Podcast Archives - Mary Tess Rooney

Paul Cuneo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-cuneo

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EP229: Appreciate Your Ego

When I first started yoga and became a teacher in 2009, one of the biggest lessons I learned was to leave your ego at the door. In the spiritual world, we talk about the dangers of the ego, how it can make us competitive, resistant to feedback, or push us into things that don’t feel aligned. I loved that perspective at the time. It reminded me yoga isn’t about keeping up with anyone else. It’s just you and the mat.

But over the years, I’ve come to realize something else. The ego isn’t something to overcome. It’s us. It gives us confidence, drives us to achieve, and when in balance, helps us move forward with purpose. So for today’s Wise Walk, let’s slow down and check in with ourselves. How do we see the ego? Have we been conditioned to see it as bad, or can we start to see its healthy, positive role in our lives?

- When you hear someone bring up the ego in conversation, do you automatically see it as a negative?
- Have you been taught to believe the ego prevents authenticity and real relationships?
- When was the last time you stopped to appreciate the positive aspects of your ego?
- Can you slow down and notice all the ways the ego supports you in healthy ways?
- Can we acknowledge the healthy side of the ego?
- Where in your life have you done something that surprised and delighted you? Do you take time to acknowledge it?
- Do you share your success with others and say, “Hey, this turned out better than I expected, and I’m really pleased with how it turned out”?
- Can you give yourself that acknowledgment because it’s genuine?
- Can you recognize that it’s authentic and not about diminishing anyone else’s power or contributions?
- Can you take a moment to appreciate and express gratitude for how far you’ve come?
- If you have a healthy relationship with your ego and acknowledge your successes, do you also take time to laugh at the moments when you fall short or fail?
- Can you put your ego aside and say, “You know what, I’m not perfect,” and accept that as part of life?
- Can you stay in balance by appreciating both your achievements and the times you fall short?
- Can you recognize that missing the mark is okay because there will always be more opportunities to try?
- If you’re honest about your failures, can you see how much you’ve learned from them?
- What has been your experience or understanding of the ego?
- Have you been influenced by the idea that ego should always be checked and seen as negative?
- Can you appreciate and thank the ego for all it does in your life?
- Can you recognize how the ego can serve both you and others in a positive way?
- Can you find balance by setting your ego aside when it’s not serving you and embracing it when it is?

Thank you for joining me on this Wise Walk. I’d love to hear what resonated with you from today’s episode. I hope you continue to grow and appreciate the healthy aspects of your ego as you move forward. Join me next Thursday for another conversation.

In this episode:

[03:30] When we think about ego, we don’t necessarily highlight the positives. It really helps us with our self-esteem and gives us self-confidence.

[04:21] If we are focused on achieving for the right reasons, the ego can’t be bad.

[05:23] If we can capture the child-like essence and be purely proud of when we achieve something in a way that brings joy, that’s a healthy type of ego.

[06:43] It’s okay to appreciate how well something turns out.

[08:16] One of the areas in my life where I’m acknowledging my ego driven success is in my cooking.

[09:57] Having balance is the key point in managing or appreciating our ego.

[12:19] A story about my mom being so proud of not falling while ice skating, which led to a lesson in stretching boundaries and trying new things.

[13:51] I love this story, because it gave me permission to try things and fail or fall.

[15:38] I love how the spiritual world has brought an awareness of ego and not trying to eliminate it, but to increase awareness.

[16:11] The duality of ego is important because without contrast we don’t know which way to go.

[17:35] Don’t get triggered by a side of the ego that’s not serving you.

[18:13] Acknowledge the ego in ways that serve us in healthy ways and when it needs to be checked.

Memorable Quotes:

“The ego gives us our self-belief and our self-confidence to go after things that we really want. The ego also helps drive us to achieve.” – Mary Tess
“I grew up knowing that it was OK to fail. It was OK to just literally fall, but we had to keep trying.” – Mary Tess
“We nurture the positive side of the ego when we try new things, allowing us to build self-belief and confidence.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP228: Signs to Lift You Up

One of the things I’ve talked about before is how I’ve learned to pay attention to the small stuff, the stuff that feels like more than coincidence. Over the years, I’ve noticed patterns, symbols and signs that show up, just when I need them. The more I’ve leaned into this awareness, the more I’ve realized these small moments can bring comfort, reassurance and even direction.

A friend texted me about a white feather that showed up on her car dashboard, pristine and perfectly placed. This reminded me of how I used to dismiss the small stuff as random but later learned to see the meaning. I also started thinking about the role of signs in our lives and how they can be reminders that we are supported and never alone.

In this episode, I share my own stories of unexpected signs, like finding pennies everywhere I went and how they led me to a deeper sense of connection. I also share stories from friends who found meaning in butterflies, frogs, numbers and even songs, all of which led us to feel close to loved ones who had passed. Today’s Wise Walk encourages you to slow down, check in with yourself and get curious about the signs around you.

- Do you ever find yourself noticing something that seems out of the ordinary and wonder if it’s a sign?
- When you notice a sign, do you take time to appreciate it, reflect on its meaning, or express gratitude for it?
- If you don’t usually notice signs, are you open to the possibility of them?
- Are there opportunities for you to pay closer attention and recognize things that stand out in unexpected ways?
- What do you think a particular sign might mean for you?
- What signs are showing up for you, and which ones do you want to give meaning to?
- When you receive these messages, do you take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate them?
- Do you express gratitude for the signs you notice?
- How do you recognize and welcome these signs so they continue to appear when you need them?
- Are there signs appearing in your life, whether through numbers, animals, or objects like feathers or pennies?
- What are some consistent, unexpected events or reminders that feel meaningful to you right now?
- Is there something weighing on you, or do you seek comfort, protection, or alignment in some way?
- Once you give meaning to a sign, can you have fun with it and embrace the playful side?
- Can you actively look for more of these signs when you need reassurance or guidance?

Thanks for joining me today. I would love to hear what resonated with you, what signs you notice in your life, and what they mean to you. I always enjoy learning from your experiences and getting curious together.

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to tune in next Thursday for another Wise Walk. Until then, stay open, stay curious, and keep noticing the signs around you.

In this episode:

[02:44] The first time I started to appreciate signs, I was finding pennies all over the place.

[04:00] I thought the pennies were a sign from a higher power, but I didn’t know what they were trying to tell me.

[05:03] I love that many of us feel a presence or connection and are open to receiving messages from beyond in whatever shape or form.

[06:04] When my friend’s sister was passing on, she said if you see butterflies it’s me. Her family saw butterflies in all kinds of shapes and forms.

[07:01] The signs were all over the place, and it gave the family great comfort.

[08:03] I love the acceptance and receiving of signs that lift us up. The more we notice, the more we receive.

[08:59] We all have ups and downs in life. These signs can be so comforting.

[09:50] White feathers generally mean an angelic presence or protection.

[12:18] Sometimes when I’m in a rough patch and need a reminder that I’m not alone, I’ll just start looking for pennies.

[14:02] I love that we can communicate our inner wants and needs and be surprised and delighted when we’re open to receiving.

[15:09] Start noticing any patterns that consistently show up for you.

[16:22] If you think you’ve received a sign, you have.

Memorable Quotes:

“The more we notice, the more we receive. And when we acknowledge these moments with gratitude, they have a way of showing up just when we need them most.” – Mary Tess
“If something catches your attention and makes you pause, trust that it’s meant for you. The universe has a way of speaking in whispers—you just have to listen.” – Mary Tess
“Sometimes, all we need is a little reminder that we are loved, protected, and supported. Those reminders are all around us if we choose to see them.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP227: Aren’t You Interesting!

If you’re new to this podcast, I’m so glad you’re here. One of the things I’ve shared in prior episodes is that I have been managing a bone marrow cancer diagnosis since 2002—that’s 23 years and counting. It’s been a journey filled with highs and lows, but right now, I’m in a good phase where my blood levels are stable. Even so, I still check in with my doctors regularly, staying in a watch-and-wait phase to monitor my health.

During a recent doctor’s visit, a new physician assistant looked over my medical history and, with curiosity, remarked, “You’re quite interesting.” That moment sparked today’s conversation about what it means to be different, to not fit the mold, and to embrace that uniqueness as a strength.

In this episode, I share why I’ve taken a different approach to my health and how it’s worked for me, along with the importance of celebrating what makes you unique rather than seeing it as a setback. I talk about how we can find connection and community even when our experiences don’t perfectly align, as I’ve discovered through my involvement with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

I also explore how breaking patterns can lead to new discoveries and perspectives, and why innovation often comes from those who challenge the norm. Most importantly, I reflect on the power of self-trust and the freedom that comes with honoring your own path instead of following what’s expected.

Whether it’s in health, career, or personal growth, we all have moments where we deviate from the standard—but can we embrace it? Can we see it as an opportunity rather than an obstacle? Today’s wise walk invites you to reflect on where you’ve stepped outside the norm, how it’s shaped your journey, and where you might want to break the mold next.

- Where in your life do people say, “Oh, you are quite interesting!”
- When they say it, what is your emotional or energetic reaction?
- Do you feel taken aback because they are differentiating you from the norm?
- Are you able to embrace your uniqueness and the qualities that make you stand out?
- Can you celebrate your uniqueness as a superpower?
- How do you want to respond energetically and emotionally when people recognize how interesting you are?
- When you reflect on a time in your life when you deviated from the norm, what has worked for you?
- Have you noticed any advantages in doing things differently?
- Do you manage a team in a way that sets you apart from others?
- Are you highly skilled in an area but approach it differently than those before you?
- What in your life do you want to deviate from?
- Where do you want to set a new standard or raise the bar?
- Is there something you’ve always done a certain way but feel there’s a better approach?
- What do you have to lose by trying something new?
- Are you willing to believe in yourself and honor your uniqueness?
- Can you embrace being an anomaly and confidently step outside the norm?
- Where are you deviating from the norm?
- Where can you find a community that supports you?
- How can you connect with others through shared understanding and appreciation?
- What opens up for you when you embrace your uniqueness?
- How does recognizing your individuality change your perspective on yourself?

Thank you so much for going on this Wise Walk with me today and for sharing my story. Oh, and my results are strong! I’m staying consistent, and while I still have to check in with my doctor every six months, everything is looking good.

So we’re going to celebrate that too. Thank you, thank you for being a part of this Strider’s community!

In this episode:

[04:58] At first, I was a little bit taken aback because this was the first time I was meeting that doctor. Then I agreed that I am interesting because I don’t fit the norm.

[06:08] I want to celebrate my uniqueness.

[07:35] Can we honor deviations when we feel called?

[08:34] My nephew has started playing golf. He uses a traditional grip, but a famous golfer decided to deviate from the norm and now he’s revered for his grip.

[10:03] It only takes one person to show something new to inspire the rest of us.

[11:31] There is excitement about having commonality with people.

[12:03] Not fitting the norm or being an outlier can make us feel alone.

[13:07] There will always be pros and cons to being unique.

[15:35] Sometimes groundbreaking discoveries result from our unique deviation.

[16:32] I want to encourage you to deviate from the standard if you feel called to.

Memorable Quotes:

“Celebrating your uniqueness is not just about accepting who you are, but recognizing that what makes you different is also what makes you powerful.” – Mary Tess
“Not being the norm can be a really great thing, because when you step outside of expectations, you create space for new possibilities and discoveries that wouldn’t exist otherwise.” – Mary Tess
“Honoring the choices that feel right for you, even when they don’t align with conventional wisdom, is an act of self-trust and self-care.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP226: Manifest Your Feels

In our last episode, we explored faith in action, and how powerful faith-based practices help guide our lives. Afterward, a Strider reached out with reflections on communicating through prayer, sparking a deeper dive into the connections and distinctions between prayer, meditation, and manifestation. Another listener then asked if we could unpack manifestation even more. They had dreams for 2025 and wanted to learn how to incorporate manifestation into their daily life.

That’s what I love about this True Stride community. Each week, as we go on this journey together, you help me drop into my heart, ground myself, and re-center on what’s happening and what matters. These Wise Walks are about checking our reality, noticing what works, releasing what no longer aligns, and intentionally attracting what we want to create. For today’s Wise Walk, I thought we could slow down, check our reality, and focus on what we want to manifest in our life as a way to be intentional about moving forward.

- What are your goals for 2025?
- What goals are tugging at your heartstrings?
- If money and limitations were not factors, what would you seek?
- What do you truly desire?
- What do you dream of calling forward into your life this year?
- What would make a big difference for you in 2025?
- What choices and actions can you take to help manifest your goal?
- What path can you create to bring your vision to life?
- Who can help you along the way?
- How can you send a clear message to the universe that you are serious about your goal?
- What are the statements for your buckets of goals?
- How can you feel the “feels” and write your statements in an “I am,” it’s already happening mindset?
- How can you envision your goals coming to life?
- What choices and actions will you take to back up your vision?

I’d love to hear your takeaways from today’s episode, so feel free to reach out and share.

If you have suggestions for next week’s podcast, keep them coming. I love connecting with you and hearing your thoughts.

Thank you for being part of this amazing Striders Community and for helping us grow and evolve together.

In this episode:

[04:11] The number one thing that I’m drawn to this year is the idea of freedom. I spent 2024 trying to purge distractions and things weighing me down whether they be physical, emotional, spiritual, or energetic.

[05:40] “I am light, high energy, and grounded thanks to my simple and clutter-free life.”

[06:36] What is a statement that you can create to get 1% closer or 1% more aligned every single day?

[07:17] The part of manifestation that I love is that once you sit down and write your statements, that feel aligned, you move into your heart.

[08:31] I love how the universe is supporting me and selling my van. This will make my life more fluid and frictionless.

[09:20] We want to create the mindset that things are getting better and better.

[10:37] Another manifestation goal I have is related to my health.

[11:32] “My teeth are beautiful, strong and healthy. I only visit dentists for cleanings every six months.”

[13:07] I love the balance of being intentional and backing it up with other actions.

[14:02] I’ve written out 19 manifestation statements, and one of them is about this podcast and my relationship to you listeners.

Memorable Quotes:

“If we got 1% more aligned every single day, then by the end of the year, we are 365 days closer to our goal.” – Mary Tess
“The more we can envision it, the more we feel it, and the more the universe responds to that.” – Mary Tess
“I love that balance of how we can be intentional and then also back it up with choices and actions.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP225: Faith in Action

In our last episode, we explored the profound connection found through prayer and how a simple daily habit between me and my mom turned into a practice of faith and intention. This week, thanks to feedback from a Strider, we’re going deeper into faith-based practices.

Have you ever wondered about the differences—and the similarities—between prayer, meditation and manifestation? In this episode I’ll break down these three concepts and how each one connects us to ourselves, our intentions and something bigger. Get ready to reflect, realign and discover new ways to bring these practices into your daily life as we go on this Wise Walk together.

- What is your understanding of prayer, meditation, and manifestation?
- How do you incorporate these faith-based techniques into your daily life?
- When do you feel called or drawn to manifest?
- When do you feel called or drawn to meditate?
- What experiences or reasons have led you to seek prayer or offer intentions for someone you love?
- What are examples in your life where you practice faith in action?
- How do you incorporate faith in action techniques to feel grounded, supported, and present in your life?
- What does faith mean to you?
- Who or what do you have complete trust in, allowing you to surrender and release expectations?
- How do you incorporate meditation, prayer, or manifestation into your life?
- What is one faith-based practice you want to incorporate right now?
- What is one prayer you can say for yourself to ask for support and be open to receiving it?
- Where in your day can you incorporate meditation, whether it’s walking, silent, or guided, to find inner calm and peace?
- What is one manifestation statement you will create, say, and write to envision it as already present in your life?
- How can you incorporate that manifestation statement into your daily practice to remind yourself that everything you need is already within you?

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts and takeaways from today’s episode. Feel free to reach out with your comments and questions—I truly appreciate being part of a community that’s open to growth and reflection through these Wise Walks.

I’m looking forward to our conversation next Thursday, so be sure to tune in. Until then, be sure to prioritize fun, as you read the signs, direct your path, and get your stride strong. See you soon!

In this episode:

[04:06] I love how this question got me thinking about how I apply (or can apply) meditation, manifestation, and prayer into my life.

[05:23] With prayer we’re looking to a higher power. In meditation, we have complete trust in ourselves.

[06:25] Manifestation directs faith internally, because it’s our action for framing positive thoughts and intention in a way to attract that thing we are seeking.

[07:09] All three of these practices involve faith.

[10:06] When I incorporate these things into my life some of them are proactive and some are reactive.

[11:11] I can use prayer in a variety of forms, even when I’m teaching yoga.

[12:01] Meditation is very grounding for me. I direct my faith inward and create stillness in the moment.

[12:45] I incorporate manifestation when I feel my heartstrings getting pulled in a direction, and there’s something specific I’m working on or working towards.

Memorable Quotes:

“The definition of faith for me is complete trust in someone or something.” – Mary Tess
“When we look at prayer, typically we have faith in a higher power or in a universal energy or spirit.” – Mary Tess
“In meditation, we have complete trust in ourselves. We are leading ourselves on an experience to be present, to seek inner peace, to go within and experience stillness, go within and experience deep relaxation to quiet our mind.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP224: Communicating with Prayer

I’ve been thinking about prayer, what prayer means to some of us who practice it. Prayer in its simplest form is a conduit, a way to communicate, to reach out for guidance, support or forgiveness. Whether we’re seeking comfort for ourselves or someone we love, prayer opens the door to connection and vulnerability.

On this Wise Walk let’s slow down and look at how prayer, whether rooted in faith, intention or personal reflection, can help us release, clarify and tap into our purpose. We’ll look at how asking for help and being open to receive can change not only how we feel but how we show up in the world. Join me as we embrace prayer as a tool for love, healing and connection.

- What is something weighing on you that feels heavy or emotionally charged?
- What is one thing you can ask for to help lift that weight and feel open to receiving support?
- If you’re feeling energized and in a good place, is there someone in your life who is struggling and could use help?
- What is something you can ask on their behalf to help them receive support or guidance?
- Are you open to asking for support, encouragement, or guidance to help you feel more connected to your purpose and what’s calling you?
- Can you embrace the possibility of hope by being open to asking for what you need?
- Are you open to receiving, even if it’s not exactly what you envision, but possibly something better?
- Can you remain open to what comes your way, knowing it aligns with what you are seeking and need?
- Do you recognize that by benefiting yourself, you also create benefits for others, as we all rise together?
- Can you be open to both asking and receiving?
- Was there a line in my and mom’s created prayer that resonated with you and inspires you to personalize it?
- What intention can you create today to begin your own communication with the universe?
- What can you ask for to align yourself with the right path and desired outcome?
- How can you remain open to receiving guidance and direction toward your purposeful life?
- What is the next step that will bring you closer to living with intention and purpose?

As we wrap up, I’m sending good vibes, prayers, and positive energy your way as you continue to evolve on your beautiful path. I hope you’ll join me for next Thursday’s Wise Walk. If something in today’s episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear from you—leave a review or send me a note. Until then, keep moving forward with intention, and I’ll see you on the next Wise Walk!

In this episode:

[02:56] I talk about how my mother and I would pray every morning.

[04:06] Faith is powerful because you don’t feel alone.

[06:13] Making up our own prayers is a powerful way to communicate with our life force and energy.

[07:44] Prayer is a powerful conduit of communication.

[10:30] Praying with someone or a community creates a bond.

[12:12] Prayer also keeps us humble.

[13:11] It also offers comfort and supports our emotional needs.

[15:15] Help for being purposeful and living your best life.

[16:53] A friend of mine who is a beautiful singer and songwriter is going to help me put my prayer into song.

[17:17] There’s a theme of asking for protection, guidance, healing, and more.

[18:41] Create your own prayers and way of communicating with the universe. I share our prayer created by mom and me.

Memorable Quotes:

“Releasing what we were holding onto so tightly allows us to invite in support and guidance to get closer to what we feel called to.” – Mary Tess
“Put your intentions out there and call upon your holy family, your angels, your ancestors for direction.” – Mary Tess
“Whatever it is that we are seeking, ultimately, prayer is that conduit or that vessel to open ourselves up to ask for help and then also open ourselves up to receive.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP223: Grief and Love

Striders, today’s Wise Walk is a bit more mellow as I’m still dealing with some lingering upper respiratory inflammation from the holiday chaos and unexpected challenges like the environmental effects of a new roof. As I’ve been slowing down, resting and prioritizing self-care, life has brought me face to face with another kind of weight: grief.

From the loss felt by loved ones who have lost those they love to the changes brought by divorce, aging and changes in our abilities, these moments remind us how deeply love and loss are connected. On this Wise Walk, let’s pause to explore the connection between love and grief and how acknowledging this duality can bring us closer to healing and understanding. Join me as we take a moment to reflect, recharge and honor these feelings together.

- What emotions are surfacing for you as the holidays bring comparisons to past celebrations or moments of loss?
- Where in your life are you noticing elements of grief, pain, or loss?
- Do you want to use this Wise Walk to draw awareness to your grief and explore ways to heal or reframe it?
- How can you hold grief as a sacred acknowledgment of the love you once felt and cherished?
- Instead of suppressing pain or sadness, can you acknowledge grief in a healthy way that brings peace?
- How might you choose to understand grief differently or allow it to support your growth?
- How do you want to spend time acknowledging the grief and love present in your life?
- What supports you when you experience loss, pain, or grief?
- What helps you connect with those emotions in a space of love and acknowledgment?
- How do you create sacred space to feel your emotions without judgment?
- How do you help those around you manage their emotions with curiosity and appreciation?
- How can we foster understanding and acceptance so others don’t feel judged or rushed?
- How can we grow stronger together through love and shared support?

As we wrap up today’s episode, my hope for you is that you’re surrounded by big, powerful, loving emotions. May any grief you’ve experienced feel distant or serve as a gentle reminder of the strength and impact of the love you’ve given and received.

I’d love to hear your takeaways from today’s Wise Walk and how you create space for both love and grief in your life. As always, I’m looking forward to our next journey together. A new year is just around the corner, and I’m excited about what we can co-create in the days ahead.

In this episode:

[07:08] I love it when you’re in the mindset of trying to understand and experience what you’re feeling. I’ve been trying to understand grief and loss and how hard it is to know what to say.

[08:02] Joe Van Niekerk posted about how grief isn’t something you get over or move on with. Pain isn’t weakness. Heartache doesn’t mean we’re broken.

[10:10] I’ve been encouraging myself to feel loss in a way that encourages the love that I have.

[11:01] Is there a way to surrender the judgment, shame, and negative mindset around grief and loss?

[12:41] Can you be a supportive presence for someone you know who’s experiencing grief for loss?

[13:59] I was shocked and saddened by some of the losses my circle of loved ones have experienced.

[15:50] It’s a delicate balance to feel what we feel and not fall apart while possibly reframing our grief.

[17:45] My big takeaway from our Wise Walk today is just this idea of love is ever-evolving, as is grief. And holding sacred space, we can grow stronger and evolve in ways that are just more aligned for us and for all of those around us.

Memorable Quotes:

“I love this idea of not looking at grief or pain or suffering or heartache in this negative context, but kind of reframing it to say that we are experiencing those things because we loved so much.” – Mary Tess
“I wouldn’t be sad from the emotions if I wasn’t so invested in the love that I shared.” – Mary Tess
“The contrast we experience is also a great reminder to cherish those moments, to cherish those humans that have touched us. ” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP222: Time to Rest

It’s been a crazy holiday season, and this year has been no exception for me. I just got back from New York and it was a whirlwind of catching up with people I hadn’t seen in ages. I stayed up late, got up early and packed as much in as I could. It was so much fun but now I’m paying the price.

So if you’re wondering what’s up with my voice I have a cold and my body is telling me to slow down. So on today’s Wise Walk I want to focus on the importance of rest, taking time to recharge and creating space to recover when life gets too crazy. Let’s take a moment to pause and reflect.

- Are you in need of rest?
- Do you feel like the holidays and the end of the year have made you busier than usual?
- Do you need to incorporate more downtime?
- Could you benefit from some peaceful relaxation?
- Do you need to create space to take a break, recover, and refresh yourself mentally, emotionally, or physically?
- What does rest look like for you?
- How do you hold space and recover if you’ve been doing too much for too long?
- What are the ways you can incorporate a moment, a day, or even a week of rest?
- What does the word “rest” mean to you?
- Does rest mean taking a nap?
- Does it mean listening to music, going for a walk, or being in nature?
- Does it mean reading a book, getting a massage, or completely disconnecting from screens?
- Could it involve stepping away from email or your computer?
- Does it mean incorporating something restorative and unique to you, like pottery or something artistic?
- What practices can you add to your life to recharge and feel truly rested?

Thank you for joining me today. I’m taking a moment to recharge, and I hope you’ll do the same. During this busy holiday season, think about how you can be present for yourself and give back to yourself in ways that feel aligned.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on today’s episode, so feel free to reach out. I’ll be back next Thursday for another wise walk, hopefully feeling and sounding better. Until then, prioritize fun, enjoy the holiday season, and remember to read the signs, direct your path, and get your stride on.

In this episode:

[03:38] The word rest has multiple meanings. In music, it’s a rest bar. Even in music they incorporate rest.

[04:07] Sometimes we overlook rest and the importance of slowing ourselves down.

[05:02] One of the ways I like to enter a rest period is through meditation. My meditation routine really set me up for success.

[07:03] Meditation grounds and centers me and helps me to not stress.

[08:11] None of us are meant to do constant repetitive things day after day without resting.

[09:19] Sundays are a day of rest and reflection for people who are religious. You don’t have to be religious in order to incorporate a day of rest.

[11:02] Another way I incorporate rest in my life physically is fasting. It’s a rest period for the digestive system.

[12:20] Where do you feel over exertion? Can you dial it back or step away?

[14:08] Can we do our relationship a service and take a beat or go inward?

[15:19] Resting is a unique individual experience for all of us.

Memorable Quotes:

“We are the only ones that can take a beat, literally, and say, okay, I’m going to pause. I’m going to breathe. I’m going to go for a walk. I’m going to take a nap.” – Mary Tess
“I do feel refreshed. After I meditate, I feel a sense of calm. I feel like I am stronger and more collected.” – Mary Tess
“Our physical body benefits from rest days. If we are working out on a regular basis, weneed to incorporate them. We need our body to have time to repair.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

EP221: Your Word for the Year

I was thrilled when a fellow Strider reached out and asked me what my word of the year is going to be.

If you’re new to this podcast, let me explain: since 2010, I’ve chosen a word each year that helps ground me, something that represents what I want to embody, what I want to challenge myself to be mindful of, or the intention I’m setting for that year.

For example, in 2010, my word was “ask.” I wasn’t speaking up or asking for the things I needed or wanted. I was caught up in doing for others while neglecting myself. So that year, I decided I was going to ask for help, ask for support, ask for more resources, and even ask someone out. It was all about pushing myself to take the action I’d been avoiding.

Last year, my word was “heal,” especially as I recovered from colon surgery. These words help me stay aligned with my goals, and whenever I feel off course, I can check in with my word to bring me back.

Today, on this Wise Walk, let’s slow down, check in with our reality, and set our intention for the year ahead.

- Do you have a practice that helps ground you in what you hope to feel, accomplish, or challenge yourself with in the coming year?
- Is there a word that helps reground you and take you into that mindset, or helps you reframe a perspective to move further in alignment?
- If you’re new to the “word of the year” concept or the idea of setting a practice to stay grounded, what do you think would make you feel more aligned?
- What is a mantra or something you can embody and hold space for, so that as your year progresses, you have it as a compass to recenter yourself when life shifts your energy?
- What is an adventure or experience you’re ready to take on?
- What have you learned about yourself this past year that feels meaningful and makes you want to go all in on it?
- What is something you feel super connected to, inspired by, or awakened to that feels new and exciting?
- How can you create space or a sacred presence for yourself to receive more goodness related to that intention?
- How can you actively set that intention and manifest it into the universe to attract more of it?

As we wrap up today’s wise walk, I encourage you to reflect on the adventure or experience you’re ready to take on, and the intention you want to set for the year ahead.

Think about what you’ve learned about yourself and what inspires you, and create the space to receive more of that goodness. Remember, actively manifesting your intentions is a powerful way to attract what you truly desire.

Thank you for walking with me today, and I look forward to reconnecting with you soon.

In this episode:

[04:34] The idea of “divine timing” has been surfacing for me lately. Everything happens when it’s meant to be.

[05:07] There is something greater than us that’s helping us become our higher self.

[07:25] The other word that came up for me was trust.

[08:17] With continued soul-searching, I kept looking for the word that resonated the most with me this year. Other qualities include being present, patience, not rushing, and being open to receiving.

[09:58] I have different concepts of how I want to show up. I love how the Strider who reached out, reminded me of how important the word of the year is in terms of staying grounded and present to receive and give.

[12:20] I have a dear friend who has gone all in on her passion for fashion. It’s fun to witness what she’s attracting.

[13:09] This past year, she is really elevated it in terms of her intention.

[14:03] Think about what you can create or attract out of this intention you set for yourself.

[15:24] Each one of us has the opportunity to reinvent ourselves.

[16:29] I love that we can be intentional to achieve or receive what we are asking of the universe. My word of the year is going to be co-create!

[17:11] I know that how I show up is going to be better if I co-create in partnership with the universe, God, and all of the different influences.

[18:47] I’m going to co-create my next adventure.

Memorable Quotes:

“We can only control or influence so much and then we have to release expectations
and trust that there is a plan” – Mary Tess
“I want to be present and open. This idea of being open to receiving that next adventure in life, because I do feel like I’m ready for that next adventure.” – Mary Tess
“The reality is each one of us, every year, has the opportunity to reinvent ourselves. And it doesn’t even have to be at the change of the year.” – Mary Tess

Links and Resources: