Your value is an accrual of experiences! Embrace the good, the bad, the ugly and the downright complicated to awaken your joy!
– Mary Tess Rooney
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Free Resource: Feel-Choose-Act Amplifier
Heart Value Practice
If you feel disconnected from your heart’s calling or confused about what lights you up, I have a valuable gift for you!
EP166: Turkey Joys & Lessons
How do you handle new experiences? Sometimes people meet new experiences with curiosity and sometimes people meet new experiences with a bit of hesitation. In the big picture, new experiences show us a new side of life, and that can be exciting. This episode talks about my Turkey Joys & Lessons from trying new things this Thanksgiving.
Last week we got to celebrate Thanksgiving in the US and it was so much fun to gather with 12 of my family members in Sea Island, GA. This was a completely new experience for us for different reasons. In past years, we usually go to someone’s house. The host offers a beautiful setting, handles the turkey, and more. The rest of us contribute a dish, dessert, beverage, etc. for the gathering too. I was always the “Potato Master” cooking my mashed potatoes for our family feast. This year things were a bit different.
I’m here to spend quality solo time with you for EP166’s Wise Walk as we discover our True Stride. With my health consciousness in mind, I decided to buy and take on the turkey dish.
On our Wise Walk, I talk about embracing new experiences, whether as an individual or as a unit. We have to be present with the new things that we try. Come with me as we reflect on these Wise Walk questions:
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- Where in your life are you stepping outside of your comfort zone?
- Are you welcoming new experiences, whether it’s for yourself or in partnership with your loved ones?
- If you haven’t tried something new in a while, what’s holding you back?
- What’s something you’re curious about that you want to experience?
- Are you willing to be humble and curious so you can ask a lot of questions?
- While being open-minded, will you be intentional about deciding what information to accept and reject for your own experience?
Trying new experiences is how we learn and how we refine our True Stride. Whether we venture alone or with others, exploring new situations allows us to add Expansion Experiences to our Value Vault.
Let’s build a new awareness and new appreciation through new experiences. Welcome a new side of life with these Wise Walk questions:
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- What are the new areas of your life that you want to focus on?
- What are the things that are calling you right now?
- Are you willing to explore outside your comfort zone?
- Where in your life can you laugh and allow new experiences to show you new sides of life?
- Where can you fully embrace the joy of new experiences?
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!
[02:11] – Trying new things as a family.
[05:02] – Mary Tess talks about cooking turkey for her family and seeking tips beforehand.
[07:31] – The joys of new things.
[09:05] – “We have to be present with the new things that we try.”
[11:59] – What are the new areas of your life that you want to focus on?
[14:18] – Mary Tess recalls the lovely holiday time she spent with her family recently.
[16:05] – Thank you for listening!
Memorable Quotes:
- “We’re still kids at heart and trying new things is a part of us and part of where we want to go in life.” – Mary Tess
- “We have to be present with the new things that we try.” – Mary Tess
Links and Resources:
EP165: What Needs Healing?
Many times the different ways we experience and move through the world are connected. Our senses, our emotions, our energy, and more are all connected as we challenge life’s journey. When we get worn down on the way, how can we collectively heal all these parts of us? This episode talks about figuring out what needs healing.
On our previous episode, I shared that I’m scheduled to have surgery in mid-December. That decision feels aligned for me at this point, and part of that process involved organizing a trustworthy team to help me heal physically.
I’m here to spend quality solo time with you for EP165’s Wise Walk as we discover our True Stride. Working my muscles and my bodily health is important to me. This way my body can get back into flow; perhaps even better than before. With the idea of coming back better than ever in mind, I started to prepare for a healing journey that expands past the physical body.
On our Wise Walk, I talk about figuring out what needs healing. We’d be doing ourselves a disservice if we didn’t look at our overall well-being when healing. Come with me as we reflect on these Wise Walk questions:
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- Is there an area in your life, whether it’s emotional, energetic, physical, or spiritual, that you’re holding pain?
- Can you be honest with yourself?
Keep reminding yourself that you’re so much more than your physical body. You have an emotional body, a spiritual body, an energetic body, and so many other layers that make up who you are.
Fulfill the goal of being your best and highest self. Find a path towards healing with these Wise Walk questions:
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- If you’re clear about the area in life you need to focus on, how are you planning to take action?
- Are you asking for help and communicating with others so they can rally around you?
- How will you strengthen this area so you start off the New Year with new energy?
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!
[02:41] – Mary Tess talks about healing emotionally so it doesn’t ripple into her physical health.
[05:16] – “I am leading by example.”
[08:01] – How will you strengthen yourself so you can welcome new energy?
[10:11] – Thank you for listening!
Memorable Quotes:
- “When we see what’s possible for someone else, and they make an emphasis on an area in life that’s important to them, you can’t help but want to rally around them.” – Mary Tess
Links and Resources:
EP164: Relief, Regrets, or Gains
What is the true impact of a choice? When we’re convinced of the path we must take, do regrets and gains still hold their meaning? This episode talks about relief, regrets, or gains.
I was recently chatting with a friend who’s at a crossroad in life. He shared with me that he has a big career opportunity he has mixed emotions about. The opportunity gives him a chance to really make use of his skills, at the same time, he feels he’s already in a gig he likes. Now he’s asking himself if he should take the opportunity or stay on course where he is currently.
I’m here to spend quality solo time with you for EP164’s Wise Walk as we discover our True Stride. Each of us will come to many crossroads in our individual lives. Perhaps the most important thing we do at those crossroads is not about the decision we make, but the questions we ask. What we choose to ask ourselves and focus on ultimately influences our choice.
On our Wise Walk, I talk about how to weigh the relief, regrets, or gains of a choice. You’re the one who determines how much each result, benefit, or regret means to you. Come with me as we reflect on these Wise Walk questions:
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- What are some changes that have piqued your interest lately, but you’re grappling with “risk vs reward?”
- As you weigh your options, are you asking yourself which one you’d regret more?
- Are you clear about the benefits that a change would bring?
- Are you willing to see what’s possible to identify your options if you embrace change and a life of no regrets?
When you’re considering a change in your life, take time to reflect on what could give you the peace of mind to really do what you want to do. Does the change you’re considering result in relief?
Remember to consider the impact of your decisions in the short-term and long-term. Plan for relief in your life with these Wise Walk questions:
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- Will the change you’re considering result in the relief that you seek?
- What will you gain?
- Can you consider the benefits with an open mind?
- Can you give yourself the space and grace to process how you feel about your possible choice?
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!
[02:28] – What will you regret more?
[04:04] – Mary Tess recalls her “risk vs reward” moment when she left corporate America.
[06:27] – What will you gain?
[08:52] – Will the change you’re considering result in the relief that you seek?
[10:24] – Healing and moving forward.
[13:21] – Thank you for listening!
Memorable Quotes:
- “I’m glad that I have the clarity on my choice.” – Mary Tess
Links and Resources:
EP163: Shift with Seasons
All around us are signs of nature shedding the heat of summer to embrace the coolness of winter. Likewise, we’re also entering a new season in our own journey. This episode talks about how to shift with the seasons.
The very brisk weather has officially made its appearance here in Florida, and it’s easy to feel that the seasons have changed. We can witness the changes in how people dress or how the trees look. Personally, I was reminded about the shifting seasons and their meaning metaphorically (and literally) when I recently learned about a Celtic festival called Samhain.
I’m here to spend quality solo time with you for EP163’s Wise Walk as we discover our True Stride. Samhain is associated with death, and the festival honors this transition from saying goodbye to summer’s end and ushering in the winter months. I realize it’s very similar to the holiday events we have in fall that reference death, like Hollow’s Eve or Halloween. It’s a way of honoring the reality of death that’s making room for a new harvest.
On our Wise Walk, I talk about how to shift with the seasons. It’s time to allow yourself rest, so you can regain energy and take care of your current self. Come with me as we reflect on these Wise Walk questions:
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- What do the cycles of life mean to you?
- Can you step back and appreciate the cycles of life and death to honor the transition of life?
- Where can you express gratitude for the blessings during the summer and fall months?
- What do you need to let go of or shed in order to have peaceful and restful winter months?
Maybe some things are not part of the next season of life. Give yourself the ability to be in rhythm with nature and what you currently need.
Honor what you need to get you through the long winter months. Enter this time of rest and preparation with these Wise Walk questions:
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- What are you doing to prepare yourself and your surroundings for the upcoming winter months?
- How do you feel in this current season and do you feel like you need to rest more?
- What does rest look like for you and how will you embody that?
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!
[01:27] – We’re entering a season of rest.
[04:00] – Mary Tess says she often wishes she was a farmer. What’s the reason?
[06:26] – A natural death to things that no longer serve you.
[09:10] – Rest is followed by thriving.
[11:48] – Thank you for listening!
Memorable Quotes:
- “We’re allowing the prior seasons to die in certain ways so that we can release all of the things that don’t serve us.” – Mary Tess
Links and Resources:
EP162: Rites of Passage
Have you ever made a promise to change your life? Sometimes that promise takes us on a journey where we’ll come out better on the other side. This episode talks about rites of passage.
I’m super excited because next week I get to gather with my family to celebrate my nephew Finnigan’s Confirmation. It’s a religious and social milestone; similar to events like a bat/bar mitzvahs or quinceaneras. The occasion is a chance to fully commit to being in a community and belonging to something bigger.
I’m here to spend quality solo time with you for EP162’s Wise Walk as we discover our True Stride. One of the cool aspects of a public commitment is doing it in a setting where you feel supported. Anytime we’re going through a rite of passage or say “Yes” to a commitment, there may be challenges. Connecting with others during this time can really give us the strength to show up for ourselves.
On our Wise Walk, I talk about the meaningful life milestones, like rites of passage. Everyone gets to witness and honor the ability to say “Yes” to your rite of passage. Come with me as we reflect on these Wise Walk questions:
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- What stage of life are you currently in?
- Where do you have an opportunity to express a commitment publicly?
- What choices are you currently making in life that deserve that public commitment?
- Can you take time to celebrate your public commitments?
As you go through different rites of passage, you’ll unlock experiences that open new versions of what it means to show up for yourself.
Own the phase of life or transition you are in. Shine light on your rite of passage with these Wise Walk questions:
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- What is one thing that you’re working on and really proud of?
- Who do you want to be surrounded by as you explore your rite of passage?
- As you go on your rite of passage, is there an example you can pull inspiration from for guidance?
- How will you act on the inspiration you gain from the example?
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!
[02:36] – What stage of life are you currently in?
[04:03] – Mary Tess recalls rites of passage she experienced while growing up in a Catholic community.
[06:58] – What are you working on?
[09:14] – What is one thing that you’re working on and really proud of? PART 1
[11:10] – What is one thing that you’re working on and really proud of? PART 2
[13:06] – Following inspiration.
[14:36] – Thank you for listening!
Memorable Quotes:
- “We all want to feel belonging.” – Mary Tess
Links and Resources:
EP161: Process Decisions from Your Heart
Life’s horizon holds many new chapters. It’s not always easy to choose which path we’ll follow, but we can evaluate our options so that we feel more aligned. This episode talks about how to process decisions from your heart.
We all have those moments in life where we can feel or sense a big decision is brewing. We feel out of alignment somehow or we’re noticing signs and signals that a change is coming. It’s up to us to decide which way the change takes us, but ultimately, we know when we see a crossroad on the horizon. I have one coming up that I want to talk with you about.
I’m here to spend quality solo time with you for EP161’s Wise Walk as we discover our True Stride. Over the past year, I’ve been focused on healing a recurring illness naturally, while the doctors highly recommend surgery. Since they raised some good points, and I never want to make a decision in crisis mode, I’ve visited multiple doctors to gather information. I’m prioritizing my intention to make decisions from a more peaceful state of mind.
On our Wise Walk, I talk about how to process decisions from your heart. Whatever big change is brewing, let’s slow down to really engage where your heart is leading you. Come with me as we reflect on these Wise Walk questions:
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- What change is brewing?
- What’s calling you to pay attention and reevaluate options?
- What is your decision-making process?
- What life goals can help you balance your decisions and your priorities?
- Do you stand behind the decisions you make?
- Are you open to seeking and encouraging a support system for your decision?
All the energy you’re putting into embracing the change that’s coming towards you could set the tone for the next part of your journey.
Be proud of your heartfelt decisions and be ready for what you may need to support them. Honor your decisions with these Wise Walk questions:
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- Are you crystal clear on your life goals?
- Are you exploring all your options to achieve your goals and the realistic requirements that may get you there?
- Can you take yourself on a Wise Walk to find the top decisions you need to make?
- Will you be proud of your decisions and recruit the support and resources to set yourself up for success?
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!
[01:57] – Is a change brewing in your life?
[05:00] – “Let’s get everything out on the table.”
[07:24] – Mary Tess talks about weighing your options when exploring which decisions to make.
[09:48] – What’s the practical side of decision making for you?
[12:20] – Mary Tess refers to her life goals and how they’ve guided her decisions this year. PART 1
[14:17] – Mary Tess reflects on her life goals and how they’ve guided her decisions this year. PART 2
[16:52] – How can you manage decisions when there may be stress around?
[19:49] – What support will give you the best shot at your decision?
[22:48] – Thank you for listening!
Memorable Quotes:
- “I love the fact that I’m taking the time to do my own due diligence, and I’m doing this when I’m not in a crisis.” – Mary Tess
Links and Resources:
EP160: Partners in Growth
Some things cannot be replicated or faked; like the supportive bond we have within the Striders community. While on our individual journeys we still wish each other well and support one another when we have the capacity. This episode talks about being partners in growth.
There are so many things that I have grown to cherish about our time together. Each and every Thursday, we go on these Wise Walks, reflect, take time for ourselves, slow down, and check our reality. Then every once in a while, I also have the benefit of hearing from YOU. It’s usually an email, DM, or phone call that opens these magical conversations that happen after an episode airs.
I’m here to spend quality solo time with you for EP160’s Wise Walk as we discover our True Stride. What continues to delight and surprise me is that your comments, suggestions, “aha” moments, and reflections are always from the heart. It’s always meaningful to me because your perspective just gives back that awareness and growth on whatever we discussed for that episode.
On our Wise Walk, I talk about recognizing each other as partners in growth. I’m grateful to you for being vulnerable and sharing what came up for you during our Wise Walks. Come with me as we reflect on these Wise Walk questions:
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- What type of growth are you seeking right now for yourself?
- What ways can you honor the growth that you seek in this present moment?
- If you don’t know what growth you’re seeking, can you think about what has changed or evolved for you as we’ve gone on our Wise Walks with fellow Striders?
- Where has your evolution of growth brought you to?
- Do you have a vision of what kind of growth you seek for your future?
- How can you be intentional about honoring and supporting your growth?
Let’s continue to hold a sacred space for each other where we can ask important questions. It allows us to be present with ourselves and see what honest answers come up.
I truly cherish you, my fellow Strider, as a partner in growth. Move towards growth with these Wise Walk questions:
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- Who are your partners in growth?
- Who are the people that are rallying around you as you step outside your comfort zone?
- Are you being present with your growth partners in the ups, downs, and everything in between?
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!
[02:05] – Mary Tess talks about becoming more transparent while recording the podcast.
[04:12] – Partners in Growth.
[06:16] – Do you have a vision of what kind of growth you seek for your future?
[08:57] – What growth muscle is Mary Tess exercising these days? PART 1
[10:23] – What growth muscle is Mary Tess exercising these days? PART 2
[12:22] – Embracing a growth mindset.
[14:22] – Thank you for listening!
Memorable Quotes:
- “Your vulnerability helped me with my growth.” – Mary Tess
Links and Resources:
EP159: Detour Worthy
Naturally, you could feel that having a direct path to your goals would be nice, but what about the times it’s not? Most people don’t mind taking the long way if it means fulfilling the end goal. Is there a goal in your life that’s worth a longer journey? This episode talks about finding what’s detour worthy.
Good news: I’m home from the hospital! There were a couple rough days. I encountered a few challenges where I needed to self-advocate in the middle of trying to focus on recovering. We may go on a Wise Walk about that topic later, but what’s on my mind today is the power of detours when we choose to take them.
I’m here to spend quality solo time with you for EP159’s Wise Walk as we discover our True Stride. Choosing a detour could be the best option for you when you realize it supports your overall well-being. There really are times where a detour is what you need, so the actual concern is about knowing which detours are worthy versus the detours you can ignore.
On our Wise Walk, I talk about figuring out what experiences and which relationships are detour worthy. It depends on what you define as worthy and weighing the effort you think you can handle. Come with me as we reflect on these Wise Walk questions:
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- What detours in your life are you choosing to take?
- What detours support your overall goals?
- Are you aware of those detour worthy moments in your life?
- Do you make time for the experiences that light you up?
- Can you plan a new experience that’s important and supportive for you?
Striders, you are detour worthy as far as I’m concerned.
It’s okay to explore the more scenic or more supportive detour of your overall journey. Choose your detour worthy route with these Wise Walk questions:
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- Who are the people in your life that are detour worthy?
- If you need support, can you be honest and ask for help?
- Can you embrace who is willing to show up for you?
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!
[02:45] – Mary Tess shares how she determines what’s detour worthy in her life.
[05:34] – Do you make time for the experiences that light you up?
[07:47] – Mary Tess recalls this funny habit of spontaneous detours with her mom.
[10:40] – Are there people in your life that are detour worthy?
[12:29] – “I am detour worthy.”
[15:28] – “In every crisis, there is the opportunity to grow together.”
[17:12] – Thank you for listening!
Memorable Quotes:
- “In every crisis, there is the opportunity to grow together.” – Mary Tess
Links and Resources:
EP158: Surrender & Receive
You can have a lot more help if you’re ready to ask for it. You’d be surprised how willing people are to show up for you. This episode talks about learning to surrender and receive.
In full transparency, I think this episode might be a little different. Tomorrow morning I am going to be admitted to the hospital. It took me some time to surrender to the idea of being admitted for 4-5 days, and I want to share how empowering a sense of surrender can be for our True Stride.
I’m here to spend quality solo time with you for EP158’s Wise Walk as we discover our True Stride. When speaking with the doctor, most of my thoughts were on managing the responsibilities and commitments in my life, like my pups and Striders. However, I reached out for support and people are showing up wonderfully. I’m going to the hospital with peace of mind knowing that I’m prioritizing my health and will show up much stronger for these relationships.
On our Wise Walk, I talk about allowing surrender and being open to receiving support. Sometimes we overthink situations, and removing obstacles that hold us back can help us fully surrender. Come with me as we reflect on these Wise Walk questions:
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- What do we need to surrender in order to be fully present?
- What’s holding us back from dealing with our #1 priority?
- What opportunities are available to us once we surrender?
- Is there a big decision in your life that you are grappling with right now, and do you feel resistance?
- Is the resistance physical or emotional?
- What is the resistance about?
- Is it an obstacle you can accept or make peace with?
- Can you notice what becomes available when you address that obstacle?
Find ways to stay open for what flows to and through you from surrender. This allows you to gain a wealth of resources and move forward with an open heart.
Be vulnerable enough to seek new solutions. Empower your surrender with these Wise Walk questions:
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- Are there areas in your life where you’re leaning into your ego or not asking for help?
- Can you surrender your ego?
- Where in your life is there an opportunity for you to ask for help?
- As you ask for help, can you be open to how people are able to show up?
- Where in life can you benefit from expert help?
- Are you open to expert help?
- Can you see this surrender as an investment in 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!
[02:43] – What’s holding us back from dealing with our #1 priority?
[05:17] – Mary Tess shares how her community is stepping up as she prepares for the hospital.
[08:02] – Surrender the part of you that doesn’t like to ask for help. PART 1
[10:32] – Surrender the part of you that doesn’t like to ask for help. PART 2
[12:56] – Be open and inquisitive in communicating your needs and letting people show up for you.
[15:18] – Are you open to expert help?
[16:59] – Thank you for listening!
Memorable Quotes:
- “All of us need help from time to time.” – Mary Tess
Links and Resources:
EP157: Embrace Your Anomalies
No two people are the same, so of course, our traits and experiences are slightly different from each other too. What makes this interesting is that we all have something that makes us rare. This episode talks about embracing your anomalies.
In 1998, I was living in California, training for an Alaska Anchorage marathon. My physical fitness was in top shape at the time. I had just finished a 20-mile long training run from San Francisco to Tiburon. I was actively playing soccer while training with the Leukemia Society’s marathon TNT team. My Leukemia Society coaches warned me to stop playing soccer, but I didn’t listen to their advice. Not long after, I experienced an injury that was a super rare fracture.
I’m here to spend quality solo time with you for EP157’s Wise Walk as we discover our True Stride. I had to go to multiple doctors to have a few opinions. Turns out the fracture was so rare that many medical professionals had zero experience with this type of injury. Luckily, I found one doctor who had one isolated case. I’m happy it turned out well, and actually, it reminded me that this doctor and I are people who share this unique one in a million experience.
On our Wise Walk, I talk about embracing your anomalies. We all have rare experiences in one form or another that shape what we consider to be our own normal. Come with me as we reflect on these Wise Walk questions:
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- Where in your life are you unique and can see the beauty of it?
- Do you have rare behaviors or habits?
- Can you own your extraordinary anomaly?
- As you look at your unique traits, do you know the baseline for your specific experience?
- Can you get more clarity around your norms?
- Can you accept your norm and gather the support you need?
Always feeling like an outlier can be uncomfortable until you learn the importance of defining and communicating your norm.
Recognize your own unique experiences to create your own baseline. Embrace your uniqueness with these Wise Walk questions:
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- How can you shift to a better norm if you don’t feel your best?
- Where in your life are you defying what’s considered “normal” by most standards?
- Do you take time to appreciate or honor the anomalies in your life?
- Can you be supportive of other people’s unique traits?
- Can you encourage others to step into their rare experiences?
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!
[03:18] – Do you have rare behaviors or habits?
[05:50] – Mary Tess talks about the importance of defining and communicating YOUR norm.
[08:03] – Can you get more clarity around your norms?
[09:40] – Mary Tess talks about finding what works for you.
[11:40] – “Wow, I didn’t know that was possible.”
[14:31] – Thank you for listening!
Memorable Quotes:
- “Each of us is unique in so many ways.” – Mary Tess
Links and Resources: