Podcast Archives - Mary Tess Rooney

EP216: Puppy Love Lessons

In our last episode, I shared a special experience of transporting a nine-week-old German Shepherd puppy from Austin, Texas, to her new home with my aunt in Palm Springs, California. Everything just aligned perfectly—it felt like divine timing, and everything came together in such a beautifully kismet way.

This little puppy, named Bear because she looks like a tiny black bear, was joining my aunt’s family to be a buddy for her other dog, Madra. The journey was truly magical. Traveling with Bear was a bit of an adventure—meeting her for the first time, helping her through the excitement and anxiety of leaving her family, and carrying her energy and spirit through the trip.

The breeder, a lovely person, met me at the airport with a little care package for Bear filled with treats and comforts, which made everything feel a bit easier and more connected.

Bear and I bonded in ways I didn’t expect. She reminded me of the pure joy in new adventures and that “puppy love” feeling when you’re just completely taken by the moment.

So today, in our Wise Walk, let’s slow down, check in with ourselves, and explore that sense of joy and appreciation for the new experiences in our lives.

- How often in your life do you experience that gaga, puppy-love feeling?
- When was the last time you felt that pure surge of love without any particular reason or foundation?
- Did you cherish and hold onto that feeling?
- Do you carried that beautiful, innocent energy into other areas of your life?
- How have you used that energy in your everyday life to elevate your vibration?
- What do you find magical about interacting with babies or puppies and their pure, joyful energy?
- Are there situations where you can hold onto that gaga puppy essence?
- When negative energy approaches, can you deflect it and maintain your high vibration without getting involved?
- Are there times in your life when you need help and support, and are you willing to ask for it?
- Can you appreciate the kindness of strangers when you have a real need?
- Who or what can you turn to for comfort and support when you feel anxious, tense, or scared, to help you feel safe and loved?
- Where in your life can you hold onto that “new puppy” or “new relationship” energy and infuse it into long-standing relationships?
- Where can you release expectations of mature relationships and embrace acceptance for everyone’s inner child?
- How can you reconnect with your inner childlike essence?

Thank you so much for joining me on this journey and allowing me to share these lessons with you. It’s been incredibly invigorating, in ways I never anticipated.

Each time I share my experiences, it solidifies these insights even more, reminding me of the beauty in simple things, like Bear’s puppy love.

It’s funny how these moments teach us what we already know, but sometimes forget. I’m grateful to walk this path with you, rediscovering those simple, powerful truths together.

In this episode:

[01:58] Bear and I bonded in ways I couldn’t expect, and she was an amazing reminder of how important it is for us to appreciate new adventures and that puppy love feeling.

[03:19] When interacting with babies and puppies the energy is pure.

[04:36] How often in real life do we interact with people who are having a bad day and putting negative energy on us? We don’t have to let it affect us, we can chuckle and step away.

[05:17] The puppy also reminded me of the kindness of strangers.

[07:23] I share an awesome story about burly men holding sweet little Bear at the airport.

[08:07] I love that she reminded me of the kindness of strangers and how it’s okay to ask for help.

[10:24] Another gift I was inspired to remember is the idea of protecting our inner child.

[12:59] Another gift was that I felt seen by Bear.

[13:33] Sitting in silence and looking at each other was beautiful.

[14:52] She also brought me a lot of joy and I love the experience.

[15:57] Can we infuse more puppy energy into our dynamic?

[18:06] The puppy also reminded me of the feelings of forgiveness and understanding.

Memorable Quotes:

“When I looked into her eyes, it was like she was looking into my eyes and could see my soul.” – Mary Tess
“Sometimes, in our mature relationships, we lose touch with the pure essence of childlike curiosity. Yet, there are always ways for us to find our way back to it” – Mary Tess
“Sometimes, the kindness of strangers surprises us and reminds us that it’s okay to ask for help and embrace our vulnerabilities.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP215: Wonders of Divine Timing

Have you ever had a moment in life when everything just seemed to fall into place at exactly the right time? Growing up, I was raised with the belief that while hard work and putting yourself out there are essential, there’s also this beautiful necessity to stay open and receptive to the right timing from the Universe.

Divine timing is about alignment, that perfect synergy of purpose, path, and timing, a belief that things unfold just as they should, exactly when they’re meant to.

In this episode, we’re slowing down for a Wise Walk, taking a moment to pause, check our realities, and explore the magic that unfolds when we stay open to the idea that there’s a time for everything. Together, we’ll ask ourselves questions to help us recognize and honor the moments when life aligns beautifully and unexpectedly in our favor.

- Do you believe in divine timing?
- Do you trust that everything happens at the perfect time?
- Can you hold space for this idea in your life?
- Are you able to stay present while taking steps toward what you hold in your heart?
- Can you release the expectation of when things will happen?
- And can you allow the stars to align, trusting divine timing to bring the right things, people, and opportunities at the perfect moment?

- When was the last time you truly wanted something?
- Even if it didn’t happen as quickly as you hoped, did it eventually come to be?
- When it did, was the timing better than you could have planned?
- As you reflect on that experience, how amazing did it feel to finally receive it?
- Did you love it even more because you realized how precious it was?
- How is your energy lately?
- Are you able to honor this idea of divine timing to put your energy and intentions out there?

This Wise Walk reminds me of the importance of releasing control and allowing things to unfold naturally. Thank you for holding space for us to reflect and gain awareness on each and every episode.

I’d love to hear your stories of how divine timing brought something magical into your life—something you’ve been holding in your heart. As we move through the holidays and into next year, let’s continue to honor our energy, hold space for divine timing, and see what’s truly possible.

In this episode:

[02:42] I share a story about my aunt and her beautiful German Shepherd puppy.

[03:41] My aunt was trying to get a companion for her puppy and ended up getting kicked off her plane.

[05:03] She was extremely brave and acknowledged that this new puppy wasn’t the right fit. The Universe literally got her kicked off the plane with this puppy.

[06:14] She ended up getting offered a puppy that was actually the perfect fit.

[07:52] It just so happened that I had travel booked to where the puppy was.

[08:50] When the stars align, and you create space in your calendar, the Universe has the opportunity to bring in what truly matters to you.

[10:36] This whole experience has been a great reminder for me about how the Universe has our back.

[13:11] I’m super excited about flying to Austin tomorrow, and the breeder is going to meet me at the airport.

[14:10] I love that I get to see my aunt and pick up her baby girl. Then the weekend is all about me and my dear friend.

[14:35] This has been a beautiful reminder that the most important thing we carry is our energy.

Memorable Quotes:

“When the stars align, and we open ourselves to receive, the Universe brings things into our lives at the perfect time.” – Mary Tess
“The Universe has our back, and when we hold space for something we want, it often arrives in ways we couldn’t have orchestrated ourselves.” – Mary Tess
“How amazing is it when things manifest without force, like the sky clears and everything clicks into place?” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP214: Aligned Stride: In Step with Your Heart

I received a message from a new listener—a new Strider—who was asking about the origins of the True Stride podcast. How it came to be, and the connection between Wise Walks and this community. They wanted to understand how they could be a part of it and feel connected on a deeper level.

I love that kind of feedback, so thank you for reaching out and asking these questions! For anyone listening, you’re always welcome to share your ideas, thoughts, feedback, or reflections based on our Wise Walks.

The timing of this message was also special because two weeks ago marked our four-year anniversary. I can hardly believe that our community has been coming together for weekly Wise Walks for over four years now.

So, here we are in episode 214, and I thought this would be a perfect time to slow down, check our reality, and ask ourselves some meaningful questions.

- How has the True Stride podcast supported you in connecting with your inner knowing?
- How has it helped you drop into your heart and ask meaningful questions that align you with your True Stride?
- How do you apply what you’ve learned? Or reflect on the insights gained from simply slowing down and tuning into your heart?
- What are some ways you slow down, check in with reality, and take yourself on a Wise Walk to gain insight into where you are now and where you want to go?
- How do you balance logic and heart, releasing the need to control and letting your feelings guide you forward?
- Do you feel aligned in moving with both head and heart, or is there space to be more intentional about leading from the heart?
- How have you incorporated Wise Walks into your everyday life?
- Where do you create a safe, sacred space to go inward, clear distractions, and connect with your inner compass?
- What insights guide you to stand confidently and declare who you choose to be and what you’re excited to pursue in this lifetime?

Thank you for joining me on this journey and for the support that has made sharing so fulfilling each week. These Wise Walks help us grow, gain wisdom, and step into new versions of ourselves. I’m grateful for this evolving community and the space we’ve created to change unapologetically.

I’d love to hear how today’s episode resonated with you and how you’re bringing Wise Walks into your life. Until next Thursday, keep prioritizing fun, direct your path, and get your stride on!

In this episode:

[02:27] True Stride began as a running metaphor. I could feel when I was–and wasn’t–in my True Stride.

[03:24] I would find my flow after about 10 minutes of running.

[04:06] It wouldn’t work if I tried to create that feeling with my mind. I had to allow myself just to be.

[04:35] When I started my podcast, I wanted to share how important it is for each of us to find our True Stride.

[05:08] How can we feel our way forward and find that True Stride in everything that we’re doing.

[06:18] The amazing thing about this community is that we support each other and cheer each other on.

[07:34] It doesn’t matter what the title of the episode is, what matters is whatever surfaces for you.

[08:09] This community is a safe environment and we can be open without judgment.

[09:29] We are becoming more of the person that we’re meant to be as we travel during our time on this Earth.

[12:18] It’s important for us to realize that everything in life ebbs and flows, and we can’t always be in our true stride.

[13:30] Wise Walks because walking helps me ground and catch my breath.

[14:28] The answers are inside of us. We need to take time to ask ourselves questions.

[16:57] We get to design our own lives, and there are no rules.

Memorable Quotes:

“Life is a journey we design ourselves, and there are no rules but the ones we choose to honor. – Mary Tess
“The True Stride community supports each other in our highs, lows, and everything in between, creating a safe, judgment-free space.” – Mary Tess
“True Stride isn’t just about movement—it’s about feeling our way forward, not forcing or controlling, but letting our heart lead.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP213: Upcycle Love

Life has a way of surrounding us with things we once loved—whether it’s treasured belongings, relationships, or even past versions of ourselves. But as we grow and change, so do our needs and priorities. In this episode, I’m reflecting on what it means to Upcycle Love. It’s not just about letting go of items that no longer serve us, but about giving them new life and purpose in someone else’s hands.

As I prepared to evacuate for Hurricane Milton, I found myself going through my home and reevaluating what really mattered. It was eye-opening to realize how much I was holding on to things that no longer carried the same emotional weight. This process felt like more than just preparing for a storm—it became a lesson in releasing the old to make space for something new.

On this Wise Walk, we’ll slow down and reflect on how this idea of upcycling applies to all areas of life—our relationships, our emotional well-being, and the way we move forward. Let’s explore how letting go can open the door to fresh energy and allow love, in all its forms, to flow back into our lives in unexpected and beautiful ways.

- Are there things in your life that you are ready to let go of that perhaps in your past held this strong love or energetic and emotional connection?
- Are there things that don’t feel that high vibrational factor anymore?
- What areas in your life are overshadowed by excess?
- Have you lost sight of what truly brings you joy because items have multiplied?
- Does life feel heavier because you’re holding on to too much?
- Can you envision feeling lighter by releasing and upcycling those items with love?
- What in your life are you ready to release so someone else can see its value increase with fresh new eyes?
- What are you willing to let go of and trust that something new will be born in its place?
- Can you let go of something and allow someone else to appreciate and cherish it as you once did?
- Where can you let go of the old version of a relationship to allow it to transform or make space for someone new?
- Where can you upcycle your relationships to stay fueled by high vibrational people?

I’m incredibly grateful for the support of my community and the way we’ve come together during this time. As we head into the holiday season, I’m excited to release items and relationships that no longer serve me, trusting they will bring new energy and transformation into my life.

I hope you, too, embrace this mindset of letting go and making space for surprises and new connections. As always, thank you for your support. I look forward to our next Wise Walk together. Until then, prioritize fun as you read the signs, direct your path and get your stride on.

In this episode:

[05:19] I was sharing with a friend who was also a grandmother, and she said the same thing. She had 50 plants that she once loved but now she was going to choose 10.

[06:11] We had to take everything that was outside and secure it.

[07:44] What a gift to upcycle items that someone else can now love.

[08:36] It feels good to release things that no longer bring us joy. Now is the time to donate and give things an opportunity to find a new loving home.

[09:36] It’s the season when people may be looking for donated toys or other items to help with the holidays.

[10:34] Give love to the idea of new people being able to appreciate what you once loved.

[11:52] The quality of older items is often better.

[12:44] It’s important for us to be able to release and upcycle whatever is coming into our life.

[13:53] There are a million ways to upcycle things in our lives.

[15:04] When we let go of what something was, we can trust the opportunity that something new is born. This holds true for relationships also.

Memorable Quotes:

“Upcycling isn’t just about physical things—it’s about relationships and emotional connections. Letting go creates space for new energy to flow into our lives.” – Mary Tess
“In moments where you’re making quick decisions, you get clarity on what truly matters. The things I thought I would hold on to no longer had that high vibrational factor.” – Mary Tess
“As we approach the holiday season, what a gift it is to release things and let them find a new home where they will bring joy to someone else.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP212: What Is Also True?

We have another storm approaching right on the heels of Hurricane Helene. It’s a tough time for so many reasons, and Hurricane Milton is shaping up to be a strong and powerful storm. First and foremost, my heart goes out to anyone who’s been impacted by Helene or is preparing for Milton. These hurricanes bring so much devastation—emotionally, physically, energetically, and financially. It’s a lot to handle, and the stress that comes with it is overwhelming.

As I reflect on the impact of storms in life, I’ve been thinking about the idea of ‘what else is true?’ Because crises like hurricanes have a way of triggering our fears, scarcity mindsets, and anxiety. It brings out so much raw emotion, and all of that is real and deserves to be acknowledged.

At the same time, while we feel all of those things, I think it’s important to recognize that something else can also be true. Yes, we may feel fear, but hurricanes can also reveal our strength. For every negative association we might attach to this experience, there’s also something else that’s true. And I know it’s not easy to see that in the middle of it all, but for today’s Wise Walk, I invite you to slow down with me, check in with your reality, and ask yourself questions.

- What is an event, crisis, or storm that you’re facing right now?
- What is the feeling that’s surfacing?
- Can you take a moment to acknowledge that feeling and then find something else that is also true, to help counterbalance it?
- Can we find something that helps us shift our mindset and recognize what is true in addition to that feeling?
- What is also true that is surfacing as a result of this storm?
- As you reflect back on different instances in your life where you might have had or are currently experiencing a scarcity mindset, what is also true?
- What about that feeling is raw, real, and valid?
- Was there something that came about or presented itself that helped you alleviate that feeling?
- Did it remind you that the feeling is valid, but doesn’t have to be the predominant one in your life?

I hope that whatever storms you’re facing, you stay open to the help offered and remember that there are always truths to help you combat scarcity, fear, and anxiety. Finding balance and aligning with your True Stride is key. I look forward to connecting with you again next Thursday. Until then, prioritize fun, stay safe, read the signs, direct your path, and get your Stride On!

In this episode:

[00:40] After hurricane Helene, hurricane Milton is fast approaching Florida.

[01:23] What is also true, has been on my mind, because hurricanes or any natural disaster or probably any crisis, they have a way of triggering fears, a scarcity mindset, anxiety, and raw emotion which is natural and real and raw and should be acknowledged.

[04:49] We can only control what we can control then we have to have faith.

[06:18] How easy it is to go into the scarcity mindset when something you’re planning goes wrong. Ask what is also true?

[07:26] COVID and the toilet paper shortage was also a great example of the scarcity mindset.

[08:24] I love the idea of questioning what is also true because shortages are going to happen.

[11:04] As the storm approaches, go inward and feel your feelings. And then follow up with what else is also true.

[12:54] I’m concerned and sending love and light and prayers for everyone impacted by both hurricanes.

[13:23] I feel very connected to the idea of people over possessions.

[15:31] I’m grateful for a friend who offered a safe place for me and my two German Shepherds.

Memorable Quotes:

“You can only control what you can control, and then you have to just have faith or release or let go and trust that you have the resilience to overcome whatever happens.” – Mary Tess
“Let’s not feed into this scarcity mindset because the other belief, what is also true, is that we live in an abundant, supportive environment.” – Mary Tess
“While we feel a sense of fear, hurricanes also bring out our strength.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

Mike’s Weather Page

EP211: What’s Weighing You Down

What if the most important thing holding you back in life is not what others have done to you, but the mental and emotional burden you are carrying around? In today’s episode, we’ll look at the profound practice of forgiveness, both for others and ourselves.

We all carry emotional baggage from our prior experiences, whether it’s a bad relationship, a moment of betrayal, or even guilt we impose on ourselves.

I recently watched a very cool video on Instagram that used gym weights to represent the emotional baggage we carry when we lack forgiveness. And let me tell you, it made me think. How much lighter would we feel if we just let everything go?

Today, we’ll discuss how to let go of those weights, reclaim our vitality, and go on with an open heart. So, lace up your shoes, because we’re about to go for a Wise Walk and think on what’s holding us back—and how we might let go of those burdens forever.

- What emotional weights are you carrying around, and where do you feel them in your heart or body?
- Who or what comes to mind when you think of sadness, anger, or disappointment?
- When was the last time you forgave yourself or someone else to lighten your emotional load?
- What steps can you take today to release a weight you no longer need to carry?
- Is there a story from your past that you’ve held onto, and is it time to let it go?
- How can you choose to drop that story and be more present in your life?
- Have you ever felt like you were responsible for someone else’s happiness?
- Are there opportunities to release that mentality because it’s not yours to carry around? Can you let it go to focus on your own healing?
- Is there a responsibility you’re carrying that isn’t truly yours, and how can you see it in a lighter way?

Thanks for joining me on this Wise Walk. Remember, the weights we carry—whether they’re from past hurts, disappointments, or expectations—are ours to release. Forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves, and it lightens our path forward.

So, as you go through your week, reflect on what you’re ready to let go of, and embrace the freedom that comes with it. Until next time, keep prioritizing fun as you read the signs, direct your path, and get your stride on!

In this episode:

[05:19] When I was young and inexperienced I saw things very black and white. Meaning, I had a clear sense of right and wrong. As we grow up we learn that there are so many shades of gray between that black and white.

[06:04] Everyone needs to find alignment for themselves. Their choices are their choices, and my choices are my choices.

[07:20] Releasing expectations has brought me peace when I have felt wronged in the past.

[09:16] Honoring how we show up and forgiving and releasing the baggage that we have from the past.

[10:05] “You attract that which you fear most until you heal it.” Buddha saying.

[11:16] When we cling to our past trauma, we miss out on all of the good stuff and the opportunity to invite goodness into our lives.

[13:06] Sometimes I’m weighed down by my desire to help others. Sometimes the best thing we can do is allow them to help themselves.

[17:45] What is one weight that you can release and allow compassion for yourself? Intentionally explore ways to release that weight.

Memorable Quotes:

“Forgiveness isn’t just about letting others off the hook; it’s about releasing the emotional weight we carry, so we can feel lighter and happier.” – Mary Tess
“We often hold onto expectations of others, but sometimes the best way to find peace is to let go of those expectations and focus on what aligns with our own heart.” – Mary Tess
“The more we practice the muscle of forgiveness—letting go of things that no longer serve us—the stronger and lighter we become.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP210: Practice Gratitude

Often, when I coach a client, we begin the session with three breaths. These breaths are meant to align our rhythms and heartbeats, and to allow us, as individuals, to release anything that happened before we came together.

The words I use while we inhale and exhale together may vary. Sometimes I’ll say, “Let’s take a nourishing breath,” or “Let’s take a grounding breath,” or even “Let’s take a restorative breath.” These words change based on what I sense in the moment, but I love the idea of taking three breaths because it centers me and connects me with my client. It also sets the intention to be fully present and hold a safe space for one another.

I always appreciate that clients respond positively to this practice. They might be rushing to meet with me or dealing with something that happened earlier, so this moment of breathing gives them time to regroup.

In addition, if my client is going through a big life transition or something heavy, another practice I may incorporate into our conversation is a practice of gratitude.

On today’s Wise Walk, I thought we could slow down, check our reality, and ask ourselves these questions:

- Do you have a daily practice where you slow down, connect with your breath, and practice gratitude?
- Can you start to incorporate a practice of gratitude to help you move through life’s heavy moments?
- As you look at your day, or you look at the coming weeks, is there anything that you have anxiety about?
- Is there anything that feels a bit heavy for you?
- What can you do to incorporate a practice of gratitude to help you move through transitions with a little bit more inner peace?
- What are some ways you can practice gratitude on a daily basis?
- Do you journal? What am I grateful for at this moment?
- Would you rather practice gratitude in the morning? Do you have a cup of coffee and just allow yourself to be present in the moment?
- Can you put where you feel aligned and blessed into words? Can you hold that sentiment in your heart to practice gratitude in whatever way feels aligned for you?
- Do you have what you need? What is really supporting you?
- Who is in your life that you feel grateful for? Can you tell them?
- What are some of the things that you experienced today that you feel grateful for?
- What are some things that you’re looking forward to that are going to support you on your journey?

I am so grateful for each and every one of you. You continue to surprise and delight me. I received some great feedback from the last episode, and I’ll be reflecting more on it. So, thank you again. I’m also feeling thankful that my power is back on!

I will hold you in my heart as I practice gratitude daily, and I look forward to our next conversation on Thursday. Please join me again for next week’s Wise Walk. Until then, be sure to practice gratitude, prioritize fun, read the signs, direct your path, and get your stride.

In this episode:

[04:53] This past week, Florida, and a lot of different states, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and some parts of Tennessee, were impacted by Hurricane Helene.

[05:17] It was intense with a lot of stress and emotions.

[06:01] I live in Northern Florida so I wasn’t directly in the path, but we still experienced high winds, tornado warnings and lost power.

[06:40] Practicing gratitude really helped me take the storm in stride. I know I am very blessed. Practicing gratitude helped me feel all the positives that I had in that moment, and that I could take that with me wherever I went.

[08:11] Everything is relative. “The miracle of gratitude is that it shifts your perception to such an extent that it changes the world you see.” – Dr. Robert Holden

[11:48] Practicing gratitude has multiple health benefits from boosting your immune system, increasing red blood cells, and even decreasing stress.

[12:50] Practicing gratitude can even help reduce pain and depression.

[14:08] A lot of times we pay attention to what’s not going right. If we can flip that script things will go better for us.

[14:45] A grateful mind is a great mind.

Memorable Quotes:

“I love this idea of my clients taking three breaths, just because it centers them in the moment, it connects them with their breath.” – Mary Tess
“Mother nature, who is unpredictable, and strong, and beautiful, but can also be destructive in different ways, so we have to adjust to the elements.” – Mary Tess
“Practicing gratitude really helped, ground and center me in this moment of changing my perspective and helping me move through the heaviness.” – Mary Tess
“Practicing gratitude helps reinforce our brain’s ability to get to a place of gratitude easier, and reconnect or revisit those emotional experiences that elevate us and boost us.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP209: Selective Sharing: Protect Your Emotional Wellbeing

Are you facing a significant life decision or transition? Do you hesitate to communicate your goals with loved ones for fear of their reactions or unsolicited advice? Today, I’m talking about something that’s been on my mind a lot lately: how do we deal with major life transitions without letting everyone else’s opinions throw us off track?

I’ve been thinking about when I decided to relocate to California in 1997. It was a significant move for me, but I was astonished by how my friends and family reacted. How do we defend our dreams and decisions when everyone else has an opinion?

I’ll share some personal anecdotes and insights I’ve gathered over the years on creating appropriate boundaries, particularly while we’re going through huge life changes. Whether you’re thinking about changing careers, relocating to a new place, or making any other significant change in your life, I have some tips that will help you stay true to yourself while maintaining vital relationships.

I’ll explain how I’ve learned to control my own emotions and deal with our loved ones’ well-intentioned (but often overwhelming) concerns by practicing selective sharing, because not everyone needs to know everything all the time.

If you’ve ever been caught between following your aspirations and satisfying others’ expectations, or if you’re now experiencing a significant life shift, this Wise Walk is for you!

- Where in your life can you hold a healthy boundary to protect yourself from outside influences?
- Can you move closer to a dream you hold in your heart in a way that feels aligned for you?
- Are you experiencing something right now, like a big transition or a big life change that has been put upon you?
- Are you noticing that there are certain people in your life that you can be transparent with, because they don’t push their emotional state on you?
- Are there other people where you being more reserved is a better boundary?
- Can you give yourself permission to allow for that space?
- Where in your life have you felt supported by going inward and making sure that you quiet the external voices?
- Can you hold space for your own emotional needs?
- Do you know what your emotional needs are?
- Do you know what’s calling you?
- Can you put up a boundary to protect those needs and very gently keep everyone else’s emotional needs outside?

I invite you to boldly set boundaries and selectively share based on your emotional needs. It’s healthy to keep things close to your vest if it protects your wellbeing until you’re ready to share.

I would love to hear what you took away from today’s episode. Reach out if it feels aligned for you. Be sure to tune in to next Thursday’s Wise Walk as you prepare for any transitions that are happening in 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:

[04:51] The move I made to California was one of the best decisions that I made.

[05:24] The distance and space allowed me to figure out what my interests were and what I liked to do.

[06:55] I was clear on understanding my emotional needs, and I knew I needed to travel and go live in a completely different environment.

[10:00] A story about one of my clients going through a major life transition.

[11:24] Sometimes we need to insulate and protect ourselves and make sure we manage our own emotions.

[12:15] Are you only sharing when it feels aligned?

[14:44] A story about my mom’s amazing wit and how we came to healthy boundaries.

[16:43] We each need to live our lived experience without pressure from outside forces. We get to decide what gets shared and to whom.

Memorable Quotes:

“It was also a beautiful expansion of the fact that we can create family outside of bloodlines. I love that when we expose ourselves to different environments, we can grow.” – Mary Tess
“I was not responsible for their emotional needs. We can have our emotional needs, and we can recognize someone else’s emotional needs or desires for us, but it’s always important to create a healthy boundary during times of transition.” – Mary Tess
“Sometimes we naturally know that we can’t share everything that we’re going through with everyone that loves us or that we love, because that might stir up emotions that are not helpful.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP208: Connection Through Stories with Shanti Joy Gold

One of the core principles in my book Heart Value is about aligning with humans that appreciate you and the value you share that lights YOU up. Yes, your heart-centered value is so important to you and others when you share an energetic and emotional connection with each other.

We all have value that lights us up, and we have value that benefits or pleases others, but makes us cringe inside. Yes, it may pay the bills or fulfill other purposes. We’ve all done that too. But wouldn’t it be magical if we could align the value that truly excites us with people who appreciate it—and pay us for it?

I have a special guest today: Shanti Joy Gold.

Shanti spent a couple of decades in corporate leadership roles, where she excelled. She successfully coached sales executives and teams to achieve both personal and professional goals. She’s been responsible for managing multi-million-dollar budgets at top national and international companies and has been recognized for sales and women in leadership achievements.

We worked together in the corporate and coaching worlds. She’s here today to talk about how she found the niche that lights her up, along with her new podcast, Stories We Haven’t Shared, which focuses on helping people discover and tell their authentic stories while finding their true selves.

I’m thrilled to take this Wise Walk with Shanti as we explore how sharing your story can lead you to meaningful work that truly ignites your passion.

- Where in your life have you felt the contrast of sharing value that brings you joy or sharing value that depletes you or lacks excitement?
- Who are the individuals in your life that bring you excitement and joy?
- Are you eager to have conversations with them? Or do you feel a little heavy like there’s a disconnect?
- Do you feel like logically that audience should be your audience? Is something missing that you can’t ignore?
- Are you taking stock of your own presence every single day? Are you nurturing yourself with practices that help you stay aligned? Are you honoring the things that come your way?
- When they don’t work out the way you want, are you releasing them?
- Where in your life can you get more in touch with your story?

Tune in next Thursday when another episode drops. Until then, please be sure to prioritize fun as you read the signs, direct your path, and get your stride on!

In this episode:

[03:42] Shanti Joy Gold spent a couple decades in corporate sales leadership roles. She’s now a coach who helps LGBTQ and underrepresented people thrive in their careers.

[04:29] She’s now starting a podcast that speaks to this audience as well as allies through the medium of storytelling.

[05:03] She loves the outdoors and connecting with people who align with her energy.

[06:22] After a couple of years of soul searching, things clicked for Shanti about who she really wants to help through her coaching and her upcoming podcast.

[07:36] She was planning on basing her coaching on her lived experience. Her first thought was to focus on high achievers then she realized that helping LGBTQ people live authentically was more aligned with her calling.

[12:19] Becoming more authentic includes pausing and having that conversation with yourself.

[14:44] Practices for keeping your frequency high include leading and focusing on the steps that feel exciting and eliminating the ones that don’t.

[19:57] Looking back, ask yourself if that moment will matter.

[23:30] Mindset shifts and knowing that the Universe has your back.

[27:56] Finding a practical way to tap into what your heart is telling you.

[31:39] Shanti shares a little about some of the inspirational stories that will be featured on her podcast.

[38:19] Storytelling is powerful. Part of what is important is to take the time to consider your own story first.

Memorable Quotes:

“Grab a surfboard and just get up and surf and flow. The whole idea is that life is unpredictable and that change is inevitable. There’s so little that we actually control. Be energized by that versus taking the waves head on.” – Shanti Joy Gold
“I love this idea of being in flow and just not resisting what is unfolding for us and trusting the process. I know the universe has my back.” – Mary Tess
“There is a deep inner knowing that will reveal itself as long as you surround yourself with people that don’t judge.” – Mary Tess

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