Mary Tess Rooney, Author at Mary Tess Rooney

EP63: Ways to Co-Create Soulful Love with Dr. Chelsea Wakefield, PhD, LCSW

Any couple problems can be addressed through personal growth, since most relationship issues come from interlocking complexes. This episode talks about ways to co-create soulful love.

In previous generations, societal structures such as marriage had a different purpose. Being happy in a romantic relationship was not necessarily a priority. In our society today, people want meaningful relationships in life, both romantic and platonic. People are looking for a deeper, more intimate relationship.

Dr. Chelsea Wakefield, PhD, LCSW is our guest for EP63’s Wise Walk and guides people to having more enriched relationships. As a relationship expert, Chelsea is a psychotherapist, couples therapist, author, educator, and international workshop and retreat leader. Most of her work is done as an associate professor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences where she’s director of the couples center. She trains other couples therapists, has her own clinical practice, and puts together workshops about relationships.

On our Wise Walk, Chelsea and I discuss the importance of knowing yourself, and bringing your whole and best self into any relationship. That includes knowing our triggers and shadows as well as getting in tune with who your partner is and not who you wish they could be. Honest awareness encourages individuals to identify what really matters and connect in relationships on a deeper level.

Inspired by Chelsea’s book The Labyrinth Of Love: The Path to a Soulful Relationship, she talks about the 6 Love Capacities, personal growth, and co-regulating to prompt reflection on these Wise Walk questions and more:

- - Is there such a thing as soul mates?
  - How can people look for suitors to create a soulful relationship?
  - How can people reflect on their triggers?
  - What can people do to find balance in co-regulating?

Chelsea suggests that the first step in choosing or being someone ready for a soulful relationship is someone with the willingness to grow.

If you want learn to get a better grasp on your internal dialogue, and recognize the different relationship types, tune in to hear these Wise Walk questions:

- - How does communication change as the nervous system develops?
  - How are you applying what your nervous system is telling you into your everyday relationships?
  - What types of relationships are you seeking right now, and how do they make you feel?

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!

[02:39] – Dr. Chelsea Wakefield gives her take on her latest work for enriching relationships. Where should people start to change relationship issues?

[04:55] – What does Chelsea think about the idea of “finding” a soulmate?

[07:29] – Listen as Chelsea gives a brief introduction of the 6 Love Capacities. First is Commitment.

[09:20] – The next of the 6 Love Capacities are Courage and Curiosity.

[11:08] – The next of the 6 Love Capacities is Communication.

[13:54] – The next of the 6 Love Capacities is Compassion.

[16:35] – Chelsea explains the concept of a Bright Shadow within interpersonal relationships.

[18:05] – Compassion is a great anecdote for feeling shame, which wears away relationships.

[19:37] – The next of the 6 Love Capacities is Creativity.

[21: 57] – How can people reflect on their triggers? Why is it important to identify triggers?

[24:00] – What is co-regulating?

[26:21] – Chelsea talks about understanding the separation between intention and impact.

[28:09] – What if only one person in the relationship is trying to grow in effective communication?

[30:59] – When should people leave relationships? Chelsea talks about balancing choices of whether to stay or leave, especially for women.

[33:37] – Chelsea gives her thoughts on what people who are currently single can ask themselves about building soulful relationships.

[36:05] – Chelsea gives her thoughts on what people who are currently in a romantic relationship can ask themselves about building more soulful relationships.

[39:02] – Constantly choose the relationship you want to build and work on your shadow elements.

[41:38] – Go into discovery mode on where you fit in with the 6 Love Capacities.

[43:54] – Thank you for listening!

Memorable Quotes:

“We don’t actually find a soulmate. What we do is we create a soulful relationship.” – Chelsea
“Compassion doesn’t mean we aren’t accountable. It just means that we’re being mindful that we’re being human, and we’re allowing ourselves not to have to be perfect.” – Chelsea
“You cannot be in relationship with someone for their potential. You have to be in a relationship because of who they are in that moment.” – Mary Tess
“If you are noticing that you have these triggers or the shadow elements, how can you take responsibility for them? How can you communicate that in a different way that you are heard, understood, and appreciated for the work you’re trying to do on yourself and how you’re trying to co-create something different in the relationship because you want a different outcome.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

Dr. Chelsea Wakefield, PhD, LCSW

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter

The Labyrinth Of Love: The Path to a Soulful Relationship

EP62: How Space and Focus Nurtures Growth

Life can get so busy that it can seem that it’s happening without us, but we should remember that space and focus create intentional evolution. This episode talks about how space and focus nurtures growth.

Over the holiday, I had time to see virtual friends I made during the pandemic, high school friends, my old English teacher, and of course my friends and family in person! I had a long drive and decided to make the occasion even more special by bringing my dog Trooper along. It was Trooper’s first long trip!

I’m here to spend quality, solo time with you for EP62’s Wise Walk as we discover our True Stride. My recent adventure with my puppy Trooper is an example of how space and focus gave us an opportunity for growth. Since I have an intention to travel with my dogs, I knew that ten month old Trooper needed more experience to reach his full potential in our family pack. Taking Trooper along with me for the holidays allowed me to give Trooper focused attention and space to develop into being a good travel companion.

On our Wise Walk, I tie together the connection between my and Trooper’s development and ways we can show up for personal evolution in our own lives. Listen as I touch on creating opportunities for new challenges, building space to grow, and managing attention to be present in the journey.

During this conversation, I share how to give yourself space to nurture something that is calling you to reflect on these Wise Walk questions and more:

- - What is calling you, and have you given yourself the space to nurture that side of you?
  - How are you intentionally creating focus to nurture that side of you?
  - How are you managing space and focus so you can go after what’s in your heart?

Everything in life is about noticing our feelings and our choices that are available to us, then taking action based on that heart-centered alignment. We hit our True Stride when we stay connected to our Heart Value.

If you want to understand where you can cultivate space and focus for yourself, tune in to hear these Wise Walk questions:

- - How are you preparing to fully step into the space you create for yourself?
  - What is inspiring your intentional evolution?

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!

[02:53] – Mary Tess reflects on the choices of making space for Trooper to get comfortable being a traveling dog.

[04:52] – Mary Tess says that Trooper’s great response to a new environment gave her more confidence about future trips.

[07:05] – Here are the questions for this episode’s Wise Walk.

[08:14] – Trooper is like a goofy, fun-loving teenager and is still learning proper companion skills.

[09:52] – What did Mary Tess need to do to provide extra space and focus for Trooper?

[12:28] – Changes in Trooper’s behavior are noticeable. Trooper matured.

[14:00] – Mary Tess shares how space and focus helped her shift from corporate America to being an author.

[16:49] – Mary Tess expresses her thoughts about taking on podcasting and connecting with Striders.

[18:29] – Thank you for listening!

Memorable Quotes:

“By ‘space’, I mean what are you willing to let go of, or stop doing, or release so that you have the space to give yourself the focus and attention that deserves where you want to go.” – Mary Tess
“Space and focus create intentional evolution.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP61: How Are Your Thoughts Creating Intentional Experiences?

When you crave a feeling, idea, or thought, you are more likely to seek or replicate that thing in the world around you. This episode talks about understanding how thoughts create intentional experiences.

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you all are spending the holidays in whichever way helps you tune into your Joy Frequency. Personally, I’m traveling to visit my family for the holidays.

For right now, I’m here to spend quality solo time with you for EP61’s Wise Walk as we discover our True Stride. I can tell you that I’m excited this Thanksgiving to hug and laugh with people I did not see in a while. My crave and excitement for hugs actually began showing up in other interactions in a very wholesome manner. Those experiences are part of what sparked today’s quick conversation.

On our Wise Walk, I discuss why the habits and thoughts developed from your internal cravings influence the things you seek or replicate in how you operate. Really pay attention to the patterns of your brain. You’ll notice reflections of what you already planted in your mind. Since this happens naturally, you can also use that knowledge to understand yourself better.

During this brief chit-chat, I share my perspective of creating intentional experiences from my thoughts to reflect on these Wise Walk questions and more:

- - What are you training your brain to crave?
  - What thoughts are you planting in your mind?

Being intentional about what you are feeding your brain can train your brain to anticipate positivity, engagement, or whatever you are craving. This helps you prepare to receive.

If you want to understand how to plant thoughts that align with your True Stride, tune in to hear these Wise Walk questions:

- - How are we being intentional about the thoughts we plant?
  - How can we better prepare ourselves to receive what we crave?

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!

[00:47] – Mary Tess shares a lesson from a book on happiness.

[01:46] – Habitual thoughts and mindsets ripple into how you are inclined to view the world.

[02:39] – Mary Tess retells how her excitement for the holidays transferred into her interactions with others.

[04:54] – Mary Tess encourages everyone to step into the world with intention and be open to receiving.

[06:07] – Take actions that align with your Hear Value.

[06:42] – Thank you for listening!

Memorable Quotes:

“I can really influence my mindset. I can really be selective about how my thoughts impact my future.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP60: As a Creator, How Do You Nurture and Restore?

Creations blossom as a result of our contributions and our efforts. Every time we share our creations, it’s time to celebrate our impact and recharge ourselves. This episode talks about managing ourselves as we move through the creation process.

Let’s really reflect on what you’re creating in your life, and what I’m creating in my life, and this idea of us being creators. We’re all creators, regardless of what we are creating, doing, or being. With simply our presence on this Earth, we are creating within ourselves and interacting with the things around us.

I’m here to spend quality solo time with you for EP60’s Wise Walk as we discover our True Stride. I’m still on a high from publishing my first book, Heart Value. While enjoying the finished project, I keep finding lessons in the time I spent on this creation. More than that, this creation is showing me that the work isn’t done. I’m gradually discovering ways to continue supporting my first book and supporting you all as you connect with the content.

On our Wise Walk, I discuss how we as creators can cultivate the art of creating and nurturing towards anything in life. I give examples from behind-the-scenes of wrapping up the book launch and celebrating a job well done. Later in the conversation, I share thoughts on how we occasionally bump into the need to pivot with the ebb and flow of life around us.

I explore what it means to be kind to yourself, and show up better, to reflect on these Wise Walk questions and more:

- - What is something you’re working on, or striding towards, that you know is going to change your life and it’s going to need different types of nurturing?
  - As you go on this journey and think about the other things you want to create, how do you want to pace yourself?
  - How are you going to incorporate that intuitive sense of nourishment and recovery, so that you can be your best self at every step of the way?
  - Whatever your creation is, as life ebbs and flows, can you make the space to always make your way back to it?

If you’re finishing a project or in the middle of a project, tune in to hear these Wise Walk questions to find a way to pace and nurture yourself:

- - How are we slowing down and nurturing that creator within us?
  - How are we recovering once we launch something?

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!

[02:20] – Mary Tess shares the variety of ways her energy pulled her in different directions in the weeks leading up to Heart Value being officially published.

[04:02] – Here are the questions we are thinking of on this Wise Walk.

[05:57] – To nurture your being, sometimes the most effective method is to simply be kind to yourself.

[07:35] – What happens when you give yourself space to be human on your journey?

[09:11] – Mary Tess shares her gratitude for the outpouring of support in her first-time author journey.

[11:40] – What continues to feed creations after they are launched? Listen to Mary Tess talk about recovering to show up better.

[13:39] – There is an ebb and flow in life to honor.

[16:36] – Think about where you are and how you are nurturing your creations.

[19:14] – Thank you for listening!

Memorable Quotes:

“This recovery idea is all about trying to invite this pacing for myself, so I can fire on all cylinders when I’m in that GO-mode. When I’m in that recovery-mode, I give myself the kindness to kind of stop, recharge, and just reevaluate.” – Mary Tess
“Whatever it is that’s important to you, it’s also important to this world. You have something. You have Heart Value that you deserve to share and that people are going to benefit from.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP59: A Day of Remembrance and Intentions

I’m feeling giddy about the future. Do you know that feeling? I look back on the amazing nuances of my journey, and think that 11/11 matches what this moment means to me. Today, this episode reflects a day of remembrance and intentions.

I’m choosing to start two new practices for myself on this date of 11/11. From here on out, I continue to honor Veterans and take time to clearly set intentions around my Heart Value as 11/11 is also the publication date of my first book. I almost can’t believe the time is already here, and that I get to share this moment in a meaningful way with you.

I’m here to spend quality solo time with you for EP59’s Wise Walk as we discover our True Stride. I often say that we are on this adventure together, and I mean it. We are showing up on our journeys and giving each other support. I’m grateful for that.

On our Wise Walk, I explain the personal and historical connection of 11/11, how to awaken your inner self to attain your highest good, and how to align with practices that match the intentions calling you. With every new door that opens, we have the opportunity to hit the reset button on our intentions and attention. Let’s focus on emotionally and energetically connecting to our True Stride.

I talk through a visualization of honoring past and present Veterans to reflect on these Wise Walk questions and more:

- - What are the ways you can plan to honor Veterans?
  - During your remembrance tribute, what thoughts and energetic sentiments will you silently share to give appreciation?

On the True Stride podcast, we take a Wise Walk to slow down and check our reality. True Stride is that feeling you get when you’re aligned in your heart with all that you do, and you feel energized and happy with each and every step that you take. I’m your host, Mary Tess Rooney, and I am coming to you solo on this episode. Grab a seat and get comfortable!!

If you’re curious about what intentions are calling you, tune in to hear these Wise Walk questions to practice being aligned with your intentions:

- - As you trust your inner compass, and listen to your heart, what intentions will you mentally share in order to signal that you are in a position to receive whatever is best for your highest good?
  - How do you want to show up and be of service to others and give gratitude on this special remembrance day?
  - What practices expand your ability to reset and refocus on what truly matters to you?
  - What’s one small intention you will make to follow your heart and be of service to others?

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!

[01:53] – The day 11/11 holds personal and historical relevance. What’s the story!

[03:14] – Why did Mary Tess choose 11/11 as the publication date of her first book Heart Value?

[05:18] – Open up to receive support from the energy around you.

[07:55] – For Mary Tess, 11/11 is a day to honor Veterans and a day to set intentions. How will she carry out these practices?

[09:55] – Listen to Mary Tess visualize the practice of honoring Veterans, and gain clarity on how to align with this practice.

[12:29] – Don’t forget to enjoy and prioritize fun as you meditate and manifest what your heart of hearts is calling you to.

[14:36] – Like Heart Value being a calling for Mary Tess, take a step back to recognize what intentions are calling you.

[16:10] – Writing and publishing a book literally takes an entire team bringing their skills together.

[18:33] – Thank you for listening!

Memorable Quotes:

“With a positive mindset and an openness to what’s possible, then we’re able to receive support.” – Mary Tess
“Embrace your Heart Value connections, enjoy your adventures, and get your stride on.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP58: What Lights You Up with Ryan Cwick

What if you release the idea that you had for the life that you or others expected for yourself? Doing what lights you up will conquer any expectations without even meaning to and is ultimately the best way to be kind to yourself.

Ryan Cwick, our guest for EP58’s Wise Walk, likes to take on the world with the intention of spreading love and kindness. He doesn’t back down from a challenge, and I admire how he views the world. We both share the mindset that it’s important to do what lights you up.

On our Wise Walk, Ryan and I talk about how a shock in life provides freedom to explore something new. Why there is not an optimal sequence to life, and how to recreate life at any point. We discuss the balance of giving to others and giving to yourself.

We share our thoughts and create space for you to reflect on these Wise Walk questions and more:

- - Where can you shock yourself so you can fully connect to experiences that light you up?
  - In what ways can you offer help or give on a day-to-day basis?
  - If you give up something (because it no longer makes your heart happy), what will you choose instead to align with what will light you up?

On the True Stride podcast, we take a Wise Walk to slow down and check our reality. True Stride is that feeling you get when you’re aligned in your heart with all that you do, and you feel energized and happy with each and every step that you take. I’m your host, Mary Tess Rooney, and I connect with Ryan Cwick on this episode. You definitely want to listen!!

Ryan Cwick says he fulfilled lots of odd jobs in his journey and stumbled into personal development. Ryan contributes to the world through his experiences as a travel enthusiast and an industrial engineer interested in solar energy. He operates as a Travel Coach through TripsWithCwick and gives back to communities by raising money through social media challenges. He organizes his spontaneous ideas into meaningful events that inspire change.

The things that light us up actually make an impact in the world, whether the impact is directly or indirectly connected to our efforts. Tune in to hear ways to:

- - Explore the thread of our True Stride through different aspects of life
  - Intentionally follow our heart
  - Break the norms and habits we grew accustomed to that no longer serve us

Join this inspiring community to uncover a new sense of freedom, and be sure to follow Ryan as he continues to spread his bright light and Heart Value with others.

In this episode:

[00:23] – Welcome to the show!

[02:05] – Mary Tess talks about her thoughts on the feedback from Striders as everyone pursues their own path.

[04:04] – Ryan Cwick says that making others smile is what lights him up.

[05:50] – What led to Ryan’s sudden move across the country, and how did this move alter his life?

[07:51] – Ryan talks about the influence a series of miscellaneous jobs had on his perspective of communication and growth.

[09:53] – This social media challenge inspired Ryan to explore the intersection of work, interests, and service to others.

[12:15] – Ryan thinks it’s imperative for people to break the norms they are accustomed to in everyday life.

[14:16] – Mary Tess and Ryan discuss how having time to pause gives people space to explore and seek new things.

[16:00] – What happens when life doesn’t go as planned? Mary Tess speaks on her own personal experience of life taking a turn from what she once envisioned and how she chose to recreate life.

[17:44] – Enjoy the present while still challenging the next level of the future.

[19:54] – In the future, Ryan says he is looking to be more involved with the nonprofit and solar industries.

[21:50] – Ryan recalls the funny reason his third give-back Venmo challenge almost didn’t happen.

[24:16] – This moment made Ryan realize how he could amplify his impact with intention.

[27:02] – Ryan says the Venmo challenge is not about the dollar amount, but the way the challenge can be a symbol of hope.

[28:57] – How many challenges did Ryan complete thus far?

[31:35] – Ryan says he began to focus on providing value to others as he understood himself more and more.

[33:19] – Mary Tess and Ryan discuss the balance of giving to others and giving to yourself.

[36:06] – Ryan shares his favorite aspects of Heart Value by Mary Tess, such as action steps for awareness.

[38:09] – Mary Tess emphasizes the change she noticed once she found ways to implement insights she learned. Ryan points out the trap of ruminating on “How to do it”.

[40:46] – Listen to Ryan reminisce about his “Forrest Gump” challenge to raise money and highlight exercise.

[43:24] – Where did the Forrest Gump part come into play for Ryan’s challenge?

[46:18] – Look around and seek those moments where you can help or give.

[48:51] – Where can you shock yourself to give yourself the freedom to explore?

[51:27] – Ryan says seeing others spreading love and kindness brings him joy.

[53:05] – Thank you for listening!

Memorable Quotes:

“When a stranger pays a kindness unexpectedly, there is something about that exchange of energy that charges you differently.” – Mary Tess
“Once I turned that corner of when I was shocked, and I opened my awareness to everything that I was doing, it really focused me on doing more for others.” – Ryan
“Not everything has to happen overnight. We set ourselves up for success so much more when we are kind to ourselves.” – Mary Tess
“You see the stuff you do everyday without thinking about it. It’s so ingrained in you, you can’t see it. When you do see it, that might be a great opportunity to shock yourself and start doing something different.” – Ryan

Links and Resources:

Ryan Cwick

LinkedIn | Instagram | TikTok

EP57: How to Drop into Your Heart with Joe Hawley

The key to shifting our energies, regardless of gender, is to honor our emotional and energetic vibrations so we evolve with our feelings (instead of ignoring or resisting them).

Joe Hawley, our guest for EP57’s Wise Walk, has inspired me for several years with his ability to follow his heart and stay open to the Universe’s signs and paths that call him. I even mentioned him in my book, HEART VALUE, because his brave example encouraged me during a time I needed it.

On the True Stride podcast, we take a Wise Walk to slow down and check our reality. True Stride is that feeling you get when you’re aligned in your heart with all that you do, and you feel energized and happy with each and every step that you take. I’m your host, Mary Tess Rooney, and I connect with Joe Hawley on this episode. You definitely want to listen!!

Joe Hawley brings value through his writing, speaking, coaching, and hosting the Quantum Coffee Podcast. He played Offensive Line in the NFL for 8 seasons with both the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Then in 2017, Joe walked away from football for a journey to self discovery. In 2020, he founded the Härt Collective, an online community and group coaching program for former athletes.

On our Wise Walk, Joe and I talk about releasing our “shoulds, ought-tos and what ifs,” and giving ourselves the “freedom to choose again.” We discuss how taking time for yourself nurtures you so that you have more to give this world.

Joe shares his insights and a tool to drop into your heart-center to gain awareness and support your nervous system. We share our thoughts on these questions and more:

- - What do you fear and how does that limit you?
  - Where in your life are you settling for less, and as a result, feeling resistance?
  - Do you have a growth mindset or a fixed mindset?

We also explore how situations from a young age can affect our nervous system development, which influences how we interact and interpret the world. Tune in to hear ways to:

- - Fully express and release energy
  - Identify unhealthy stored energy to prevent taking on other people’s experiences
  - Courageously move forward to meet the magical experiences ahead

Join this inspiring community to uncover a new sense of freedom, and be sure to follow Joe as he continues to spread his bright light and Heart Value with others.

In this episode:

[00:23] – Welcome to the show!

[03:18] – Joe Hawley gives the bullet points of his journey to self discovery after being a professional athlete.

[06:06] – How does the Härt Collective flip the script on the topic of men’s emotional health?

[07:58] – Joe discusses the early development of the nervous system influencing how people interact and interpret the world.

[10:42] – Instead of externalizing our experience, drop-in by being in awareness through stillness.

[12:19] – Follow along as we slowly bring awareness into this present moment. PART 1: Happy Place.

[14:57] – Follow along as we slowly bring awareness into this present moment. PART 2: Facing Fear.

[16:43] – Joe says society would benefit from feeling more into the nervous system and developing tools to manage life in real time.

[19:00] – Feel from a place of abundance.

[21:38] – If you take time for yourself, you have more to give the world.

[24:20] – Notice what stories you are telling yourself, and notice the feelings around those stories.

[26:54] – When it comes to your comfort zone, it can slowly suffocate you. What does Joe suggest for expanding the comfort zone?

[28:52] – Joe talks about learning to reframe, lean-in more, and connect to somatic experiences.

[31:21] – Humans have an ability to choose how to perceive an experience. How can we become an observer?

[34:02] – Joe talks about not taking on other people’s experiences, and Mary Tess explores the mindfulness of lovingly releasing energy that’s not needed.

[36:34] – Joe encourages people to reflect on the “should” and “shouldn’t” labels they place in their life.

[38:30] – Joe shares a personal story of addressing his true internal feelings after settling for less.

[40:58] – Mary Tess and Joe discuss the calmer understanding of impermanence and a sense of urgency.

[43:34] – Mary Tess and Joe explain going through the risks and gaining the benefits that come from Expansion Experiences.

[46:08] – Joe reflects on how his family dynamics played into his romantic relationships.

[48:58] – What was the realization Joe gathered from his last romantic relationship?

[50:52] – Mary Tess discusses finding energetic equals as people progress through life.

[53:37] – Joe expresses his thoughts on the continual process of forging a path to new experiences.

[56:07] – Joe creates space for people to drop into their hearts and share their experiences.

[57:33] – Thank you for listening!

Memorable Quotes:

“It takes deep work to heal past experiences that activate your nervous system in these unconscious ways. We all have our experiences of life that shape the lens in which we view reality.” – Joe
“We know when we’re in our Stride, and we know when we’re not. So, how do we more consciously and intentionally appreciate those moments of True Stride and try to replicate them?” – Mary Tess
“Impermanence is the only absolute truth I found in this life.” – Joe
“I don’t believe anything is a failure. I believe it is designed to help us expand, and the added benefit of that on an emotional level is that when you encounter those moments of challenge, stress, or impact, you know that you want more for yourself.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

Joe Hawley

LinkedIn | Instagram

EP56: What’s Possible in One Year with Leigh Farrow

What daily habits elevate your Joy Frequency? How can you cultivate authentic joy? The truth is that you have the freedom to choose, the freedom to choose again, and the power to connect with others in a circle of trust. Now is a good moment for a Wise Walk.

On the True Stride podcast, we take a Wise Walk to slow down and check our reality. True Stride is that feeling you get when you’re aligned in your heart with all that you do, and you feel energized and happy with each and every step that you take. I’m your host, Mary Tess Rooney, and I connect with Leigh Farrow on our Wise Walk for this guest episode.

Leigh Farrow contributes to the world with a leadership career spanning multibillion-dollar corporations in the media, advertising, and Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) industries. Her experiences enable her to empower those around her with her writing and Animated Wisdom speaker series. Leigh is a super special guest that was here a year ago for episode 18 when launching her book “Leadership Nuts”. On our Wise Walk, Leigh and I share our thoughts on these questions and more:

- - Are you investing in your Value Vault?
  - Are you voicing your value, and how is that supporting you in your day-to-day activities?
  - Are you prioritizing fun in your day-to-day activities and elevating your Joy Frequency?
  - Are you supporting yourself with a circle of trust that can nourish and encourage you?
  - What’s the energy that you are transferring and receiving throughout your experiences that influence your heart-aligned actions?

Leigh and I both resonate with the journey of publishing a book. Regardless of any challenges, we can celebrate the perseverance and vulnerability of completing a project. We found community in each other as we faced a similar journey. What lights you up is not always a lifelong commitment, but a period to continue to own your story, choices, and intentions. How are you choosing to voice your value?

Take a Wise Walk with us to uncover a new sense of freedom and explore what it looks like to move forward within an inspiring community.

In this episode:

[00:23] – Welcome to the show!

[01:55] – Leigh talks about the parallels between Mary Tess’ creative story and her own journey.

[04:07] – Leigh shares about the 100-day project of a mosaic brick wall to get into a creative flow.

[06:01] – Regardless of any challenges, Mary Tess and Leigh can celebrate the perseverance and vulnerability of completing a project.

[08:45] – Leigh talks about how she connects to the idea of “voicing your value”.

[11:32] – Listen to Mary Tess explain why there is an emotional connection to “voicing your value”.

[14:08] – Learning to voice your value means you reclaim your power and cultivate a circle of trust.

[16:30] – Mary Tess and Leigh discuss why the Sun is a poetic example of trust. How can you tell if a relationship belongs in your circle of trust?

[18:37] – People have more freedom to choose than they realize. Mary candidly speaks about choosing to hold onto her intentions when navigating her author journey.

[20:12] – Mary Tess and Leigh tell personal stories of moments where they decide to “choose again” in the face of resistance.

[21:43] – How can you intentionally choose habits to elevate your Joy Frequency?

[24:42] – Mary Tess and Leigh discuss how to approach decisions around living an intentional life.

[27:11] – Are you mindful of the energy you bring to each step of your True Stride?

[29:26] – Despite the good intentions of others, remember to celebrate success on your own terms.

[32:02] – Make informed choices that are authentic and watch them unfold. Listen to Leigh explain the power of documenting your intentions.

[34:21] – Mary Tess shares time spent on creating a vision board for her book to illustrate her intentions.

[37:12] – Mary Tess talks about how Striders and guests fuel and inspire her growth as everyone walks on this adventure together.

[39:51] – Leigh describes how her book “Leadership Nuts” can benefit Striders, such as the 52 different topics that readers can leverage.

[43:47] – Mary Tess comments that “Leadership Nuts” can also be helpful with having a playful approach to fun and tough conversations.

[46:02] – Mary talks about Strider’s language and creating community around words to express our journey.

[47:48] – Join the book club experience! Mary dives into how the book club will give a more intimate experience.

[50:38] – Thank you for listening!

Memorable Quotes:

“When you honor your value, you approach life with such a different lens.” – Leigh
“I know that everybody goes about it differently; and there’s nothing wrong with anyone else’s strategies, or plans, or visions, but I do think it’s important for us to define success on our own terms. Honor it and see how it plays out” – Mary Tess
“It’s so important to hold fast to what you see as your vision and to not let people deter you from it. You allow for input and you allow for commentary, but at some point, you also hold your hand up and say, ‘Okay. That was enough. I’ve got this. I feel good about this. I own whatever happens. It’s mine.’” – Leigh
“Take heart-aligned action.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

Leigh Farrow

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EP55: Ways to Herd Up and Face Your Storm with Tim Douglas

From the earliest signs of civilization, nature is observed and used as analogies to teach life lessons. A popular example is the analogy to the “storms” of life. Do you find yourself in the midst of a storm? How do you face your storms? Now is a good moment for a Wise Walk.

On the True Stride podcast, we take a Wise Walk to slow down and check our reality. True Stride is that feeling you get when you’re aligned in your heart with all that you do, and you feel energized and happy with each and every step that you take. I’m your host, Mary Tess Rooney, and I connect with Tim Douglas on our Wise Walk for this guest episode.

Tim Douglas talks about finding the inspired way, which shares the same name as his podcast The Inspired Way. Tim comes from a background in civil engineering. After 30+ years in the field, a mentor recognized he had excellent people skills and suggested he work with people instead. Tim took that opportunity to shift his efforts to more people-centric work. On our Wise Walk, Tim and I share our thoughts on these questions and more:

- - What did you learn from your toughest storm?
  - Are you coming from a perspective of accountability or victim?
  - How to channel the impact within ourselves?
  - What experiences in your life do you view as a failure that actually are an investment in your Value Vault?

Tim helps everyone assess what it means to face your storms and face yourself. A key step in facing any storm is having clarity about how you want to show up in the world. Mary Tess and Tim discuss why your collection of life experiences ultimately serve as an addition to your Value Vault by becoming knowledge equity.

Take a Wise Walk with us to uncover a new sense of freedom and explore what it looks like to move forward within an inspiring community.

In this episode:

[00:23] – Welcome to the show!

[02:40] – Tim Douglas shares reflections on his career transitions, even after 30+ years in a specific industry.

[05:29] – Tim describes the inspiration for the analogy that he uses in how he helps his clients face challenges.

[08:08] – Face your storms, so you can look back and appreciate that time in a new light. Tim shares a time where he faced his own storm in acceptance, despite feeling fear.

[10:22] – Listen to Tim explain a method to gain clarity on deciding how to show up in the world.

[12:30] – Mary Tess talks about using wonderment to shift tense team meetings into positive outcomes and finding common ground.

[14:32] – Tim poses the question: How do you want the world to treat you when you’re in their presence?

[16:36] – Take time to wonder what lesson you can take from your storms.

[19:30] – Tim talks about how our experience is influenced by the three parts of the soul. He speaks from his own reflections of a situation in the past.

[21:38] – It can be easy to walk away from a storm, but is walking away worth it?

[23:19] – Mary Tess shares why the collection of experiences ultimately serve as an addition to your Value Vault. Are you coming from a perspective of accountability or victim?

[25:50] – Empathy is about putting yourself in the path of another person’s story.

[27:49] – How does the story of empathy change when you identify as an empath? Mary Tess talks about maintaining energetic boundaries.

[29:34] – Tim expresses his thoughts about being observant of the energy around you and when to comment on an energy shift.

[32:45] – If we all took the time to lead with our heart instead of lead with our head, then we would have very different emotional conversations. [The emotions that may appear on the surface aren’t always the full story.]

[34:45] – Here are the questions Tim encourages you to ask yourself to really lock in the crucial lessons of this conversation.

[37:38] – If you have a habit you are trying to change, Tim advises that you try this internal hack.

[40:03] – Thank you for listening!

Memorable Quotes:

“If we all took the time to lead with our heart instead of lead with our head, then we would have very different emotional conversations or we would show up differently.” – Mary Tess
“The more that we do difficult things. The easier they will become.” – Tim

Links and Resources: