I’m approaching a big birthday milestone. Yes, yours truly is going to be 50 – the big 5-0. While I feel very young at heart, this turning point in my life feels big. It feels like a major milestone to appreciate, and to be intentional about how I shape this next chapter.
Birthdays have always been a big deal to me. I love to take myself on Wise Walks to reflect on what I was doing last year, who I was with, what my priorities were, and how I was feeling. I’ve always looked at these birthday milestones as a way of reflecting on whether I’m moving in the direction I want to go.
So, no surprise, I’m doing the same here. But it feels intensified because I’ve experienced more life than I might have ahead, and I want to honor all that I am and will become.
For today’s Wise Walk, I thought we could slow down, check our reality, and ask ourselves these questions:
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- What milestones or time frames do you go into deep reflection?
- When you look back at the past year, do you set intentional plans for your future?
- As you reflect, do you approach it from a place of gratitude?
- Are you grateful for the hardships you’ve overcome and the wins you’ve accomplished this past year?
- Do you honor the good, the bad, and the ugly to realize how far you’ve come?
- How do you use this moment to stand strong in your own evolution?
- Do you recognize that your future can be more meaningful because of your past experiences?
- As you reflect on the past year or a big milestone, what difference has that year made?
- What things immediately spring to mind when you look back?
- What aspects of your life feel super aligned for you?
- Where are the areas where you’re getting stuck or feeling pressure?
- Are there situations where you’re saying “yes” to please others, but inside it makes you cringe?
- How can you give yourself the freedom and confidence to express your needs?
- How can those who love you, support you in ways that truly matter?
I invite you to reflect on your own journey and set intentions for what’s calling you. As a birthday gift, I’d love to hear about your growth, what’s matters most to you, or how these Wise Walks have impacted you. If you’re willing, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the True Stride podcast.
Thank you for being part of this community. Your self-reflection and growth inspire us all. I look forward to our next wise walk – I’ll be a bit older by then, but hopefully wiser too. Until next Thursday, keep striding forward.
In this episode:
[03:35] I have a friend who uses her birthday to reflect on where she’s been and where she’s hoping to go.
[04:06] It can be a time of renewal based on the seasons or any other time you choose.
[04:23] For this Wise Walk, I ask you to get clear on your time frame of renewal. What are the presents you can give yourself?
[05:24] One gift I can give myself is a consistent meditation practice. And so I am going to challenge myself to meditate every day.
[06:26] When I reflect back on my 49th birthday I was in a very different place.
[07:30] I’m grateful that I listened to my body, and I’m grateful that I found a great medical team.
[09:03] There’s so many things to do with friends and get together without it revolving around food and drink.
[10:11] I love that I’ve been able to communicate, express and set healthy boundaries to support my habits and ways.
[12:36] We can be our unique individual selves and honor those around us.
[14:10] Honoring my body and my truth was the best gift I gave myself last year.
[15:49] Meditation can be more successful after moving your body.
[17:14] I’m also going to explore different types of meditation to keep it interesting.
[20:04] You presenting yourself with presents teaches everyone else how you are worthy and deserving of gifts.
Memorable Quotes:
- “I’ve always kind of looked at these birthday milestones as a way of reflecting on… am I moving in the direction that I want to go.” – Mary Tess
- “We all have these just internal clocks for us to appreciate how far we’ve come and also awaken to what matters right now.” – Mary Tess
- “We have the ability to honor and give ourselves gifts that are really speaking to our heart.” – Mary Tess
Links and Resources: