Mary Tess Rooney, Author at Mary Tess Rooney

EP93: Energy Attracts Energy

Do you know anyone who seems to always get lucky? They may not be as lucky as you think. In life, the energy you give the world is often times the energy you see and experience from the world. This episode talks about how energy attracts energy.

I spent a crazy week filled with highs and lows. One of the highs was that I caught up with a good friend for the first time in a while. He’s a Strider, so we spoke a bit about the podcast, and then we started talking about life. Our conversation turned into a thoughtful exploration, especially around the idea that we’re all energy. I started to think about how energy attracts energy in this world and all around us.

I’m here to spend quality solo time with you for EP93’s Wise Walk as we discover our True Stride. We are responsible for the energy that we give, receive, and interact with so it’s important to be mindful. Our energy can change in the split of a moment. We attract more aligned situations when we take inventory of the energy that we give our attention.

On our Wise Walk, I explore energy management and how to shift out of energetic lows. Come with me as we reflect on these Wise Walk questions:

- Where in your life are you noticing the energy that you’re sending or receiving?
- What is the energy that you’re surrounding yourself with or that makes up the environment that you are in?
- How is that energy affecting you emotionally, physically, and spiritually?
- Are you able to notice how energy can pull you in a new direction if you’re not paying attention to yourself?

I believe we should be ambassadors of positivity. Even as I record podcast episodes for you, I’m careful about my energy during the time I’m recording. That energy could transfer to you, and I want that energy to be a high vibration for Striders.

We are developing skills, behaviors, and patterns with every Wise Walk so that we have the tools to ask ourselves reflective questions. If we share our elevated Joy Frequency with the people we interact with, that energy continues to grow outwards to others we may never meet. Create more aligned energy with these Wise Walk questions:

- In what areas in your life do you find yourself getting triggered?
- Can you find grace in your heart for when your energy gets sidetracked?
- What can you do to bring your energy back on track?
- How can you keep your energetic vibration high regardless of what is happening around you?
- Are there areas in life where you can give energy to help people out of their energetic lows?
- Are you taking time for those joyful moments?

Join this inspiring community to uncover a new sense of freedom, and be sure to follow and review the True Stride podcast as we continue to exchange our light and Heart Value with each other.

In this episode:

[00:23] – Welcome to the show!

[03:14] – After a conversation with a friend, Mary Tess reflects on the energy she interacted with throughout the week.

[04:50] – How can you get your energy back on track?

[06:24] – We pick up on each other’s energy. It’s contagious.

[08:38] – Mary Tess touches on why she is grateful for the USA and appreciates all who sacrificed for our freedom. She also shares her optimistic perspective that our collective high vibration can lead to a bright future.

[11:09] – Is it possible to help someone get out of an energetic low without being caught up in it?

[13:49] – Life is full of ups and downs.

[16:04] – Thank you for listening!

Memorable Quotes:

“You have the ability to recover and end up in a much different place if we just have this awareness, and we have the ability to take ourselves on that mindful Wise Walk.” – Mary Tess
“I am so honored to be on this journey with you.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP92: Clarity & Space for What Matters

Our bodies, our minds, and our emotions function at a higher level when we are well rested. That’s why we need to be careful of excessive planning. This episode talks about finding the clarity and space for what really matters.

I’m back from vacation! I went on vacation last week with my family and we had a successful bonding time. Being with all my loved ones was very memorable. I was able to have tons of fun doing things like family dinners and walking on the beach with my mom and sisters. With all the good things about this trip, there was one really nice aspect that I didn’t fully anticipate.

I’m here to spend quality solo time with you for EP92’s Wise Walk as we discover our True Stride. You remember that I made a commitment to take a break from the “planner” part of my personality for this vacation. As a result of that commitment, it created space for other magical things to happen. It turned out much better than any expectation. My trip was filled with playing games, having intimate conversations, and sharing warm laughs.

On our Wise Walk, I discuss how you can make decisions that give you clarity and space for what really matters. Come with me as we reflect on these Wise Walk questions:

- Where in your life are you allowing yourself to be unplanned or unscheduled so that you have the freedom to create some spontaneous intimate scenarios with your loved ones?
- When you have these unplanned days or unplanned vacations, are you able to let go of the time constraints that you usually put on yourself so you can listen to your own body’s rhythm?
- What does listening and paying attention to your body’s rhythm empower you to do?

Let’s get rid of crowded schedules that distract us from being fully present. When we are intentional about not over planning, we open space for intimate conversations and Aha moments to surface in our life.

Choose activities and habits that help you step into your highest good. Create space in your routines with these Wise Walk questions:

- What in your day-to-day life really matters to you?
- What in your life are nice to have, but maybe you create space and let them go so that you can have unplanned time to rejuvenate?
- Are you willing to try out that way of life for this week?
- Where in your life can you create space for rest?

Join this inspiring community to uncover a new sense of freedom, and be sure to follow and review the True Stride podcast as we continue to exchange our light and Heart Value with each other.

In this episode:

[00:23] – Welcome to the show!

[02:54] – Mary Tess says it was nice to not over plan and just enjoy the flow of her vacation.

[04:36] – When you’re not pressured by time constraints, you get to listen to your body’s rhythm.

[06:46] – Create opportunities for yourself by choosing a moment to make space in your calendar.

[08:34] – How do you make space for what really matters?

[10:07] – Here’s your chance to make intentional space in your life this week.

[11:55] – Mary Tess shares a recent example of releasing space in her schedule to make a new connection.

[13:51] – Where in your life can you create space for rest?

[15:47] – Take time, care, and intention to let yourself flow.

[18:09] – Thank you for listening!

Memorable Quotes:

“This idea of releasing and creating space allowed me to be fully present.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP91: What Vacation Means to You

If you could imagine time off, what would you be doing? Where would you go? Who would you ask to join you, if anyone? What would you hope to experience? This episode talks about what vacation means to you.

I am super excited for a vacation with my family. We are all heading out to stay under the same roof for some time away from everyday life. It’s been a while since we all got together for a family trip. What’s really different this time around is that I’m not planning everything out as I normally would. Instead, I’m going to choose a new set of vacation priorities.

I’m here to spend quality solo time with you for EP91’s Wise Walk as we discover our True Stride. Typically, I am the type of person who likes to maximize every part of the day. I enjoy planning and prepping for vacation to get the most out of the experience. For this upcoming trip, I’m ready to slow down with a relaxing vacation so I don’t miss the opportunity to truly connect with myself and my family.

On our Wise Walk, I discuss how we can change the way we use vacations. Come with me as we reflect on these Wise Walk questions:

- What in your life do you need a vacation from?
- Who do you need a vacation from?
- Do you need a vacation from the expectations you put on yourself day in and day out?

The word “vacation” relates to being empty, leaving something as a way to give yourself a break. It’s a way to disrupt a pattern in your life. You become free and “empty” of that responsibility.

Shift into the mentality of being free and present. Set your vacation intentions and new priorities with these Wise Walk questions:

- Where in your life can you set these vacation priorities?
- Where in your life do you need to be empty so you can be free?
- How are you going to fully step into the new role you’re choosing for yourself?

Join this inspiring community to uncover a new sense of freedom, and be sure to follow and review the True Stride podcast as we continue to exchange our light and Heart Value with each other.

In this episode:

[00:23] – Welcome to the show!

[02:50] – Mary Tess likes to maximize every part of the day, but she’s ready to slow down with a relaxing vacation.

[04:57] – What’s the origin of the word “vacation”?

[06:13] – Mary Tess talks about why she used to love staycations.

[07:50] – Be the observer.

[10:22] – Mary Tess is stepping away from her usual habit of planning activities.

[13:00] – Shift into the mentality of being free and present.

[15:09] – Try on a new role in service of what you actually want in your life.

[17:47] – Everyone wins on this vacation!

[19:13] – Thank you for listening!

Memorable Quotes:

“I love this idea of taking a vacation from my constant patterns and habits.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP90: Support For Your Brave Acts

Sometimes you need a buddy to exchange ideas and energy with. A buddy can help us with accountability and encouragement, or simply be a sounding board when we need to get our ideas and problems out. This episode talks about where in your life the power of support fuels your brave acts.

On the way back from hauling horses, I led the navigation from a separate car instead of being right beside my aunt. My aunt mentioned that she felt braver when we were next to each other, and her words made me think about the power of having someone by our side, like a wingwoman or wingman.

I’m here to spend quality solo time with you for EP90’s Wise Walk as we discover our True Stride. We dare to be braver when we are beside a buddy or in a tribe. Having someone supportive at your side makes life easier to manage and makes taking a leap seem less daunting.

On our Wise Walk, I discuss how you can connect with mutual support to bravely pursue your True Stride. I share my personal experiences, from finding a great running partner to joining a community while writing my book, Heart Value. Come with me as we reflect on these Wise Walk questions:

- Where in your life are there power in numbers?
- Where do you find yourself getting stronger or more brave because you have someone sitting beside you?
- What does it look like in your life when you don’t have that supportive person?
- Are there things that you’re struggling with right now because you are hesitant to ask for help or find support?

You can rally support for projects and missions close to your heart. Gather people that empathize with what you’re currently facing and where you’d like to go. You never know when you might need each other. Sometimes the people in your buddy system become encouragement for when you take a stumble.

As you bond with your support system, you can show up for each other in meaningful and heart-centered ways. Connect with your support system and go after what you want more confidently with these Wise Walk questions:

- What is something that you are dying to do, but you haven’t started?
- What’s something you used to love doing, but maybe lost confidence in, and now you want to regain that confidence?
- What does it look like for you to build a support system so you can follow your True Stride towards something that is meaningful to you?
- Where in your life is there a project calling you, and can you rally support for that project?
- Is there a person or a group that you can engage as a support system?

Join this inspiring community to uncover a new sense of freedom, and be sure to follow and review the True Stride podcast as we continue to exchange our light and Heart Value with each other.

In this episode:

[00:23] – Welcome to the show!

[02:37] – Mary Tess talks about this special running partner that helped her feel brave and safe.

[05:11] – You can lean on support when you need to.

[07:48] – Mary Tess is rebuilding her business mindset, but she says these three priorities come first. How does she find support for her priorities?

[10:46] – Is there an opportunity to incorporate support systems in your work?

[12:46] – Sometimes you just need a buddy to exchange ideas and energy with.

[15:19] – Mary Tess recalls the community she joined that helped her through the process of writing Heart Value.

[17:50] – Thank you for listening!

Memorable Quotes:

“There’s really something nice about allowing ourselves to expand our circle and see who we can call in for different projects or different initiatives that are calling us in meaningful ways.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP89: Honor Your Heartfelt Intentions

Life (in general) is about noticing, paying attention, and connecting with who we are and what truly matters as we expose ourselves to different situations. The more we understand how our intentions create our experiences from moment to moment, the more we can intentionally create experiences in ways that support our overall well being. This episode talks about how to honor your heartfelt intentions.

I recently taught yoga for the first time in a long while, and honestly, it felt great. I did feel nervous before starting since there was no way to tell how it would turn out exactly. Thinking about it, I’m glad I decided to be present with the class and breathe through the intentions of moving from pose to pose. Everyone is unique, so I know I can’t meet everyone’s needs, but I can cultivate a supportive space when led by intention.

I’m here to spend quality solo time with you for EP89’s Wise Walk as we discover our True Stride. Some of the intentions I prioritize these days are yoga, running, and the True Stride podcast. In my own practice, I find that intentions can change from moment to moment. I encourage you to drop down into your heart to double check if the intentions you set for yourself still align with your feelings in each current moment.

On our Wise Walk, I discuss how you can honor your heartfelt intentions. There is a different kind of joy in practicing self care alongside each other. Seeing people committing to themselves can be inspiring. Together, we can rebuild our heartfelt intentions around what we want to experience. Come with me as we reflect on these Wise Walk questions:

- What is your “why”?
- How do you follow your heartfelt intentions on a daily basis?
- As you think about the activities and people in your life, what experiences are you trying to create for yourself or the people who surround you?
- What is motivating you to create the experiences in your life?
- When you get distracted, how can you go back to your heartfelt intentions?
- Do you give yourself space and grace to pivot if an intention no longer aligns with you?

Reground and reconnect with your heart. When we are rebuilding, it usually feels like we are starting from the beginning and working our way back up. We can rebuild in a kind way, making sure we don’t overwhelm ourselves.

We deserve to ask ourselves questions, and see what comes up, so we can get back on track with what we envision. Give yourself permission to follow your heartfelt intentions with these Wise Walk questions:

- What activity will you give yourself freedom and permission to choose again, so that you can create new intentions and new experiences that feel right?
- Where can you give yourself grace to remind yourself of your “why”?

Join this inspiring community to uncover a new sense of freedom, and be sure to follow and review the True Stride podcast as we continue to exchange our light and Heart Value with each other.

In this episode:

[00:23] – Welcome to the show!

[02:38] – Mary Tess shares that she sets peaceful yoga intentions to start her day with good energy.

[05:30] – There is a different kind of joy in practicing self care alongside other people.

[07:41] – How do you follow your heartfelt intentions on a daily basis?

[10:41] – Flow with the serendipity of life. What happens when you can pivot through your heartfelt intentions?

[13:42] – Mary Tess is rebuilding her intentions around running.

[15:37] – Know what you are placing your focus on for your intention. What are you using to measure your alignment to your intention?

[18:00] – Make room to adjust your intentions to a routine you are able to do currently.

[19:57] – Mary Tess expresses her heartfelt intentions for the True Stride podcast.

[22:30] – Thank you for listening!

Memorable Quotes:

“I want each and every one of us to have a safe and intentional experience where we carve out time for ourselves.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP88: Honoring the Light Within

We go through a cycle of finding balance in how we choose to show up in life. Are you transitioning from one action to the next fully present in your movement? Are you guided through your transitions by your heart of hearts as you move forward in alignment? This episode talks about honoring the light within us.

In 2009, I became a certified yoga instructor. During that time I was still in corporate America and wasn’t sure what I was going to do with it. I was open to honoring the practice of yoga and meeting like-minded people; maybe being a substitute instructor, but nothing full-time. Years later, I can say I found an opportunity to use my certification professionally.

I’m here to spend quality solo time with you for EP88’s Wise Walk as we discover our True Stride. Lately, I thought about my style of moving through yoga, and the principles of the practice in general. The movement of yoga connects to breathing through transitions and finding balance in different poses, or moments of rest. That grounding practice makes me think of how we witness the light within us.

On our Wise Walk, I discuss honoring the light within us. Our light can illuminate the path of our True Stride. Then, we can share that light with others, so that their frequency and light shines bright. Come with me as we reflect on these Wise Walk questions:

- Where can we see and honor the light within us, and then share that light with others?
- How can we, as a Striders community, join together around this idea of seeing, honoring, and elevating the light within each other?
- Who are the people in your life who see and honor all of the good that you give out in this world, and appreciate that good?
- Who are the people in your life that you see and honor the light within them?
- For the people that you don’t feel an energetic high from, especially when you’re in a funk, do you have an opportunity to keep your distance from them?

The world can be heavy on our hearts. It’s nice to witness the light within ourselves and others. Giving our attention to the light helps shift the energy of environments and conversations to see the light as well.

We can cultivate a mutual respect and appreciation of the light within each of us. As you think about who you interact with on a daily basis, who are those light bodies that bring out your smile and help you get out of a funk? Think of how to amplify the light in your life with these Wise Walk questions:

- Where in your life can you make commitments to your light?
- Can you find a community to support you as you find your balance in ways that feel right in your heart?
- How can we bring out the light in each other more and let it shine brighter?

Join this inspiring community to uncover a new sense of freedom, and be sure to follow and review the True Stride podcast as we continue to exchange our light and Heart Value with each other.

In this episode:

[00:23] – Welcome to the show!

[03:08] – Yoga focuses on the connection of mind, body, and soul through breath.

[05:52] – Mary Tess shares an opportunity that recently came her way.

[07:47] – The world can be heavy on our hearts. It’s nice to witness the light in ourselves and others.

[10:42] – We can unite and bring light and love to the forefront.

[12:39] – Seeing the light in others reminds us to cherish the present.

[15:04] – Are you aware of examples of light in your life? Do you keep healthy boundaries with people who aren’t exactly a light in your life?

[17:09] – Mary Tess talks about breathing through the duality of life.

[18:42] – Inhale and expand into your next step.

[20:33] – Healing happens when we see and honor the light within each one of us.

[23:23] – Thank you for listening!

Memorable Quotes:

“We’re expanding, and we’re constricting. We’re inhaling, and we’re exhaling. We’re bringing in the good. We’re releasing the bad. That’s the duality of life.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP87: Building Resilience

Life will toss you into moments that feel like they’re more than you can bear or feel very disorienting. Living those experiences causes us to expand far beyond what we normally experience. By staying present and aware of our intentions, we can make it through. This episode talks about building resilience.

I went to yoga for the first time in a very long time. When I first arrived for yoga, no one was there. Worries came up about what was wrong, but then I decided to make the most of the experience. I did yoga myself and this small choice helped me get back on track with how I wanted to experience the world, step by step. I honored my intention, myself, and my resolve to get back into yoga. As a spoiler, people did show up for yoga later on; I’ll tell you the entire story in the episode.

I’m here to spend quality solo time with you for EP87’s Wise Walk as we discover our True Stride. I explore what it means to build resilience as an individual and as a community. We can build resilience in all aspects of life, such as hardships, relationships, professional life, and more. We can face these unexpected detours by taking one step at a time and showing up for ourselves. It depends on how we consciously choose to flow through times of building resilience.

On our Wise Walk, I discuss why you need to pace yourself to get back into the flow of life and build resilience. Change is hard, but we can conquer resistance when we acknowledge our feelings and do the work to choose a new path. Come with me as we reflect on these Wise Walk questions:

- Where in your life are you building resilience in yourself, for yourself?
- Where do you feel resistance, and is there a way to show up for yourself?
- As you consciously decide to show up for yourself, are you able to be present and notice what emotional or physical triggers surface?
- How do you feel on this journey to building resilience that moves you in the direction you want to go?

The next time your life seems chaotic or off balance, I hope you can see the opportunity to build resilience for yourself. Recognizing those moments allows you to become more flexible to the detours of life.

Resilience is not always something you must go through alone. There are times where reaching out to loved ones, friends, or others in your support system can form a collective effort of resilience. Together, you are able to set your eyes on the bigger picture and be each other’s strength while you figure out how to show up. Choose how to move forward in collective resilience with these Wise Walk questions:

- In the areas of life where you feel alone, is there an opportunity to reach out to your community to ask for help?
- As you reach out to your community, do you have clarity in how you want them to show up for you?
- What can you do for yourself to move away from fear-based thinking to a mindset of possibility?

Join this inspiring community to uncover a new sense of freedom, and be sure to follow and review the True Stride podcast as we continue to exchange our light and Heart Value with each other.

In this episode:

[00:23] – Welcome to the show!

[02:10] – Move through the motions as you build resilience.

[03:52] – Where can you build resilience?

[06:39] – How can you remain flexible in resilience?

[09:36] – Mary Tess explains why you need to pace yourself to get back into the flow of life and build resilience.

[12:27] – Deciding to build resilience together.

[15:23] – Rebuild with a nurturing perspective and grace.

[18:12] – Let’s keep our eyes on the possibilities!

[20:26] – Thank you for listening!

Memorable Quotes:

“Building resilience is in everything we do in life, and how we show up in all aspects of our life.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP86: What Will You 86?

After a while, you realize something is simply not working in life. The beautiful part about that is the opportunity to remove, throw out, release, or refuse service to whatever is no longer serving you. This episode talks about choosing what to 86 in your life.

The phrase “86 it” has so many origin stories. No matter which origin story you hear, the common theme relates to something no longer being served or no longer being considered. Using the term “86” is like acknowledging what’s not right for us and our intention to let it go. What do we want to 86 in our lives?

I’m here to spend quality solo time with you for EP86’s Wise Walk as we discover our True Stride. I share what I’m currently 86’ing out of my life. I’m releasing things such as feelings of failure, thoughts of being hard on myself, and unrealistic expectations. We all deserve to release unrealistic expectations, and give ourselves grace, space, and time to shift.

On our Wise Walk, I discuss how to be fully present in your main priorities when you 86 what no longer belongs in your life. You can 86 a thing, a habit, a thought, a relationship, a job, an activity, or an event. Come with me as we reflect on these Wise Walk questions:

- What jumps out at you, in terms of looking at your life and what you need to 86?
- What do you need to throw out, or get rid of, or “show the door”? Is it a thought, person, or activity?

We can nurture ourselves to thrive. After you choose what to 86 in your life, you have more room to call something into your life to replace those things. You can call in love, acceptance, hope, or joy.

Take small steps to regain traction toward your True Stride. Play with this idea of 86’ing what no longer belongs in your life so you can have more of what you really want. Choose what you want with this Wise Walk question:

- Once you 86 that thing out of your life, what are you going to replace it with?

Join this inspiring community to uncover a new sense of freedom, and be sure to follow and review the True Stride podcast as we continue to exchange our light and Heart Value with each other.

In this episode:

[00:23] – Welcome to the show!

[02:46] – Do you remember your priorities?

[05:01] – Release unrealistic expectations.

[05:30] – Thoughts are things.

[07:32] – What will you 86 in your life?

[09:07] – Thank you for listening!

Memorable Quotes:

“I have to release, or 86, these expectations that I have that are unrealistic; that I can ‘do it all’ or that I can ‘be everything to everyone’, including myself.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources: