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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If you feel disconnected from your heart’s calling or confused about what lights you up, I have a valuable gift for you!
EP199: Keeping Cool
I hope that wherever you are, you’re listening to this episode in a cool, calm, and supportive environment. I wish that for you because here in St. Augustine, Florida, we’ve been dealing with some crazy heat lately. It’s not your typical hot Florida sun—it’s that humid air that feels dense and almost hard to breathe.
Over the past few nights, things have taken it up a notch. I’m dog-sitting for my sister, so my two pups and I moved into her home to watch her dog. When her AC went out, the situation became downright oppressive. As I manage this in various ways, I thought, what better opportunity for you and me to go on a wise walk together?
Let’s slow down, check our reality, and reflect on how we stay cool, calm, and collected when we’re under pressure or feeling the heat.
So, the questions on my mind are: When you find yourself in a pressure cooker situation, what ways do you embrace to chill out and feel grounded and centered, even if you can feel the heat coming towards you?
What’s a situation you’ve recently experienced where you’ve noticed different qualities or responses in how you handle heat? And what are some things you want to do to manage it better in the future?
In this episode we’ll reflect on stress management strategies and consider how they can improve our reactions in future high-pressure scenarios.
We’ll underscore the importance of finding balance, staying centered, and approaching life’s pressure cooker moments with a cool, collected demeanor.
These wise walk questions can help guide you through reflecting on and improving your responses to high-pressure situations, ensuring you maintain calmness, empathy, and composure.
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- When you find yourself in a pressure cooker situation what ways do you embrace in order to chill out?
- What’s a situation you’ve recently experienced where you’ve noticed different responses to how you handle heat?
- What are things you want to do in order to manage high-pressure situations better?
- When was the last time you got hot and bothered by a situation in your life?
- How did you respond?
- Are you proud of how you handled the situation or are there opportunities to shift your energy?
- What situation are you grappling with right now that has you triggered?
- Can you identify the trigger and choose to approach it in a more compassionate and supportive way?
- When are we making decisions in our life from a hot and bothered standpoint?
- When are we making decisions from the cool, calm and collected energy?
- Can we be intentional about how we’re moving through our day?
- Are we realizing that our normal tendency to react may not serve us and instead go into a place of stillness?
- What are the different ways you find your center?
- Can you express yourself and create space from the heat?
- How do you speak your truth and get the results that you want in a kind, cool and compassionate way?
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:
[04:54] – Mary Tess talks about how she was able to catch herself and realize she was creating her own stress when seated next to a sick person on a plane.
[08:32] – When the breaker went out, Mary Tess tried to find a calm way to solve the problem.
[09:51] – One of the ways she was managing the heat was by finding her center and being still.
[10:43] – The polar opposites of hot and bothered and cool, calm and collected.
[13:31] – Mary Tess talks about being a people pleaser and letting things slide, she now isn’t afraid to speak up and correct someone.
[16:22] – How do you speak your truth and get the results that you want in a kind cool and compassionate way?
Memorable Quotes:
- “At the end of the day, I always want to try and be kind even when I can feel the heat or the pressure on.” – Mary Tess
- “We have the ability to help create the environment that our bodies, mind, and heart needs. Even if we’re in a pressure cooker situation.” – Mary Tess
- “I love it when you can approach any tough, hot situation with a cool, calm and collected truth settling response.” – Mary Tess
Links and Resources:
EP198: Sending Blessings & Intentions
Even when we’re met with a crossroad, life around us continues. It’s up to you to honor the transition you’re facing. This episode talks about sending blessings and intentions while moving forward in life.
I have some loved ones that are in a period of transition. Some of them are selling homes and looking towards new homes, which can be a little stressful. In my own experience, I’ve bought four homes and sold three. Each time felt different, but what stayed the same is this idea of releasing the old before moving into our new dream.
I’m here to spend quality solo time with you for EP198’s Wise Walk as we discover our True Stride. The process of transition and reinventing ourselves has brought up different things for me since I also feel I’m at a juncture of big transitions. I’m letting go of what once was and moving forward with a new version of myself, which I’ll share more about in a future episode. For today, I’m talking about how I don’t want anyone to feel the stress or burden of feeling stuck when you’re ready to move on.
On our Wise Walk, we discuss sending blessings and intentions as we move into a new era. You can thrive in the process of your transition. Come with me as we reflect on these Wise Walk questions:
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- Wherever you are in this moment, are you living the dream that is near and dear to your heart?
- Is there a goal that you have your sights set on?
- Can you start calling in support for making your way towards that transition?
- What ceremonies can you integrate into your life to bless that future transition?
- Are there different ceremonies in your life that you’ve been introduced to that feels aligned to you?
- Will you explore other ceremonies or celebrations to bless your transitions and alignment?
Before you embark on a new journey, it’s important to send yourself off with a blessing and good intentions. This extra support helps you stay grounded when there are bumps or detours along the way.
Get prepared for your transition. Bless your path with these Wise Walk questions:
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- What is one blessing or intention that you want to set for yourself today?
- Where do you feel like you could use a little extra support?
- What can you incorporate into your routine to honor your intention?
- What blessing or intention do you want to set for someone you love?
- How can you express that energy to that someone you love?
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!
[01:09] – Mary Tess talks about making room for transitions.
[03:44] – Do you see a transition in your near future?
[05:52] – Mary Tess explains her method of calling upon saints and the Universe to support our dreams and needs.
[08:51] – Which ceremonies feel aligned for you?
[11:14] – Bring playful practices into your transition.
[13:53] – It feels amazing to have support.
[15:19] – Thank you for listening!
Memorable Quotes:
- “Look at what you can do and look at the different ways you can feel empowered when you feel a bit more supported.” – Mary Tess
Links and Resources:
EP197: Reform Perfectionism
If we’re not careful, perfectionism can slow us down and bury our potential. There has to be an easier way. This episode talks about how you can reform perfectionism.
I completely love reading something, whether it’s an article, book, or social media post, and it strikes a chord as I’m reading. For example, I have a friend who has a history of struggling with her weight and body image. She posted on social media her revelation of finally accepting her fuller physique, including brave pictures of herself in all her glory. It’s inspiring.
I’m here to spend quality solo time with you for EP197’s Wise Walk as we discover our True Stride. My friend’s post struck a chord with me when I think about my relationship with being a perfectionist. It was useful sometimes and draining during other times. At each phase of our life, we can appreciate the capabilities and the abilities available to us at the time. Let’s celebrate our current capacity.
On our Wise Walk, we discuss how you can reform perfectionism. You can find a more flexible approach to achieving your True Stride. Come with me as we reflect on these Wise Walk questions:
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- Where in your life are you holding yourself to a high, unattainable standard?
- Where can you release that tension?
- Where in your life are you being critical because you’re comparing yourself to others?
- Where can you let that comparison go?
Give yourself the grace and space to set a new standard that honors your current capacity. Imagine how much better you’ll feel and more you’ll get done when you let go of your rigid and unattainable standards.
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!
[02:33] – Striving for perfection sometimes ruins the magic within the fun.
[03:32] – “Not everything in life has to be perfect.”
[06:11] – Being happy with where and what you can get right now.
[09:04] – Thank you for listening!
Memorable Quotes:
- “Embrace our flaws, embrace our strengths, and everything in between.” – Mary Tess
Links and Resources:
EP196: Choose Your Response
What gets a reaction out of you? What kind of reaction does it get? Imagine how aligned your life would be if you were aware of when your reaction is taking you off course. This episode talks about encouraging you to choose your response.
I love the saying: “We make plans… and God laughs at us.” If you haven’t heard it before, it’s like a reality check. We make plans and then become flustered when we get hit with a curveball or detour. Meanwhile, God is laughing since there is a plan already in place taking us to where we need to go, and possibly somewhere much better than what we imagined.
I’m here to spend quality solo time with you for EP196’s Wise Walk as we discover our True Stride. Sometimes we expect our plans to go a certain way, and when it doesn’t, we get distracted by that difference. The moment we’re supposed to be enjoying gets overshadowed by holding onto that expectation. We have to step outside of that hold.
On our Wise Walk, we discuss the power of reframing your perspective and choosing how you respond. You have to ask yourself if you know how to go with the flow when nothing seems to be going as planned. Come with me as we reflect on these Wise Walk questions:
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- When your plans don’t go as planned, how do you choose to respond?
- How can you choose a response that supports your overall well being?
- When you think about the last time your plans got derailed, did you flow with that detour or fight to get things back on track?
- When you fought to get your plans back on track, how did that work out for you?
- Do you often feel that you need to fight for an outcome or are you able to be flexible for an outcome?
You might be in a situation where there’s not a way to avoid the detour. You could go kicking and screaming, or maybe you can learn to laugh along the way.
Make the most of each moment until you can consciously realign with your experience. Choose your response with these Wise Walk questions:
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- When something takes you off track, can you pause and see how that thing could be a blessing in its own way?
- What opportunity does that pause present you?
- How can you embrace the moment instead of fight it?
- What do you notice about how you’re choosing to respond?
- Where are you choosing to expend 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!
[01:11] – How can you choose a response that supports your overall well being?
[02:30] – Mary Tess talks about her experience making plans and navigating detours in her podcasts.
[04:46] – A surprise.
[06:32] – How can we make the most of whatever happens?
[08:03] – Life happens, and that’s okay. PART 1
[10:44] – Life happens, and that’s okay. PART 2
[13:02] – Where is your energy going?
[15:52] – Thank you for listening!
Memorable Quotes:
- “We have these expectations, and then when they’re not met to the degree we planned them, we take them personally.” – Mary Tess
- “We can choose to respond to what’s important and let go of the rest.” – Mary Tess
Links and Resources:
EP195: Vacation Re-creation
Life can be so repetitive. We find ourselves in routines that start to feel exhausting, robotic or soulless. If your life is feeling a bit draining lately, it might be a sign you need a vacation. This episode talks about taking breaks to recreate.
I remember the first marathon I trained for was a few years after I had foot surgery. At the time, I was still gaining confidence about running. I managed to get my mileage to 13 miles, but a marathon is 26.2 miles. That’s when I decided to visit a podiatrist (who I still see to this day) to help with my approach to this marathon goal.
I’m here to spend quality solo time with you for EP195’s Wise Walk as we discover our True Stride. He asked questions about my running routine. Turns out, my routine put a lot of strain on my body on one side. I realized I may need to take a break and switch up the routes and the routine.
On our Wise Walk, we discuss taking breaks to recreate. You have the ability to pause and shift the harmony of your world when you’re feeling off kilter. Come with me as we reflect on these Wise Walk questions:
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- What in your life feels like wear and tear on yourself?
- Where can you step outside your routine or work that’s draining you?
- How can you get excited about shifting your routine?
It only takes a moment to recenter. Once you slow down, you get a chance to recognize what’s starting to feel stressful and like a task. Then, you have the choice to put some space between you and the draining force.
Plan a much needed vacation for yourself so you can recharge. Find ways to renew your energy with these Wise Walk questions:
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- What in your life feels like work, but once gave you joy?
- How can you incorporate some recreation into your life and re-create joy?
- What vacation will support your best self?
- Which types of vacations will replenish you?
- How can you recharge and come back stronger than before?
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!
[02:44] – Re-create your harmony.
[04:09] – Mary Tess talks about learning to take a break and switch routines up.
[06:25] – A very needed vacation.
[08:13] – Where in our lives do we need a vacation?
[10:42] – Being supportive while also setting healthy boundaries.
[13:00] – Mary Tess talks about putting a pause on draining patterns.
[14:57] – Thank you for listening!
Memorable Quotes:
- “We have to figure out what that healthy boundary is so we can balance and harmonize our life in such a way that we support our highest and best self.” – Mary Tess
Links and Resources:
EP194: Release Your Flip Flop Patterns
Have you ever gotten so used to something that you forget it’s there? You may have habits in your life that come so naturally to you that you don’t give them a second thought. This episode talks about releasing your flip flop patterns.
I had such a lovely morning. I treated myself to a 90-minute massage with an exceptional massage therapist. She is someone that I’ve worked with for a while, so she knows my body well. One of the things that I love about working with her is how she isn’t afraid to tell me what she’s observing and what I can do to improve my overall physical health.
I’m here to spend quality solo time with you for EP194’s Wise Walk as we discover our True Stride. While leaving my massage session today, my therapist requested that I don’t put my shoes on immediately. They were flip flops specifically. The reason she didn’t want me to put them on is so she could show me the imbalanced footprint left in each flip flop. I wasn’t supporting myself properly as I walked and she didn’t want me to slip back into that habit once I put my shoes back on.
On our Wise Walk, we discuss releasing your flip flop patterns. We need to be present enough to take a step away from a situation so we can see the imbalances. Come with me as we reflect on these Wise Walk questions:
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- Where in your life do you want to feel supported?
- What are you willing to release in order to support yourself in that way?
- Are there areas in your life that are holding you back?
- Can you see them in the big picture and decide if you need to get rid of them?
You may need a break so you’re not unintentionally settling into a habit that’s well established but not good for you. Inside that break, you can make big changes and get away from patterns that loop you into bad habits.
Put some space between you and the habits that don’t support your best self. Be aware of your patterns with these Wise Walk questions:
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- What’s one area in your life where you feel misaligned?
- As you reflect on that misalignment, what choices keep you stuck in that habit?
- What could help you move past that habit?
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!
[02:23] – What are you doing to support your best self?
[04:48] – Is there something worth letting go to of so you have better support?
[06:34] – “We have to be aware of our patterns.” PART 1
[09:20] – “We have to be aware of our patterns.” PART 2
[11:45] – Mary Tess shares this lesson she learned about not forcing help on others.
[14:24] – Everyone is on their own journey.
[17:14] – Thank you for listening!
Memorable Quotes:
- “We have to be aware of our patterns.” – Mary Tess
Links and Resources:
Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram
EP193: Sacred Space & Time
Life moves so fast. It’s important to intentionally slow down and tap into a space that helps you find your way back to alignment. This episode talks about defining your sacred place and sacred time.
I mentioned on an earlier podcast that I’m studying shamanic reiki to become a master teacher through a year-long apprenticeship. I love learning different healing modalities to support myself and others in healing. What’s wonderful is that I am learning ways to self-discover, remember and heal since shamanic reiki is about using nature and sacred space to honor what we already intuitively know.
I’m here to spend quality solo time with you for EP193’s Wise Walk as we discover our True Stride. As I study shamanic reiki, I’m further reminded of ways to create space and time for the sacred connection we have with ourselves and this life. Discovering a place where you feel calm and grounded is such a gift and an empowering tool in navigating the world.
On our Wise Walk, we discuss finding sacred time for yourself and visiting your sacred place. When we’re able to be in alignment in these sacred moments and release tension, we can be more fully present. Come with me as we reflect on these Wise Walk questions:
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- As you live through your day, are you intentionally aware of your sacred space(s)?
- How do you incorporate them metaphorically or physically to support your overall well being?
- Is there a place that gives you an overwhelming sense of calm or peace?
- Can you appreciate that sacred place?
- If you don’t have a place in mind, can you imagine what your sacred place would look like?
Your imagination takes you to a place only you know. Trust your intuition. With it, you can find sacred time to ease into the nurturing energy of your sacred place.
Wander away to where your heart guides you. Take a moment for yourself with these Wise Walk questions:
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- What do you plan in your calendar for your sacred time?
- What do you put on the back burner for something else?
- Can you prioritize your needs so it’s not compromised?
- How can you set yourself up for successful sacred time?
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!
[01:47] – Is there a place that gives you an overwhelming sense of calm or peace?
[03:18] – Mary Tess talks about helping people discover what is already true within themselves. PART 1
[05:08] – Mary Tess talks about helping people discover what is already true within themselves. PART 2
[07:00] – Visit your sacred place so you can get back into alignment.
[08:43] – A journey to our sacred place.
[10:55] – Mary Tess talks about making sacred time for what’s important and refreshing for you.
[13:30] – Honor sacred time by teaming up with an accountability buddy or community.
[15:07] – Thank you for listening!
Memorable Quotes:
- “I felt safe. I felt at peace. I felt balanced.” – Mary Tess
Links and Resources:
EP192: Unapologetically YOU
Your life will constantly change and so will you. You’re not meant to stay the same. In your life, you’ll continue to evolve to your next version. This episode talks about being unapologetically YOU.
I was so thrilled to get feedback from a fellow Strider. One of our listeners sent me a message about a realization they had around how they’re living life and showing up for themselves. Thinking about it now, their message really warmed my heart since I could feel the care they spent in taking their Wise Walks and trying to figure out their True Stride.
I’m here to spend quality solo time with you for EP192’s Wise Walk as we discover our True Stride. This fellow Strider was inspired to be true to himself. All the way to the point of changing his mind. For example, he changed his Word for the Year. I thought we could all learn to be more unapologetic in our pursuit of our highest alignment.
On our Wise Walk, we discuss being unapologetically YOU. There are times where a change may seem intimidating, but the freedom on the other side of it is so worth it. Come with me as we reflect on these Wise Walk questions:
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- Are you noticing shifts in yourself and your life where you are being yourself?
- Are you noticing who and what supports you while being authentically you?
- Is anything creating resistance to your evolution as a person?
- Are you bold enough to embrace changes in your life?
- How does pursuing your authentic self make you feel?
Once you get a taste of stepping into your own power, you’ll always want to stay true to yourself. It’s important to have your own back!
Congratulate yourself on living unapologetically. Feel your way back to your true self with these Wise Walk questions:
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- Where do you currently find yourself apologizing for being you?
- Where can you release outside expectations and choose yourself unapologetically?
- Is there a new path that you can more authentically share?
- What will help you to continue to hone that skill?
- Where in life will you stop apologizing for choices that feel aligned 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!
[01:41] – How does pursuing your authentic self make you feel?
[02:39] – The road of evolving for your authentic self is not always smooth. Are you ready?
[05:15] – People can’t hold you back unless you let them.
[08:14] – Who is supportive or judgmental?
[10:35] – Let go of the old idea of yourself.
[12:48] – Mary Tess talks about her learnings in healing through energy and nature practices.
[15:31] – Thank you for listening!
Memorable Quotes:
- “That’s the beauty of life. We get to live life exactly as we are from moment to moment.” – Mary Tess
Links and Resources:
EP191: What Are You Over?
There are skills or qualities you have that you hold a special capacity to carry out. You know, those qualities and quirks you do really well. You’re almost so good at it that you end up overdoing it. This episode talks about taking a break from what we’re overdoing.
A friend and I were recently chuckling about our unique quirks. For my friend, one of his quirks is that he’s an overthinker and one of the areas that particular quirk isn’t helping him is dating. During our conversations, we came up with ways to work around our quirks. I suggested for my friend to tell his brilliant brain to go on break so he can feel his way forward when it comes to relationships. He agreed to try and the journey began.
I’m here to spend quality solo time with you for EP191’s Wise Walk as we discover our True Stride. I love that my friend and I could playfully address quirks. We recognize where those quirks give value to our life and where they don’t. More importantly, I love that we don’t shame ourselves for our quirks that we may overdo in some situations.
On our Wise Walk, we discuss taking a break from what we’re overdoing. A chance to step back from a quality or quirk may be the reset you need. Come with me as we reflect on these Wise Walk questions:
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- What are you “over”?
- What quality do you feel overspent in?
- Where can you give yourself a break?
- What steps are you willing to take in order to give yourself a break?
- What will free up once you put “overdoing” on a break?
- Can you appreciate the unintended benefits that show up in your life from that quality and from taking a break?
You are the CEO of your life. Offer yourself a sabbatical so you can stop overdoing things. It’s time to release the tension of overcompensating.
Give yourself a break from overdoing so you allow other things to come in your life that are unintentional benefits. Take a step back with these Wise Walk questions:
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- Is there someone in your life that you want to thank for how they take on overdoing things for the benefit of your relationship?
- Can you make sure they know that you noticed?
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!
[01:44] – What quality do you feel overinvested in?
[04:28] – Mary Tess is taking a break from overcommitting and over-planning.
[06:32] – What unintended benefits are showing up for you? PART 1
[09:01] – What unintended benefits are showing up for you? PART 2
[11:21] – What will you detox from?
[14:11] – Check if you’re actually overdoing things or if it’s a phase. Why is this important?
[16:48] – Thank you for listening!
Memorable Quotes:
- “Giving yourself a break from overdoing can allow other things to come in your life that are unintended benefits.” – Mary Tess
Links and Resources:
EP190: Train & Retain
As people, we love to see progress, but sometimes we don’t fully understand the consistent work involved to get the results we seek. Instead of keeping up with our progress, we can let detours set us back. This episode talks about ways to train intentionally so we retain our progress and results.
I had a light bulb moment this past week. It’s the kind of moment where you’re recapping your life to someone and they casually say something that deeply resonates. The moment from this past week came from talking with my physical therapist about my strength training and progress.
I’m here to spend quality solo time with you for EP190’s Wise Walk as we discover our True Stride. Exercise and training-wise, I was in a great groove. Then, I took time off and it set me back. I am usually very athletic without much effort, so the setback surprised me. Talking to my physical therapist helped me understand why I should prioritize consistent training at this time in my life to retain my progress.
On our Wise Walk, we discuss ways to train intentionally so we retain our progress and results. If we don’t make use of what we gained so far, it could start slipping away. Come with me as we reflect on these Wise Walk questions:
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- Is there something you’re trying to improve, strengthen, or train within yourself and your life?
- Are you being consistent in trying to improve?
- Are you getting the results you’re seeking?
- Have you seen yourself have ups and downs on the way to your results?
- What will you make a priority so you can retain the results that you seek?
Of course, it’s alright to take a break and rest. These things are important to our Ebb & Flow. The key point is to pick our rhythm back up so our progress doesn’t wither away.
Find ways to train and retain all the progress you’re making. Preserve your efforts with these Wise Walk questions:
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- Is there a container in your life that’s been muddied by negativity and can you switch the main energy to goodness?
- What are you willing to give up or prioritize to make sure you support your highest self?
- Are you willing to go the distance?
- What will you prioritize moving forward so you receive the result you seek over time?
- Are you willing to share your intentions with your support system?
- Will you use your training and progress so you don’t lose it?
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!
[04:03] – Are you training so you properly maintain your progress?
[07:01] – Seeing progress over time.
[09:40] – What are you willing to give up or prioritize to make sure you support your highest self?
[11:13] – Mary Tess talks about retraining her dogs. PART 1
[13:54] – Mary Tess talks about retraining her dogs. PART 2
[16:35] – Thank you for listening!
Memorable Quotes:
- “Sometimes we can’t see what’s happening under the surface.” – Mary Tess
Links and Resources:
Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram