Podcast Archives - Mary Tess Rooney

EP254: Let the Feelings Flow & Let Go

When was the last time you really allowed yourself to feel everything without judgment, distraction, or the pressure to move on to the next thing?

In this episode, I open up about the emotional purpose behind my upcoming cross-country road trip. After a whirlwind few years filled with surgery, loss, milestones, and transformation, I realized I hadn’t fully processed so much of what I’d been carrying. This trip is my way of slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and making space to feel all the feelings I’ve had to put on hold.

From chance encounters to meditation messages, the universe keeps nudging me toward this deeper intention, and I’m listening. If you’ve been powering through without taking time to truly check in with your heart, this episode invites you to reflect, release, and reconnect with yourself. Let’s explore what it means to feel our feels and move forward from a more grounded and present place in today’s Wise Walk.

- Are there moments over the past several years where you’ve been too busy to fully feel your emotions; the good, the challenging and everything in between?
- Have you ever acknowledged your feelings but skipped the part where you truly unpack, accept, and allow them to move through you?
- Are you taking time now to honor how far you’ve come and the full range of emotions you’ve experienced along the way?
- Are messages surfacing in your life through people or patterns that feel like gentle nudges from the universe?
- What would it look like to carve out time to drop into your heart and feel what those messages mean for you?
- How can you support yourself emotionally so you can move forward as your highest and best self?
- If you’re not seeing clear messages, can you get curious about what themes are showing up in your life right now?
- What do you feel called to notice, feel, or act on from what’s rising up within you?
- Can you slow down, minimize distractions, and give yourself space to fully feel your feels?
- As you tune in, can you name what you’re feeling so you can release it, understand it, and move through it with clarity?
- What might change in your life if you stopped letting your emotions “own you,” and instead you owned them with awareness and compassion?

I’d love to hear what feelings are surfacing for you right now. How are you planning to slow down, check your reality, and express those emotions in ways that truly serve you? I’m also looking forward to our chat on next Thursday’s Wise Walk.

In this episode:

[04:55] I had already been thinking about this intention of the road trip being a healing journey to feel my feels, to get back to writing.

[06:12] During this morning’s yoga class, the meditation I read from Melody Beattie’s Journey to the Heart was all about allowing our feelings to surface.

[07:09] People in class needed to hear this message, and it inspired this episode.

[08:03] I made a new friend in the line at UPS. His catch phrase was “feel it”.

[10:51] Talking to my new friend about his future podcast made me think of my own podcast and its origins. I started it five years ago. It’s funny how it has evolved.

[11:29] The Wise Walk intention is so powerful, because it’s all about slowing down, dropping into our heart, and checking our reality.

[12:37] On this trip I’m going to have drive time. There will be music, audiobooks, conversations with friends, and quiet time for reflection. I’ll be present for the ride.

[14:28] Whatever you feel, it is okay. We need to feel our feelings, because they communicate to us. We need to pay attention.

Memorable Quotes:

“There’s just so much richness in how we can move forward if we pay attention to what our heart is saying.” – Mary Tess
“This road trip represents an opportunity for me to heal, feel my feels, and then let that creativity flow through my writing, which is really important to me.” – Mary Tess
“Part of what I need to do is allow whatever feelings to come up and to honor them, to accept them, and to name them.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP253: The Reset Ritual After Big Life Changes

Transitions can hit harder than expected. You get through the big push whether it’s a move, a deadline, or some intense life shift and then suddenly it all catches up with you. The to-do list might be done, but your body and brain haven’t caught up. That space between pushing hard and moving forward again? That’s where the real reset needs to happen.

In this Wise Walk, we’re talking about what it looks like to come down from that kind of high gear. It’s not always graceful. Sometimes you’re overtired, undernourished, and just plain spent. But there’s a lot of value in recognizing that and giving yourself space to pause. This episode is about acknowledging the effort it took to get here, noticing what needs rebalancing, and slowly stepping back into a rhythm that feels sustainable. Because rest isn’t a luxury, it’s part of the process.

When was the last time you felt burnt out, totally drained, or came off a big life change, crisis, or intense mission that left you with nothing left to give?
When you’re on the backside of that finish line, how do you acknowledge what you just accomplished and give yourself space to recover, heal, and reset?
What are the ways you acknowledge the effort you just put in when you’ve gone all in on something that mattered deeply to you?
Do you take time to celebrate how far you’ve come, even if the journey wasn’t perfect or the final stretch got a little messy?
Are you allowing yourself a transition period to reflect, recover, and reset before diving into the next big thing?
As you look ahead, how do you feel about this next chapter or current transition?
What are some ways you can create focus or intention so you feel better as you move forward?
Are you allowing everyone to reset and regroup during this transition time?

As you take on big projects or navigate major life changes, I invite you to be patient with yourself. Give yourself plenty of grace, and extend that same grace to those supporting you. We’re all doing the best we can, especially in times of transition. I’ll talk to you next Thursday, so be sure to tune in!

In this episode:

[04:51] One of the patterns I’ve noticed with myself is when I’m on a mission to get something done, I get an adrenaline high.

[05:35] I try to acknowledge this, because I also know I have a hard time downshifting.

[06:02] There’s a period of transition for me from go-go to absolute recovery mode.

[07:38] I’m glad I took time to acknowledge what I had accomplished and have a celebratory evening. I also knew that I was too tired to do anything else.

[08:46] Acknowledging how far you’ve come and what you’ve accomplished is huge.

[09:07] It’s also important to acknowledge what you want to reset on.

[10:32] There’s a transition period of acknowledging the effort put in and then getting back into a routine that sets myself up for success.

[11:53] I’m going to rebalance by prioritizing sleep, nourishment, hydration, and saying no.

[12:57] I’m also going to try to re-establish my routine with my family and my two German Shepherds.

[13:52] We are cocooning and getting back to basics.

[15:19] As you work through whatever you’ve accomplished, take the time to notice what the family is doing and going through. Allow time for everyone to reset and rebalance.

[16:12] The hard thing about this move is that I’m imagining more than one location and also unknown locations.

[17:49] Sometimes we have plans with the best of intentions and they don’t always work out the way we intended. That’s okay as long as we acknowledge and accept that.

[18:16] Another strategy I use is finding one thing that I can do today that will make me feel 1% better. Playing frisbee with the dogs will help me feel 1% better.

[20:23] I invite you to be patient and give yourself grace when you take on big projects.

Memorable Quotes:

“When you’re on a mission, you burn the midnight candle, and at some point, you have to stop and rest, or you’re not going to be at your best.” – Mary Tess
“There’s a period of transition between go mode and recovery. I can’t just flip a switch. I have to ease my way back.” – Mary Tess
“Rest isn’t just about me resetting. It’s about the whole household finding its rhythm again.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

Journey to the Heart: Daily Meditations on the Path to Freeing Your Soul

EP252: Creativity as a Grounding Tool

I’m in the final days before closing on my St. Augustine home, and I forgot how truly exhausting and emotional moving can be. Amid all the boxes and decisions, I found unexpected peace through a creative project of building custom crates to protect my framed pictures. What started as a money-saving task turned into a grounding experience that reminded me how much joy and calm I find in working with my hands and being present in the moment.

In this Wise Walk, we explore how creativity can serve as a powerful grounding tool when life feels overwhelming. Whether it’s building, painting, playing music, or teaching yoga, I share how creative outlets help me stay connected to myself and centered in my environment. I invite you to reflect on what activities bring you back to yourself and offer space to breathe a little deeper.

- What tools do you fall back on to stay grounded, present, and refueled when life feels overwhelming?
- Are you aware of the moments when you need to lean into those tools to retreat from chaos and reconnect within?
- What activities help you feel grounded, present, and connected to your body, mind, heart, and senses?
- How do those activities help you slow down and let the non-creative parts of your brain turn off?
- What experiences in your life help you switch modes, breathe deeper, and feel more centered and satisfied through your senses?

I invite you to explore the creative outlets that are calling to you. Use them to ground yourself, especially when life feels chaotic. And if you’re inspired, I’d love to hear what’s working for you, so feel free to share and send ideas my way. I’ll see you next Thursday for another Wise Walk.

In this episode:

[03:27] To save money, I decided to build a crate system to keep my pictures safe while moving.

[04:18] I really got into the project, and realized I really enjoyed working with wood. This gave me peace of mind and will make moving the pictures really easy.

[05:20] My supportive sister agreed to help me. She also got a rush of satisfaction from completing the project.

[06:33] The project and the construction made me calm and helped me be present. You can’t work with power tools and not be present.

[07:13] Creativity and creative outlets is one of my grounding tools.

[09:03] There are many psychologists and scientists that talk about the power of using creativity as a grounding tool. It promotes relaxation, triggers endorphins, and helps us be present.

[10:53] Rock climbing is another activity that helps me shut off parts of my brain. I need to be present for the next hold that I can grab safely.

[11:30] Make a list of the things that are in your toolkit that will help you express yourself creatively.

[12:01] Grounding is a way to center yourself on the most basic function. It’s being present with what you’re doing.

[13:28] Creativity and mindful movement allows us to use specific parts of our brain.

[14:03] Another way I’m grounding is by teaching yoga. When I’m teaching yoga, it feels like I’m fully present and grounded.

[15:37] I just wanted to share how impactful these creative tools have been for me during this crunch time.

Memorable Quotes:

“Grounding is really just about tuning out the noise and tuning in to the here and now.” – Mary Tess
“There’s something so satisfying about creating with your hands, moment by moment, and then stepping back to see what you’ve built.” – Mary Tess
“One of the grounding tools that becomes really important for me when I’m under stress or overwhelm or exhaustion is using my creativity.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP251: Energy By the Minute

As I get ready to move out of my St. Augustine home, I’ve been thinking a lot about the value of our time and energy. I’ve been preparing for this transition by hiring movers, boxing things up, and letting go of what no longer serves me. This has given me a chance to notice where I’m spending my energy and whether it aligns with what matters most. Even a simple conversation with a mover helped reframe things for me. When he broke down the cost of their services by the minute, it really hit home how every minute counts. Not just in dollars, but in how we feel, what we carry, and what we choose to release.

In this week’s Wise Walk, we slow down and get real about the minute-to-minute choices we make. From relationships to routines to random clutter, everything we touch, physically or emotionally, takes a piece of our energy. Whether it’s a short but soul-filling trip to Tahoe or skipping a big party in favor of deeper connection, I’m leaning into decisions that feel true for me in this season.

How often do you evaluate how you’re investing your time, energy, resources, and money by the minute?
When you consider that investment, does it feel worthwhile and aligned with what you value?
Is your energy investment fueling you, or giving you a sense of safety, security, or peace of mind?
How does your investment by the minute make you feel?
What do you want to own by the minute, and what do you want to delegate to others?
Looking at your life right now, how can you protect your energy by the minute?
What are the things you need to say no to in this season of life?
Are there experiences you want to engage in differently to honor your current energy?
How can you create space for more quality connections instead of quantity?
How can you hold space for your energy and your minute-by-minute investments?

Thanks for spending this time with me. I hope this episode got you thinking about where your energy goes and how to make each minute count.

I always love hearing your thoughts, so reach out and let me know how you’re protecting your energy these days. Until next time, keep prioritizing fun as you read the signs and get your stride on.

In this episode:

[04:03] I moved multiple times in my life. I got used to hiring movers when I lived in Manhattan.

[05:43] I love the fact that I can hire help for this move, and I know what I want them to do and what I can do.

[06:34] I love this idea of what is our investment energy-wise or resource-wise, time-wise, by the minute?

[07:06] I’m getting ready to go on a trip to Tahoe to see my good friends. I know this will replenish me, and it’s an investment in our relationship.

[08:50] We need to figure out what the “energy by the minute” is that makes sense for us.

[10:47] It’s important for me to have quality connections.

[13:18] You can also look at this as an investment in things. These things occupy precious space in my life so I’m letting a lot of them go.

[14:10] How many times do we touch something in our life where it was worth our “energy by the minute”?

Memorable Quotes:

“Sometimes, the investment itself is the education. You don’t know what’s worth your energy until you’ve experienced it.” – Mary Tess
“Every object we hold onto takes up space either physically or emotionally. If it doesn’t serve you, why keep touching it?” – Mary Tess
“You have to figure out what is the ‘energy by the minute’ that makes sense for you. What feels aligned in your heart, in your body, in your mind, and in your soul?” – Mary Tess
“Moving is so stressful and so I rely on professionals to help me manage the things in my home that I want to preserve.” Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP250: Saying Goodbye to Welcome What’s New

As I mentioned in the last episode, I got an offer on my St. Augustine home. After completing the inspection process, we’ve come to an agreement, and I’ll be closing down the house at the end of July. While this move feels exciting, especially since I’m not exactly sure what’s next, the unknown can feel overwhelming too. This got me thinking about what it means to close a door in our life, especially when that door has brought so much joy, healing, and comfort.

Over the years, I’ve had to let go of things I loved, and it wasn’t always easy. Sometimes the things that once energized us start to feel misaligned, and even though we hesitate, we know in our hearts it’s time to move on. As I pack up this home that’s been such a sacred space, I’m reminded that clarity and new opportunity can surface when we stop lingering in what was and begin focusing on what’s possible now.

So on today’s Wise Walk, I thought we would slow down, check our reality, and explore the doors in our life that we are ready to close, whether they are emotional, mental, physical, or spiritual.

- Are there doors in your life you’re ready to release so you can gain clarity and be fully present in what’s possible now?
- Have you recently closed a door but still feel emotionally tied to it, and what would it take to truly move forward?
- Are you holding on to a joyful chapter that no longer serves you, and is it time to make peace and let it go?
- Can you let go emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually so new opportunities have space to appear?
- Which open doors in your life are draining your energy or focus, and are you ready to close them, for now?
- Can you identify which doors support your alignment and which are distracting you from your best stride?

Thank you so much for your support and for sharing your own journey of growth and change. Every time you reach out, you open doors for connection, reflection, and expansion.

I’d love to hear what resonated with you from today’s episode, and I hope you’ll join me for next Thursday’s Wise Walk.

In this episode:

[02:19] “When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.” – Helen Keller

[03:17] Sometimes we can’t be fully present with what’s ahead, because we’re still looking back.

[04:16] Letting go and transitioning from running to hiking and walking.

[06:00] I love the beautiful nature and scenery when I’m walking and hiking.

[08:00] My biggest takeaways are when one door closes, another one opens. It is this idea of using energy to focus on the present.

[09:44] I feel like this change I’ve been called to is about closing this door, so that a new door can open for me.

[10:06] I can easily get swept up with other people’s needs. This may be distracting me from seeing where I need to be going.

[12:22] I have a friend who feels called to close some doors on some long-term relationships. The energies of the relationship dynamics are taking away what’s possible for her.

[14:00] I’m an individual who embraces change. It somehow gives me an adrenaline rush. I seek out change after a certain period of time.

[17:23] Big takeaway for me is that I need to embrace change and have to let go of the past. I need to thank the past, so I can discover new opportunities. Also I can release some of the distractions and noise that have been swirling around with this big life change.

[18:27] Any door we close is forward movement, and I’m excited to be moving forward.

Memorable Quotes:

“You want the doors that are open to you to be close and to be fulfilling and to really just help you move forward in that special and meaningful and aligned way.” – Mary Tess
“Even when you can’t see what’s next, honoring your intuition and releasing distractions can bring the clarity you need.” – Mary Tess
“What is meant for you will find you. It will not pass you by if you are open to it.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP249: Mid Year Check-In

As I was reflecting on today’s Wise Walk, I realized we are halfway through the year. 2025 has been flying by, so I thought a mid-year check-in would make a great episode.

Today, we’ll do that check-in, and I’ll share some of the things I’m most proud of, like sharing my Heart Value through speaking gigs, coaching others, and deepening my skills through Shamanic Reiki and a drum-making apprenticeship. I’ll also touch on the joy of traveling and the emotional journey of losing my Aunt Mary. I’m so appreciative of my journey and lessons learned along the way.

Now let’s slow down and check our reality and ask ourselves these questions.

- What memories, experiences, or thoughts stand out as you reflect on the past six months?
- What have you done that truly surprised you?
- What is something you said yes to that you’re now really grateful for?
- What distractions came up that pulled you away from something you were hoping to experience?
- With hindsight, did any of those detours bless you in unexpected ways or help you grow?
- Where have you taken time to go inward, retreat, nurture yourself, or celebrate your journey?
- What went well in the first half of the year?
- What do you want to stop doing moving forward?
- What can you tweak or modify to better align with your future self?
- What are you ready to release because it no longer serves where you’re headed?
- What version of yourself are you working toward, and what next step will move you closer to that vision?
- Are there areas in your life where your word of the year is clearly supporting you?
- How does it feel when you’re in flow and inviting things in, versus trying to force outcomes?
- Where might you be pushing too hard, and can you consider shifting your energy to something that feels more aligned?
- Where can you invest in yourself today that your future self will thank you for?

I would love to hear what you took away from today’s episode. Please feel free to reach out and share. I’d love specifically to hear how your word for the year is supporting you, or if you had to change it, because something else came up that feels more aligned.

Mid-year check-ins are just your time to reflect, to review, to change, to cherish, to appreciate, and to adapt.

Because, this is your time!

In this episode:

[03:14] Wins I’m proud of are my meaningful speaking gig and connections I made with others and helping them find alignment through coaching.

[03:59] I’m also proud of the apprenticeships and certifications I’m taking to expand my skill set.

[04:58] I’ve also invested time into learning how to make drums. Check this out.

[06:14] I love to teach.

[07:02] I’ve also taken time to travel and go on some amazing retreats.

[07:25] My family also moved through heavy times, like when my Aunt Mary passed away.

[10:37] I see my future self teaching workshops.

[12:14] Are there uncomfortable or hard things in your life that are just a moment in time as you move towards bigger and better things?

[13:04] I really want to be moving forward in alignment and co-creating with the Universe. Sometimes it’s also about timing.

[15:17] How divine timing was more in alignment for me the second time I tried to sell my house.

[16:13] Sometimes there are factors at play that are beyond our awareness.

[19:14] I can’t believe what a crazy six months it has been. I’m looking forward to the next 6 months with you in this podcast.

Memorable Quotes:

“I’m learning to notice the difference between forcing and co-creating, and that awareness changes everything.” – Mary Tess
“Your present self and your future self are worth the investment. Even the uncomfortable steps are part of the bigger picture.” – Mary Tess
“Divine timing is real. When something doesn’t feel aligned, maybe it’s just not the right time, and that’s not failure, that’s wisdom.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP248: Your Inner Retreat

Have you ever felt like your whole being was craving stillness, but life just kept charging ahead? That’s exactly where I’m at right now. I am so excited because it’s the night before I get to go on vacation and not just any trip. I’ve secured a whole week off where I’m going inward to retreat. No plans, no agendas, no schedules. I may sleep in. I don’t know what I’m going to do, and honestly, that’s the whole point.

This retreat is all about giving myself space to go with the flow. I’m bringing along a few intentional self-care rituals that nourish me mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, and creatively, but beyond that, I’m releasing expectations. I just feel very called to embrace my own experience and be fully present with myself. After a long stretch of pushing through deadlines and showing up for others, it feels really good to show up for me.

So in today’s Wise Walk, we’re slowing down together. We’re going to check our reality and ask ourselves these questions.

- Are you willing to commit to retreating, even if you don’t leave your home?
- What helps you recharge, restore balance, and reconnect with yourself?
- How can you reignite the parts of you that feel dimmed or suppressed?
- What will you commit to now to prevent burnout later?
- What absolutely must get done right now, and what can wait?
- Where can you give yourself breathing room to approach tasks with more energy?
- How can you structure your days to match what you realistically have energy for?
- What can you postpone guilt-free, knowing it’s still on your list but not urgent?
- How can you set yourself up for success by prioritizing balance over busyness?
- Where can you celebrate yourself for choosing harmony and self-care alongside productivity?

I can’t wait to hear how you’re creating space to retreat and realign in your own way. Until next time, keep prioritizing fun as you read the signs, direct your path, and get your stride on.

In this episode:

[03:04] My sister and I booked a trip to Nantucket to go on a retreat. I love the coastal sea immersion and the charm of the town.

[04:47] We’ve had a lot going on and questioned whether this was the right time.

[05:08] A good thing about booking in advance is that there is a financial loss if you cancel. I also really need this trip on an energetic and emotional level.

[06:18] We should be able to take a week off and retreat without feeling stress.

[08:05] When it comes to deadlines, I’ll do whatever I need to do to hit it. Having the retreat scheduled, helps me focus on what I need to accomplish even if I have to do a little extra before leaving.

[09:40] I also had to make strategic decisions to put some things on the back burner.

[12:16] Another great thing about scheduling a retreat in your life is you get to design it however you see fit.

[13:08] I also want to wear an eye mask and earplugs and sleep in and tune out.

[14:11] I look forward to sharing whatever awakenings and impressions come out of this retreat. I’d also like to hear what you have planned.

Memorable Quotes:

“I just feel very called to embrace my own experience and be very, very present with myself.” – Mary Tess
“We all benefit from retreating from the norm. It helps us open our eyes, gain a different perspective, and connect with our bodies without expectations.” – Mary Tess
“You are the only one that knows what is best for you.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP247: Grief Beyond Death

Sometimes it hits us out of nowhere. That heaviness in the chest. The ache behind the smile. We usually reserve the word “grief” for death, but what about all the other losses we quietly carry?

In this episode, I share personal reflections on how grief can show up in transitions that have nothing to do with someone passing. From divorces, moves, and job changes to letting go of dreams that didn’t come true, grief is often hiding in plain sight. I open up about what it felt like to mourn the life I thought I’d have and how that process shaped the person I am today.

On this Wise Walk, we slow down to check our reality and honor the losses that don’t always get acknowledged. Whether you’re holding space for yourself or someone you love, I hope this conversation reminds you that your feelings are valid, your identity is evolving, and you’re not alone.

- Where in your life are you holding space for a dream or hope that hasn’t turned out the way you envisioned?
- Are you allowing yourself to mourn what didn’t come into your life so you can feel your emotions and move forward?
- Are you holding space for grief as you navigate life’s transitions and emotional shifts?
- Are you or someone you love grieving something right now, even if life looks steady on the surface?
- Are you watching someone struggle and you feel grief of not being able to step in or fix it?
- Are you in a relationship shift where the identity of who you were as a couple no longer exists?
- Are you trying to redefine what life looks like—either together or apart—while honoring what you both gave?
- Are you grieving a loss caused by tragedy, natural disaster, or the collective anxiety of today’s world?
- Are you allowing yourself to grieve and release emotions in the way they naturally arise for you?
- Do you need to cry, talk, dance, listen to music, or connect with someone to let it out?
- Are you recognizing that even joyous moments, like watching a child grow up, can carry grief?
- Where are you feeling uncertain about your identity or where you’re headed next?
- Can you acknowledge that your past identities are still part of you, even as you evolve?
- Can you hold space for your own growth and also for the transformation of those you love?
- Are you keeping your connections alive through memories and stories that still bring meaning?

I can feel a new chapter unfolding, even if I don’t know exactly what it looks like yet. What brings me peace is knowing that I’m grounded in every version of who I’ve been.

I hope you take time to honor your own evolution and hold space for all the parts of you that helped you get here. Until next time, keep reading the signs, directing your path, and getting your stride on.

In this episode:

[03:29] There are so many emotionally heavy things going on in this world. You would be perfectly okay to hold space for mourning or grief.

[04:07] Big transitions create a death of identity, of who we once were or hope to be.

[05:40] How my divorce was a big transition and change of my hopes and dreams. I had to reinvent myself.

[10:37] A dear friend of mine just lost her father. I asked about her memories of him and she shared two very powerful stories.

[12:36] Oftentimes when we’re mourning, we shy away from talking about memories that can bring up pain or sadness.

[13:18] Tapping into those memories keeps the connection alive.

[15:12] I’m grateful to recall elements of my past identity so that I don’t forget them.

[17:27] I feel a major life change coming towards me. I’m also holding space and having gratitude for the mini life changes that have made me who I am.

Memorable Quotes:

“So often in life, we only view death as the impetus for true grief, but there are so many other moments we deserve to grieve.” – Mary Tess
“Every experience changes us. If we hold space for it and honor it, we grow with each evolution of ourselves.” – Mary Tess
“You’re not losing those identities. You’re just continuing to evolve.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP246: When Being Wrong Feels Right

Ever had that moment where you’re sure you’ve won an argument but the victory feels hollow? I have. For the longest time I thought being right was the key to connection. Turns out it often does the opposite.

In this episode I’m sharing a big shift in my own thinking around what’s “right” and what’s “wrong”. What I used to consider a moral compass now feels like a self imposed limitation. I’ve been learning to sit with the idea that multiple truths can and do exist at the same time.

I’ll be sharing some stories from my own life and the lessons I’ve learned about how letting go of the need to be right has, ironically, led to a much deeper understanding of myself and the people around me. We’ll also talk about how perfectionism plays into this and the freedom that comes with embracing uncertainty and having your perspectives change.

If you’ve ever felt weird when you receive praise or found yourself stuck in black and white thinking, I invite you to join me on this Wise Walk. Let’s talk about what it really looks like to choose connection over being correct and find the wisdom that’s waiting for us in the gray areas.

- Have you been in a heated discussion where someone ends up saying you’re right, but instead of feeling satisfied, you realize you just want to feel understood and connected on a deeper level?
- Have you ever been unsure if you’re right or wrong but still deeply wanted to feel seen, heard, and understood for what you’re going through?
- Are there moments in your life where you could shift your mindset away from black and white thinking and open yourself to the colorful shades of gray, letting go of comparison and competition?
- Are there areas in your life where you once felt absolutely certain about something, only to look back later and realize your perspective has changed?
- Can you see where your past attachment to being right may have limited your growth or kept you from new insights?
- Where in your life can you start approaching situations with a more cooperative rather than competitive mindset, allowing for a fuller expression of different truths?
- The next time someone says you’re right or wrong, can you notice what comes up in you and whether it invites more connection or causes a shutdown?
- What can you do in those moments to build trust, encourage dialogue, and bring people together rather than drive a wedge?

Thanks for spending this time with me. I hope this conversation helped you reflect on your own journey with right and wrong, and maybe gave you a new way to look at connection. I’ll be back next Thursday with another Wise Walk, so until then, keep tuning in, stay open, and get your stride on.

In this episode:

[04:33] I remember being passionate and advocating for what I firmly believed in. I felt sincere satisfaction when the other person said that I was right.

[05:04] This doesn’t always bring us closer together.

[06:33] We can all be right according to our own experiences. Maybe we can come to a sympathetic understanding.

[07:36] This also frees us from perfectionism.

[10:20] The more we learn. The more we realize we don’t know everything.

[12:17] We are constantly evolving.

[14:34] Saying you are right may stop the conversation.

[17:04] I’m at a state of life where I embrace being wrong. Being wrong is an opportunity for growth and to hear the other person’s experiences.

Memorable Quotes:

“Being right doesn’t actually fulfill me. I just want to feel understood and connected on a deeper level.” – Mary Tess
“I view being wrong as an opportunity for growth, to come together and see each other in ways that are deep and meaningful.” – Mary Tess
“Let’s move away from comparison and competition and toward cooperation and curiosity.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources: