walks are about checking our reality, noticing what works, releasing what no longer aligns, and intentionally attracting what we want to create. For today’s Wise Walk, I thought we could slow down, check our reality, and focus on what we want to manifest in our life as a way to be intentional about moving forward.

- What are your goals for 2025?
- What goals are tugging at your heartstrings?
- If money and limitations were not factors, what would you seek?
- What do you truly desire?
- What do you dream of calling forward into your life this year?
- What would make a big difference for you in 2025?
- What choices and actions can you take to help manifest your goal?
- What path can you create to bring your vision to life?
- Who can help you along the way?
- How can you send a clear message to the universe that you are serious about your goal?
- What are the statements for your buckets of goals?
- How can you feel the “feels” and write your statements in an “I am,” it’s already happening mindset?
- How can you envision your goals coming to life?
- What choices and actions will you take to back up your vision?

I’d love to hear your takeaways from today’s episode, so feel free to reach out and share.

If you have suggestions for next week’s podcast, keep them coming. I love connecting with you and hearing your thoughts.

Thank you for being part of this amazing Striders Community and for helping us grow and evolve together.

In this episode:

[04:11] The number one thing that I’m drawn to this year is the idea of freedom. I spent 2024 trying to purge distractions and things weighing me down whether they be physical, emotional, spiritual, or energetic.

[05:40] “I am light, high energy, and grounded thanks to my simple and clutter-free life.”

[06:36] What is a statement that you can create to get 1% closer or 1% more aligned every single day?

[07:17] The part of manifestation that I love is that once you sit down and write your statements, that feel aligned, you move into your heart.

[08:31] I love how the universe is supporting me and selling my van. This will make my life more fluid and frictionless.

[09:20] We want to create the mindset that things are getting better and better.

[10:37] Another manifestation goal I have is related to my health.

[11:32] “My teeth are beautiful, strong and healthy. I only visit dentists for cleanings every six months.”

[13:07] I love the balance of being intentional and backing it up with other actions.

[14:02] I’ve written out 19 manifestation statements, and one of them is about this podcast and my relationship to you listeners.

Memorable Quotes:

“If we got 1% more aligned every single day, then by the end of the year, we are 365 days closer to our goal.” – Mary Tess
“The more we can envision it, the more we feel it, and the more the universe responds to that.” – Mary Tess
“I love that balance of how we can be intentional and then also back it up with choices and actions.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP225: Faith in Action

In our last episode, we explored the profound connection found through prayer and how a simple daily habit between me and my mom turned into a practice of faith and intention. This week, thanks to feedback from a Strider, we’re going deeper into faith-based practices.

Have you ever wondered about the differences—and the similarities—between prayer, meditation and manifestation? In this episode I’ll break down these three concepts and how each one connects us to ourselves, our intentions and something bigger. Get ready to reflect, realign and discover new ways to bring these practices into your daily life as we go on this Wise Walk together.

- What is your understanding of prayer, meditation, and manifestation?
- How do you incorporate these faith-based techniques into your daily life?
- When do you feel called or drawn to manifest?
- When do you feel called or drawn to meditate?
- What experiences or reasons have led you to seek prayer or offer intentions for someone you love?
- What are examples in your life where you practice faith in action?
- How do you incorporate faith in action techniques to feel grounded, supported, and present in your life?
- What does faith mean to you?
- Who or what do you have complete trust in, allowing you to surrender and release expectations?
- How do you incorporate meditation, prayer, or manifestation into your life?
- What is one faith-based practice you want to incorporate right now?
- What is one prayer you can say for yourself to ask for support and be open to receiving it?
- Where in your day can you incorporate meditation, whether it’s walking, silent, or guided, to find inner calm and peace?
- What is one manifestation statement you will create, say, and write to envision it as already present in your life?
- How can you incorporate that manifestation statement into your daily practice to remind yourself that everything you need is already within you?

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts and takeaways from today’s episode. Feel free to reach out with your comments and questions—I truly appreciate being part of a community that’s open to growth and reflection through these Wise Walks.

I’m looking forward to our conversation next Thursday, so be sure to tune in. Until then, be sure to prioritize fun, as you read the signs, direct your path, and get your stride strong. See you soon!

In this episode:

[04:06] I love how this question got me thinking about how I apply (or can apply) meditation, manifestation, and prayer into my life.

[05:23] With prayer we’re looking to a higher power. In meditation, we have complete trust in ourselves.

[06:25] Manifestation directs faith internally, because it’s our action for framing positive thoughts and intention in a way to attract that thing we are seeking.

[07:09] All three of these practices involve faith.

[10:06] When I incorporate these things into my life some of them are proactive and some are reactive.

[11:11] I can use prayer in a variety of forms, even when I’m teaching yoga.

[12:01] Meditation is very grounding for me. I direct my faith inward and create stillness in the moment.

[12:45] I incorporate manifestation when I feel my heartstrings getting pulled in a direction, and there’s something specific I’m working on or working towards.

Memorable Quotes:

“The definition of faith for me is complete trust in someone or something.” – Mary Tess
“When we look at prayer, typically we have faith in a higher power or in a universal energy or spirit.” – Mary Tess
“In meditation, we have complete trust in ourselves. We are leading ourselves on an experience to be present, to seek inner peace, to go within and experience stillness, go within and experience deep relaxation to quiet our mind.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP224: Communicating with Prayer

I’ve been thinking about prayer, what prayer means to some of us who practice it. Prayer in its simplest form is a conduit, a way to communicate, to reach out for guidance, support or forgiveness. Whether we’re seeking comfort for ourselves or someone we love, prayer opens the door to connection and vulnerability.

On this Wise Walk let’s slow down and look at how prayer, whether rooted in faith, intention or personal reflection, can help us release, clarify and tap into our purpose. We’ll look at how asking for help and being open to receive can change not only how we feel but how we show up in the world. Join me as we embrace prayer as a tool for love, healing and connection.

- What is something weighing on you that feels heavy or emotionally charged?
- What is one thing you can ask for to help lift that weight and feel open to receiving support?
- If you’re feeling energized and in a good place, is there someone in your life who is struggling and could use help?
- What is something you can ask on their behalf to help them receive support or guidance?
- Are you open to asking for support, encouragement, or guidance to help you feel more connected to your purpose and what’s calling you?
- Can you embrace the possibility of hope by being open to asking for what you need?
- Are you open to receiving, even if it’s not exactly what you envision, but possibly something better?
- Can you remain open to what comes your way, knowing it aligns with what you are seeking and need?
- Do you recognize that by benefiting yourself, you also create benefits for others, as we all rise together?
- Can you be open to both asking and receiving?
- Was there a line in my and mom’s created prayer that resonated with you and inspires you to personalize it?
- What intention can you create today to begin your own communication with the universe?
- What can you ask for to align yourself with the right path and desired outcome?
- How can you remain open to receiving guidance and direction toward your purposeful life?
- What is the next step that will bring you closer to living with intention and purpose?

As we wrap up, I’m sending good vibes, prayers, and positive energy your way as you continue to evolve on your beautiful path. I hope you’ll join me for next Thursday’s Wise Walk. If something in today’s episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you—leave a review or send me a note. Until then, keep moving forward with intention, and I’ll see you on the next Wise Walk!

In this episode:

[02:56] I talk about how my mother and I would pray every morning.

[04:06] Faith is powerful because you don’t feel alone.

[06:13] Making up our own prayers is a powerful way to communicate with our life force and energy.

[07:44] Prayer is a powerful conduit of communication.

[10:30] Praying with someone or a community creates a bond.

[12:12] Prayer also keeps us humble.

[13:11] It also offers comfort and supports our emotional needs.

[15:15] Help for being purposeful and living your best life.

[16:53] A friend of mine who is a beautiful singer and songwriter is going to help me put my prayer into song.

[17:17] There’s a theme of asking for protection, guidance, healing, and more.

[18:41] Create your own prayers and way of communicating with the universe. I share our prayer created by mom and me.

Memorable Quotes:

“Releasing what we were holding onto so tightly allows us to invite in support and guidance to get closer to what we feel called to.” – Mary Tess
“Put your intentions out there and call upon your holy family, your angels, your ancestors for direction.” – Mary Tess
“Whatever it is that we are seeking, ultimately, prayer is that conduit or that vessel to open ourselves up to ask for help and then also open ourselves up to receive.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP223: Grief and Love

Striders, today’s Wise Walk is a bit more mellow as I’m still dealing with some lingering upper respiratory inflammation from the holiday chaos and unexpected challenges like the environmental effects of a new roof. As I’ve been slowing down, resting and prioritizing self-care, life has brought me face to face with another kind of weight: grief.

From the loss felt by loved ones who have lost those they love to the changes brought by divorce, aging and changes in our abilities, these moments remind us how deeply love and loss are connected. On this Wise Walk, let’s pause to explore the connection between love and grief and how acknowledging this duality can bring us closer to healing and understanding. Join me as we take a moment to reflect, recharge and honor these feelings together.

- What emotions are surfacing for you as the holidays bring comparisons to past celebrations or moments of loss?
- Where in your life are you noticing elements of grief, pain, or loss?
- Do you want to use this Wise Walk to draw awareness to your grief and explore ways to heal or reframe it?
- How can you hold grief as a sacred acknowledgment of the love you once felt and cherished?
- Instead of suppressing pain or sadness, can you acknowledge grief in a healthy way that brings peace?
- How might you choose to understand grief differently or allow it to support your growth?
- How do you want to spend time acknowledging the grief and love present in your life?
- What supports you when you experience loss, pain, or grief?
- What helps you connect with those emotions in a space of love and acknowledgment?
- How do you create sacred space to feel your emotions without judgment?
- How do you help those around you manage their emotions with curiosity and appreciation?
- How can we foster understanding and acceptance so others don’t feel judged or rushed?
- How can we grow stronger together through love and shared support?

As we wrap up today’s episode, my hope for you is that you’re surrounded by big, powerful, loving emotions. May any grief you’ve experienced feel distant or serve as a gentle reminder of the strength and impact of the love you’ve given and received.

I’d love to hear your takeaways from today’s Wise Walk and how you create space for both love and grief in your life. As always, I’m looking forward to our next journey together. A new year is just around the corner, and I’m excited about what we can co-create in the days ahead.

In this episode:

[07:08] I love it when you’re in the mindset of trying to understand and experience what you’re feeling. I’ve been trying to understand grief and loss and how hard it is to know what to say.

[08:02] Joe Van Niekerk posted about how grief isn’t something you get over or move on with. Pain isn’t weakness. Heartache doesn’t mean we’re broken.

[10:10] I’ve been encouraging myself to feel loss in a way that encourages the love that I have.

[11:01] Is there a way to surrender the judgment, shame, and negative mindset around grief and loss?

[12:41] Can you be a supportive presence for someone you know who’s experiencing grief for loss?

[13:59] I was shocked and saddened by some of the losses my circle of loved ones have experienced.

[15:50] It’s a delicate balance to feel what we feel and not fall apart while possibly reframing our grief.

[17:45] My big takeaway from our Wise Walk today is just this idea of love is ever-evolving, as is grief. And holding sacred space, we can grow stronger and evolve in ways that are just more aligned for us and for all of those around us.

Memorable Quotes:

“I love this idea of not looking at grief or pain or suffering or heartache in this negative context, but kind of reframing it to say that we are experiencing those things because we loved so much.” – Mary Tess
“I wouldn’t be sad from the emotions if I wasn’t so invested in the love that I shared.” – Mary Tess
“The contrast we experience is also a great reminder to cherish those moments, to cherish those humans that have touched us. ” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP222: Time to Rest

It’s been a crazy holiday season, and this year has been no exception for me. I just got back from New York and it was a whirlwind of catching up with people I hadn’t seen in ages. I stayed up late, got up early and packed as much in as I could. It was so much fun but now I’m paying the price.

So if you’re wondering what’s up with my voice I have a cold and my body is telling me to slow down. So on today’s Wise Walk I want to focus on the importance of rest, taking time to recharge and creating space to recover when life gets too crazy. Let’s take a moment to pause and reflect.

- Are you in need of rest?
- Do you feel like the holidays and the end of the year have made you busier than usual?
- Do you need to incorporate more downtime?
- Could you benefit from some peaceful relaxation?
- Do you need to create space to take a break, recover, and refresh yourself mentally, emotionally, or physically?
- What does rest look like for you?
- How do you hold space and recover if you’ve been doing too much for too long?
- What are the ways you can incorporate a moment, a day, or even a week of rest?
- What does the word “rest” mean to you?
- Does rest mean taking a nap?
- Does it mean listening to music, going for a walk, or being in nature?
- Does it mean reading a book, getting a massage, or completely disconnecting from screens?
- Could it involve stepping away from email or your computer?
- Does it mean incorporating something restorative and unique to you, like pottery or something artistic?
- What practices can you add to your life to recharge and feel truly rested?

Thank you for joining me today. I’m taking a moment to recharge, and I hope you’ll do the same. During this busy holiday season, think about how you can be present for yourself and give back to yourself in ways that feel aligned.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on today’s episode, so feel free to reach out. I’ll be back next Thursday for another wise walk, hopefully feeling and sounding better. Until then, prioritize fun, enjoy the holiday season, and remember to read the signs, direct your path, and get your stride on.

In this episode:

[03:38] The word rest has multiple meanings. In music, it’s a rest bar. Even in music they incorporate rest.

[04:07] Sometimes we overlook rest and the importance of slowing ourselves down.

[05:02] One of the ways I like to enter a rest period is through meditation. My meditation routine really set me up for success.

[07:03] Meditation grounds and centers me and helps me to not stress.

[08:11] None of us are meant to do constant repetitive things day after day without resting.

[09:19] Sundays are a day of rest and reflection for people who are religious. You don’t have to be religious in order to incorporate a day of rest.

[11:02] Another way I incorporate rest in my life physically is fasting. It’s a rest period for the digestive system.

[12:20] Where do you feel over exertion? Can you dial it back or step away?

[14:08] Can we do our relationship a service and take a beat or go inward?

[15:19] Resting is a unique individual experience for all of us.

Memorable Quotes:

“We are the only ones that can take a beat, literally, and say, okay, I’m going to pause. I’m going to breathe. I’m going to go for a walk. I’m going to take a nap.” – Mary Tess
“I do feel refreshed. After I meditate, I feel a sense of calm. I feel like I am stronger and more collected.” – Mary Tess
“Our physical body benefits from rest days. If we are working out on a regular basis, weneed to incorporate them. We need our body to have time to repair.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP221: Your Word for the Year

I was thrilled when a fellow Strider reached out and asked me what my word of the year is going to be.

If you’re new to this podcast, let me explain: since 2010, I’ve chosen a word each year that helps ground me, something that represents what I want to embody, what I want to challenge myself to be mindful of, or the intention I’m setting for that year.

For example, in 2010, my word was “ask.” I wasn’t speaking up or asking for the things I needed or wanted. I was caught up in doing for others while neglecting myself. So that year, I decided I was going to ask for help, ask for support, ask for more resources, and even ask someone out. It was all about pushing myself to take the action I’d been avoiding.

Last year, my word was “heal,” especially as I recovered from colon surgery. These words help me stay aligned with my goals, and whenever I feel off course, I can check in with my word to bring me back.

Today, on this Wise Walk, let’s slow down, check in with our reality, and set our intention for the year ahead.

- Do you have a practice that helps ground you in what you hope to feel, accomplish, or challenge yourself with in the coming year?
- Is there a word that helps reground you and take you into that mindset, or helps you reframe a perspective to move further in alignment?
- If you’re new to the “word of the year” concept or the idea of setting a practice to stay grounded, what do you think would make you feel more aligned?
- What is a mantra or something you can embody and hold space for, so that as your year progresses, you have it as a compass to recenter yourself when life shifts your energy?
- What is an adventure or experience you’re ready to take on?
- What have you learned about yourself this past year that feels meaningful and makes you want to go all in on it?
- What is something you feel super connected to, inspired by, or awakened to that feels new and exciting?
- How can you create space or a sacred presence for yourself to receive more goodness related to that intention?
- How can you actively set that intention and manifest it into the universe to attract more of it?

As we wrap up today’s wise walk, I encourage you to reflect on the adventure or experience you’re ready to take on, and the intention you want to set for the year ahead.

Think about what you’ve learned about yourself and what inspires you, and create the space to receive more of that goodness. Remember, actively manifesting your intentions is a powerful way to attract what you truly desire.

Thank you for walking with me today, and I look forward to reconnecting with you soon.

In this episode:

[04:34] The idea of “divine timing” has been surfacing for me lately. Everything happens when it’s meant to be.

[05:07] There is something greater than us that’s helping us become our higher self.

[07:25] The other word that came up for me was trust.

[08:17] With continued soul-searching, I kept looking for the word that resonated the most with me this year. Other qualities include being present, patience, not rushing, and being open to receiving.

[09:58] I have different concepts of how I want to show up. I love how the Strider who reached out, reminded me of how important the word of the year is in terms of staying grounded and present to receive and give.

[12:20] I have a dear friend who has gone all in on her passion for fashion. It’s fun to witness what she’s attracting.

[13:09] This past year, she is really elevated it in terms of her intention.

[14:03] Think about what you can create or attract out of this intention you set for yourself.

[15:24] Each one of us has the opportunity to reinvent ourselves.

[16:29] I love that we can be intentional to achieve or receive what we are asking of the universe. My word of the year is going to be co-create!

[17:11] I know that how I show up is going to be better if I co-create in partnership with the universe, God, and all of the different influences.

[18:47] I’m going to co-create my next adventure.

Memorable Quotes:

“We can only control or influence so much and then we have to release expectations
and trust that there is a plan” – Mary Tess
“I want to be present and open. This idea of being open to receiving that next adventure in life, because I do feel like I’m ready for that next adventure.” – Mary Tess
“The reality is each one of us, every year, has the opportunity to reinvent ourselves. And it doesn’t even have to be at the change of the year.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP220: Anniversary Appreciation

This weekend marks one year since my colon surgery, a major turning point in my life. What was supposed to be a straightforward procedure turned into a nine-hour surgery, where they had to remove 20 inches of my colon instead of the planned 12.

There were complications, and the recovery was far from easy, but the good news is, I’m here today, feeling amazing and so grateful for how far I’ve come.

2023 was a tough year, full of hospital visits, health struggles, and working hard to keep my body in balance while battling infections, medication side effects and digestive issues. But today, I’m filled with gratitude for the effort I’ve put into my healing, the physical therapy, the self-care, and the small victories along the way.

For today’s Wise Walk, I thought we’d slow down and take a moment to check in with ourselves and reflect on our anniversaries and how far we’ve come on our journey.

- Is there an anniversary in your life that you want to acknowledge and appreciate?
- When you think back to any significant moment in your life, how do you celebrate it?
- How do you use it as an opportunity to reflect and see how far you’ve come?
- What energy, effort, and intention have you put into shaping and progressing that anniversary?
- Is there a relationship or moment where you’ve seen growth or strength built over time?
- What anniversary in your life do you want to honor and hold sacred space for?
- As you reflect on the anniversary that comes to mind, have you changed?
- In what ways do you feel accepted for the changes occurring in your life?
- Where do you feel supported?
- Where do you feel acknowledged for the good choices you’re trying to implement?
- Are the people supporting you in making those good choices the ones who will continue to support your path?
- Who are the people you can see moving forward with you, especially those who have been with you through rough patches?
- How do you feel accepted by the changes or intentions you’re implementing?
- How can you encourage more acceptance and support from those around you?
- As you reflect on the anniversary you’re commemorating, in what ways have you grown?
- What qualities do you want to honor and cherish in yourself right now?
- How have those qualities made you stronger, more whole, or helped you appreciate your progress?
- In what ways can you express gratitude for the progress you’ve made and acknowledge how far you’ve come?
- Is there an opportunity to look at the next year as a way to continue your evolution?
- As you feel appreciation for your anniversary, can you also set an intention for where you hope to be on that next anniversary?

As we wrap up today’s episode, I want to remind you that you don’t need a traditional anniversary to take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate who you are, all that you do, and how you show up in this world. Whatever you’re gaining on this Wise Walk, take some time to appreciate it in yourself.

I’d love to hear what you took away from today’s episode. Reach out and share your thoughts, and let me know where you’re headed in your next evolution. You are truly magical and beautiful, and together, we’ll continue to grow, evolve, and build momentum. Thanks for being here, and I can’t wait to hear from you!

In this episode:

[03:34] I want to acknowledge the idea of feeling accepted. I don’t want to be judged by my food choices.

[05:16] I had a wonderful time catching up with my friend Jeff, over a cup of tea, in his beautifully decorated house.

[07:11] There are so many things I can enjoy with my friends and family that don’t necessarily have to revolve around food.

[09:44] I’m also appreciative of my strength and resilience.

[11:07] It’s amazing to think about all that I’ve overcome and how I didn’t give up.

[13:06] This past year, I was part of a Shamanic Reiki apprenticeship program. It was all about energy healing and offering healing to others.

[14:15] I’ve learned that I can incorporate energetic healing gifts in everything that I do.

[15:14] We need to bring that light in to heal some of the pain, suffering, or trauma.

[16:17] I’ve come a long way in this one year of post-surgery. I’m going to go all in and see where I can take this energy work.

Memorable Quotes:

“I am a lot more aware of how I want to invite energy into my life, and how I want to share my energetic gifts with others.” – Mary Tess
“You are just magical and beautiful, and we’re going to keep growing and evolving and acknowledging what’s different just so we can build that momentum together.” – Mary Tess
“I feel grateful for the acceptance that I feel that I didn’t feel before.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP219: When Less is More

“Less is more.” It’s a simple phrase, but when we lean into it, it can transform how we live. Simplifying life, whether it’s clearing out distractions, reducing clutter, or focusing on what truly matters, can create deeper meaning, bigger impact, and a sense of harmony we all crave.

I was inspired to talk about this topic after watching a TV show, and one of the characters reflected on how the news used to feel richer and more meaningful before the 24-hour news cycle took over. I recalled that we grew up in a time when news came in short, focused bursts—at 5 o’clock, 10 o’clock, or 11 o’clock—but not constantly.

It got me thinking about how less can often feel like more in our lives. Simplicity and scarcity sometimes bring deeper meaning and impact because they allow us to savor moments instead of being overwhelmed by them. So for today’s Wise Walk, let’s slow down together. Let’s reflect on where in our lives we might benefit from this “less is more” approach.

- What awareness or epiphany did you have regarding how less is more when reflecting on the evolution of the news cycle?
- What other areas of your life come to mind when you think about where less might be more?
- How can we incorporate the idea of “less is more” into our lives if we’ve drifted away from simplicity?
- How can we create and share moments that are unique, individualized, and impactful because they are less frequent?
- What am I definitely committed to showing up for?
- What am I going to say NO to?
- Can we find the ebb and flow within us that works for us?
- When is less more?
- What are those areas in our life we want to be more intentional about?

I can’t believe 2024 is almost over, and here we are in December. As part of my Wise Walk, I’m planning to journal on this idea of when less is more.

It’s my chance to reflect, go inward, and explore what shifts I want to make in 2025, where I want to focus my energy, and what I want to be more intentional about.

I invite you to do the same. Take some time to reflect on what stood out for you in today’s episode. Where in your life could less be more? Or where have you already seen the benefits of this mindset? I’d love to hear your thoughts and takeaways, so feel free to share them with me.

Until next time, take care, enjoy this season of reflection, and keep walking your True Stride.

In this episode:

[00:47] The news seemed more meaningful when there wasn’t a 24-hour news cycle.

[03:32] When I have less distractions, I have more energy. The quality of what I put my energy into is better.

[05:08] When I have less clutter, I have more space which means freedom, peace, and harmony.

[06:31] Another simple thing that came to mind was when we have less complaining, we have more gratitude.

[08:53] When we are able to notice what we’re investing our time in, we can create more balance.

[10:25] Each of us have things that we can work on and bring to light and be more aware of.

[11:51] Is there someone in your life that can help you with what you need to work on?

[12:14] Can you get curious about things in your life that are causing anxiety?

[13:48] It’s about finding what’s better for us in that “less is more” category.

[15:17] This also applies with gift giving.

Memorable Quotes:

“Any time or any energy that we put forward for complaining is less time that we have to be grateful.” – Mary Tess
“Space means freedom. It means peace. It means harmony. What a lovely idea for me to focus on less clutter in my life, so that I can have more space and freedom and peace and harmony.” – Mary Tess
“Sometimes one thoughtful gift means more than several that dilute its significance.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP218: Community Inspiration

I want to share something that’s been on my mind after visiting a few local gyms recently. What started as a simple search for a place to get in some strength training turned into a bigger reflection on how much community shapes and inspires us.

There was an older gentleman lifting more weight than I could, and a woman in sequins heading to Zumba, ready to hit the dance floor. Watching everyone show up in their own unique way reminded me how powerful it is to be part of something bigger and how community can inspire us, push us, support us, and help us grow.

Whether it’s a gym, a writing group, or even a bunch of fans rallying for the same team, the connections we make help define how we see ourselves and what’s possible.

In this episode, let’s take a Wise Walk together and reflect on the communities that inspire us, the lessons they bring, and how showing up matters—not just for us, but for the people around us.

- How is the support of community positively impacting you?
- What community are you consistently excited to engage with?
- How do they inspire you, and how do you inspire others?
- What about that community makes you say, “That was an amazing use of my time”?
- What are you gaining from being part of community?
- What groups or communities have helped you raise your vibration or lift yourself to a higher level?
- Which communities have inspired you or offered a safe path to explore a unique aspect of yourself?
- As you explore an interest, what has surprised you along the way?
- What have you learned that you might not have known if you hadn’t shown up?
- What awareness did you gain from those experiences?
- In the communities you engage with, where are you the student?
- How can you take the lessons you’ve learned and pay them forward to benefit others?
- How does learning and growing through these experiences become a part of you?
- How can you use what you’ve learned to help someone else in the future?
- When you show up in your community, can you embrace the mindset of being both a student and a teacher?
- How do you pay it forward in ways that feel authentic and aligned with you?

Thank you, for being part of this community, for showing up as your true self, and for bringing your curiosity and energy to push us all to see what’s possible.

I’d love to hear what resonated with you from today’s episode—what communities are inspiring you right now, and what you’ve learned by showing up for them.

I look forward to our Wise Walk together, next Thursday, so be sure to tune in. Until then, don’t forget to prioritize fun as you read the signs, direct your path, and get your stride on!

In this episode:

[04:40] I’m seeing people of all walks of life doing what lights them up and supports their interest and wellbeing.

[05:35] The other thing that community does is it brings us closer together in ways outside of our initial interest.

[06:13] The kickboxing class was also going for it. I remember how those classes helped me in that phase of my life.

[07:04] We gain a sense of belonging and feel seen for showing up.

[08:14] New York JETS fans are diehard because of a sense of belonging and rooting for the underdog.

[09:20] Writing groups are also a great source of sharing and caring. Joining communities helps us tap into different aspects of ourselves.

[12:12] I love it when we slow down, check our reality, and take time to reflect on these questions.

[13:26] Being a substitute yoga teacher is also a gift of community where I can show up and be present.

[15:54] Community empowers you and makes you more fearless when you know you have support.

[16:32] We are not alone, and we belong when we join a group and put ourselves out there.

Memorable Quotes:

“Community isn’t always about winning or accomplishments. It can also be about just showing up and having that sense of belonging, that sense of understanding.” – Mary Tess
“Every time you’re learning, growing, and expanding your knowledge and experiences, that becomes a part of you that you might be able to share to help someone else in the future.” – Mary Tess
“The connections we make help define how we see ourselves and what we believe is possible” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources: