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!
EP172: Receive What We Need
Your intentions are a beacon of light signaling what you need and what you can give. Through that light, you attract and offer support as you cross paths with other people. This episode talks about receiving what we need.
I just had my 3-week post operative check in with the doctor. The team is pleased and optimistic about my overall healing and results so far. That made me feel really good. The check in was also an opportunity for me to have a good, healthy dialogue with the doctors since my healing path had ups and downs recently.
I’m here to spend quality solo time with you for EP172’s Wise Walk as we discover our True Stride. Unfortunately, my family experienced a crisis over the holidays, which caused me to be on high alert. On one hand, I was clear and on top of things for this crisis situation. On the other hand, it took my focus away from my healing during that time. My nervous system was busy with the cortisol spike of dealing with a family emergency.
On our Wise Walk, I talk about being open to receive what we need. Our nervous system is important. We need to know how to self-regulate and recover so we focus more on what supports us. Come with me as we reflect on these Wise Walk questions:
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- Where in your life do you feel like you need extra support?
- Do you feel your resources have shifted, and if so, do you want to shift them back?
- When you notice the direction of your resources and priorities, what feelings surface for you?
- What help do you want to ask for?
- Who can you ask for help?
- How will you set yourself up for success in order to be your best self?
You never know how your needs will be met, who you may meet to support your needs, or how you may be the support of someone else’s needs.
Be more aware of your needs and the infinite ways that support can show up. Stay open to possibilities with these Wise Walk questions:
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- What messages are you sending out into the Universe, and are you calling in what you need most?
- Which people have unexpectedly popped into your life to aid in giving you that support?
- How are you showing up to be a beacon of light for what you need?
- Can you picture the ideal scenario of the ideal person you’d like to attract?
- Can you imagine the ways in which they’ll support your healing?
- How can you get even more crystal clear about the needs you seek?
- Can you pay attention to moments where you can support someone else’s needs?
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!
[02:24] – Mary Tess talks about refocusing on her healing after dealing with a crisis.
[05:08] – Where in your life do you feel like you need extra support?
[06:01] – Everything is working out.
[09:02] – Mary Tess talks about receiving confirmation and synchronicities of what we need.
[10:22] – “We attract what we seek.”
[12:57] – Exchange mutual inspiration and support for each other.
[15:21] – Thank you for listening!
Memorable Quotes:
- “If you put out this beacon of light, you’re going to attract the people that you need most.” – Mary Tess
Links and Resources:
EP171: Let Go, Feel Flow
A shift in perspective usually gives you more space to receive new energy. That shift can include letting go of what used to work for you. This episode talks about where we can let go and let it flow.
I can’t believe this podcast is over three years old. Each and every year around the New Year, I talk about my consistent practice of choosing a Word for the Year. I’ve had a Word for the Year since 2010, and it’s served me to use “my word” as a guidepost to stay aligned in my choices and actions. This year is a little different.
I’m here to spend quality solo time with you for EP171’s Wise Walk as we discover our True Stride. A Word for the Year helped to ground and center me, but this year I haven’t come up with a word yet. I’m exploring if I’d like to let go of the tradition this year or if I should continue by letting it organically present itself and see what happens.
On our Wise Walk, I talk about where we can let go of the things we’ve always done and see what flows as a result. Our expectations influence our traditions, and we can review whether or not they still feel aligned. Come with me as we reflect on these Wise Walk questions:
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- Do you ever feel like you’re forcing something in your life whether it’s a hobby or longtime commitment?
- Do you give yourself permission to let it go if it no longer feels aligned?
- Do you give yourself a chance to reconsider possibilities and choose again?
Flow is the idea of being fully aligned with ourselves, being fully present, and then allowing the Universe to flow what is for our highest good into our life.
Consider all the good that may visit you if you allow for more fluid space in your life. Invite flow with these Wise Walk questions:
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- Are you so focused on keeping a consistent practice that you might try and force it anyway?
- How does forcing it feel compared to letting it go?
- Where can we carve out free or unscheduled time to allow flow?
- What can we let go of in our schedule?
- How can we embrace the idea of flow in our life?
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!
[01:40] – Do you give yourself permission to let go of what no longer feels aligned?
[02:54] – What are you doing to add support for yourself?
[05:38] – Mary Tess talks about how expectations influence our traditions and how to review them. PART 1
[08:30] – Mary Tess talks about how expectations influence our traditions and how to review them. PART 2
[10:00] – How can we describe what “flow” looks like?
[11:31] – Thank you for listening!
Memorable Quotes:
- “There’s this flow that can happen within us and around us if we give it the opportunity to breathe.” – Mary Tess
Links and Resources:
EP170: Pressure Off, Success On
Distractions and responsibilities can take attention away from keeping up with what’s best for yourself. Take back your power by setting yourself up for success ahead of time. This episode talks about turning pressure OFF and success ON.
If you’ve been listening for a while, you know I scheduled a colon surgery. What you may not know is that I’m recording some episodes beforehand so I can heal without worrying about whether I’ll have enough energy to do it later.
I’m here to spend quality solo time with you for EP170’s Wise Walk as we discover our True Stride. I’ll give a postoperative update in the coming weeks, but I decided to record several episodes in advance so I can heal and still show up in a way that feels aligned. While I’m healing, I’ll be prioritizing rest, recovery, and what feels supportive.
On our Wise Walk, I talk about the areas in our life where we can proactively do something to take the pressure off of us. We can give ourselves grace and space to do what we need to do. Come with me as we reflect on these Wise Walk questions:
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- Which areas of life do you feel pressure about showing up for yourself?
- Do you ever find yourself in a situation where you have responsibilities you need to take a pause from?
- How are you managing these areas of life to set yourself up for success?
You have the power to proactively set yourself up for success and communicate your needs. This allows you to feel good and aligned in everything you do.
Set the example for what you will and will not engage. Tap into success with these Wise Walk questions:
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- What are the areas in your life where you can overly communicate so that people know what to expect of you?
- How do you take the pressure off of yourself and others?
- Where in your life can you say “NO” nicely, and take things off your plate?
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!
[01:19] – Which areas of life do you feel pressure about showing up for yourself?
[02:25] – Mary Tess honestly shares her decision to record several podcast episodes before surgery.
[05:39] – Mary Tess talks about prioritizing what supports you.
[07:20] – Thank you for listening!
Memorable Quotes:
- “You can show up more authentically. You can show up more vulnerably. You can show up in the manner that serves you the best.” – Mary Tess
Links and Resources:
EP169: Schedule Self-Care
As humans, we need a chance to recharge and pull away from the stressors of life. What are the routines that gift you a sense of joy? Can you be more intentional about adding those moments into life? This episode talks about scheduling self-care.
Yesterday, I went and got my hair cut. I forgot how relaxing, energizing, and therapeutic it is to get my hair cut. My amazing hairdresser takes time to wash my hair, style it, and truly care for how she handles my hair. I feel completely restored during and after the process.
I’m here to spend quality solo time with you for EP169’s Wise Walk as we discover our True Stride. Getting my hair done this time around stuck out to me since I’ve been extremely busy preparing for my surgery. I didn’t think of any of that while getting my hair done. I got to fully relax.
On our Wise Walk, I talk about where in our life we can schedule self-care. It’s useful to know what makes you feel nourished and renewed. Come with me as we reflect on these Wise Walk questions:
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- What are the activities or the experiences that feel therapeutic to you?
- What are the things that you create or engage in that give you a sense of relaxation or freedom?
- Once you identify those activities, what are you doing to schedule them in your day, week, and month?
- How frequently are you allowing those activities to be part of your essence and to restore and renew you in ways that matter?
When you find self-care that works for you, journal about it and envision carrying out those self-care practices on a regular basis. Think about what that would impact in your life or what it empowers you to do.
Choose to engage spaces and activities that help you release stress and recharge joy, whether you’re with people or alone. Intentionally choose self-care with these Wise Walk questions:
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- As you think about your schedule and self-care, what’s a routine you can embrace in this coming year so that you set yourself up for success?
- If you’re having trouble thinking about how to nourish yourself, could you try recalling moments that helped you feel renewed?
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!
[01:43] – What makes you feel renewed?
[02:51] – Mary Tess talks about nourishing yourself with the “small things” in life.
[05:32] – Schedule self-care in ways that support your well-being.
[07:39] – What are things Mary Tess does for self-care?
[09:31] – Thank you for listening!
Memorable Quotes:
- “I like that I’m already proactively thinking about how to schedule self-care into my future routine.” – Mary Tess
Links and Resources:
EP168: Defy Autopilot
All of us operate on autopilot when we get too busy. We have a bunch of figurative signs calling for us to pay attention, offering an alternative path. Sometimes we don’t like these detours, but in each moment you can appreciate all the signs around you. This episode talks about being present to defy autopilot.
Last week, I was running errands with a friend and she was craving a cup of coffee. I don’t drink coffee, so I said we could stop by and then continue our day. As we pulled into the parking lot, my friend went to get her coffee and I stayed in the car to people watch. I wanted to appreciate the stillness of life’s small moments.
I’m here to spend quality solo time with you for EP168’s Wise Walk as we discover our True Stride. As I was appreciating stillness and people watching, I noticed that every single person that approached the coffee shop would attempt to enter the door that’s on the right-hand side. However, none of these people noticed the BIG, YELLOW, NEON sign that said “Use Other Door” and fought to get the door open. After a few times, they would notice the sign and use the other door.
On our Wise Walk, I talk about being present to defy autopilot. You can disrupt the flow or the “usual” way you do things so that you take in the sights and signs of life. Come with me as we reflect on these Wise Walk questions:
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- Where in your life are you operating on autopilot?
- Where do you feel like you are frantically too busy with a pace that’s preventing you from being present?
- Where can you appreciate the neon signs in your life, slow down, and intentionally take detours?
- Are you ready to take that new path?
- Are you excited to see where this new path may lead you?
- Is it hard for you to shift gears and shift your energy for this new path?
We all find ourselves on autopilot from time to time. Let’s connect with the micro-moments we often don’t notice.
Shift your focus to appreciate what’s going on around you. Defy autopilot with these Wise Walk questions:
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- What did you do today where you felt disconnected?
- When you reflect back on that activity, what awareness do you gain that awakens you to do something differently?
- How can you gift yourself that ability to be present and in tune with your senses?
- Where can you let go of the habit of being distracted, and instead, participate in the present moment?
- Where in life can you meditate in the moment?
- Can you let your senses wash over you?
- Can you be more present in stillness and sit with it?
- Is your head in the game?
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!
[02:01] – Where in our life are we operating on autopilot?
[04:17] – Mary Tess talks about what it means to be on autopilot in life.
[07:01] – “Let the activity be the activity.”
[08:36] – “I was zoned out in that moment.”
[11:01] – What did you do today where you felt disconnected?
[12:38] – Take in the sights and senses of the present moment.
[14:25] – Training to be in the moment to moment experience.
[16:16] – Thank you for listening!
Memorable Quotes:
- “Take in the sights and take in all of the senses of the current moment.” – Mary Tess
Links and Resources:
EP167: Less Hustle, More Love
When big life events show up, it’s easy to feel like the clock is ticking and there’s not enough time. In reality, what matters most is our energy and where we decide to place our energy. This episode talks about living with less hustle and more love.
My mom did an amazing job raising four girls who were all super active. My sisters and I were always busy running around for sports and other hobbies, but my mom was really smart about helping us manage it all. She knew how to conserve energy for the things that really mattered.
I’m here to spend quality solo time with you for EP167’s Wise Walk as we discover our True Stride. Growing up, the standard practice was to be selective on how we gave our energy to different parts of our life. It helped me develop an awareness of how to audit my energy.
On our Wise Walk, I talk about living with less hustle and more love. We can make time to rest and nourish ourselves instead of feeling like we have to cram everything into a short period of time. Come with me as we reflect on these Wise Walk questions:
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- Where in life are you being mindful in having less hustle and more love?
- Where are you saying “no” so you can have downtime to nourish yourself?
- Where are you saying “yes” so you can do what lights you up?
- Where can you clear your calendar of distractions?
Find balance wherever you need to in your life. It allows you to invite a rich, fuller experience to everything you pursue.
You have control over where you direct your energy. Maximize joy in life with these Wise Walk questions:
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- What in your life can you let go of and share that you’re taking a break?
- Where can you put yourself first?
- Where can you limit the noise and be present?
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!
[01:54] – Where do you decide to give your energy?
[04:06] – Mary Tess talks about revising her calendar.
[06:46] – Where can you put yourself first?
[09:31] – How does Mary Tess communicate her changes?
[12:02] – Have a little fun that nourishes you.
[14:37] – Eliminate the noise and maximize joy.
[16:40] – Thank you for listening!
Memorable Quotes:
- “We don’t have the ability to be all things to all people; we do the best we can.” – Mary Tess
Links and Resources:
Kate Delnero’s website: https://akindassist.com
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: