True Stride

Mary Tess Rooney
  • 5.0 (38)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

Realizing your True Stride means moving forward in alignment with you heart, mind, body, energy and soul. This podcast offers thoughtful conversations to help you discover your groove at work, at home, during play and with your community. Empowerment coach, author and fellow Strider, Mary Tess Rooney, inspires heart-centered views to elevate your Heart Value, relationships and joy. Tune-in every Thursday for wise walks to get your stride on!

  1. 3d ago

    EP312: Riding the Waves of Grief and Healing

    I like to think of emotions a lot like waves in the ocean. Some roll in gently and barely disturb us, while others seem to come out of nowhere and knock us off our feet. Lately, I have been experiencing some of those heavier waves. With the 25th anniversary of September 11, memories from when I was living and working in New York have surfaced in ways I did not necessarily expect. Grief can be tricky like that. We can feel completely fine one moment, and then a memory, a conversation, or even the energy around us brings something back that we thought we had already worked through. I used to think being positive meant pushing those heavier feelings aside and keeping myself moving. Now I see how important it is to make room for them instead. Sometimes that means clearing the calendar, letting yourself cry, talking with someone you trust, or simply being still long enough to notice what is coming up. We do not always have to fix what we are feeling, and we certainly do not have to have everything together all the time. On today's Wise Walk, we explore how to ride those emotional waves instead of fighting them, create space for vulnerability, support the people we love when their own waves come in, and give ourselves the grace to rest and recharge afterward. Are you able to process the range of emotions you experience from day to day, or even minute to minute, much like the waves in the ocean? Can you feel those waves of emotion when you are in a storm and allow them to wash over you? Can you ride those emotional waves when you can? Can you ground yourself so the waves do not knock you over, allowing them to pass through you instead of resisting them? Can you pause and feel gratitude when those waves of emotion bring you joy and satisfaction? Where in your life are you holding space to watch the waves come in and go out, accepting that sometimes you have no control over them? Can you give yourself the space and grace to experience those emotional waves in whatever form they appear? When heavy emotions surface, can you pause, take them seriously, and reflect on why they may be appearing at this moment? Can you honor what you are feeling? Can you feel your feelings in a safe and vulnerable way, knowing that expressing them does not make you weak? When you experience waves of emotion that feel heavy, confusing, or sad, do you allow yourself to process them? Who can you reach out to, who will hold a safe and sacred space for you? Can you allow yourself to be vulnerable and share what is on your mind with people you trust? Can you also lean in and listen when someone else shares what is surfacing for them? What is going on for you? How are you feeling about this experience? What personal memories are surfacing for you? Are you allowing yourself to heal by feeling your feelings and giving others space to share theirs too? Can vulnerability help you deepen your connections and build greater trust with the people in your life? Allow yourself to be present with whatever feelings are surfacing and just look at them like waves of emotions and be kind to yourself. I would love to hear what waves you are allowing to wash over you.  I look forward to next Thursday's Wise Walk. I hope you'll join me. Until then, please be sure to prioritize fun as you read the signs, direct your path, and get your Stride On. In this episode: [03:43] This year marks 25 years since September 11th. And I have very vivid memories of September 11th. I was living and working in New York at the time. [04:11] That day was fundamentally life-altering for many of us. It altered our shared sense of safety. We also lost so many humans that day and in the aftermath. [05:46] 25 years later we still feel the energy of those days and also the energy of the mass collective.  [06:03] We are all so intertwined that we feel our memories and the memories and grief of others. [07:03] When I was young, I tried to resist grief and waves of heavy emotion. [08:39] I've honored September 11th in a variety of ways. Sometimes I just take alone time. I also participated in the Tunnels to Tower Run.  [10:02] This year when I started feeling those emotions, I knew the best thing to do would be to talk about it. [11:12] When we accept that waves of emotion are going to surface, it doesn't have to be a bad thing, and we don't have to judge it. [14:15] When we feel grief or a wave of emotion it can be related to so many different things. [15:34] You are going to get through the storm of whatever you are feeling. There's a beginning, middle, and end. [16:39] You are strong, and you can handle whatever waves of emotion come at you. [17:23] Be kind to yourself when those heavy emotions wash over you. Memorable Quotes: "Sometimes the healthiest thing we can do is accept the waves and learn to work with them instead of fighting them." - Mary Tess "Sometimes there isn't anything to fix. Healing happens in how we show up for ourselves and for each other." - Mary Tess "Whatever you're experiencing has a beginning, a middle, and an end. You will get through the storm." - Mary Tess "Life is ever-changing. Let the emotions wash over you and trust that this moment will not always feel the way it does right now." - Mary Tess Links and Resources: Mary Tess Rooney Email Heart Value 5k Run & Walk NYC Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

  2. Sep 10

    EP311: Pressure Test the Life You Want to Build

    I've always loved the idea of trying something on a small scale before going all in. In my corporate days, we did this all the time with pilots. We would test a new idea, product, process, or system with a small group, see what worked, notice where things started to crack, and then decide what needed to change before taking it any further. That same approach has helped me in so many other areas of life too. Sometimes the best way to move forward is not to have everything figured out. It is simply to create a safe way to test what is calling you and pay attention to what you learn. Pressure testing can reveal a lot more than whether an idea will work. It can show us how we respond when we feel vulnerable, how other people react to change, and where we may be ready to grow. It can also teach us something about our relationships because we often learn the most about ourselves and the people around us when life gets uncomfortable. On today's Wise Walk, we explore where we may be playing it a little too safe, what we might be ready to test, and how we can use those experiences to build confidence, resilience, and deeper connections. Is there something in your life that has been calling you that you would really like to test? Is there an idea in your personal or professional life that excites you, but you have been hesitant to try? Could you pilot that idea on a small scale and see what kind of feedback you receive? What might you learn by testing the idea before making a bigger commitment? What is something you are curious about and ready to give a trial run? Who in your life could give you thoughtful, honest feedback as you test your idea? Are you willing to be brave enough to try something new and simply see what happens next? What is an area of your life where you have been playing it a little too safe lately? Have you become comfortable doing the same things because you know you will not fall? Where might you be ready to take a risk, try something new, and see how you can grow? When was the last time you cracked under pressure? Can you give yourself some self-love and self-compassion as you reflect on that experience? How were you able to move through that difficult situation? Was there someone who helped you move through it with a little more ease? Have you ever gone through a crisis with someone and felt your relationship deepen because of what you experienced together? Can you acknowledge the deeper connection you formed with someone who rose to the occasion with you? What did you learn about yourself during that difficult experience? What did you learn about the people who supported you? Can you feel gratitude for the growth and connection that came from moving through that experience together? The more we practice pressure testing, the better we get at handling what comes our way. It helps us build confidence and resilience, and over time, we may find that we are less reactive and better able to move through stressful situations with more ease. As always, I would love to hear what you took away from today's episode and what areas of your life you are excited to pilot and pressure test. Feel free to reach out and share, and be sure to tune in next Thursday for another Wise Walk. In this episode: [07:04] How the idea of pressure testing was inspired by one of my friends. [08:21] I also shared my ideas of a pilot test and charting the results. [10:07] All of these skills in having the pilot program are helping my friend grow. When we pressure test ourselves, we pilot our own ability. [11:14] We also get to see how we perform under pressure and discover our strengths. [12:55] We don't know how people will react or how the dynamics will play out unless we test them. [13:31] I'm going to pilot. I'm going to run a test. I'm going to see what comes out of it. [14:06] We should never look at a pilot failure as a personal failure. We gain so much in the process. [16:06] The other area where this comes to mind is the idea of relationships. You never really know someone until you experience a crisis together. [17:22] We all crack under pressure occasionally. That doesn't mean there's anything wrong with us. [18:12] Pressure cooker careers like firefighters, police, and military professionals are often put in pressure cooker situations where they gain awareness of who has their back. [20:11] I've had my fair share of crisis situations in my life. I'm going to focus on gratitude for what I learned and gained through those experiences. [21:32] The more we work the muscle of pressure testing, the better we will get at it. Memorable Quotes: "Sometimes putting yourself out there is the pressure test that helps you find your voice." - Mary Tess "Sometimes the best way to move forward is to pilot an idea on a small scale and see what happens." - Mary Tess "Pressure reveals our strengths, our weak spots, and where we still have room to grow." - Mary Tess "The people who stand beside you under pressure can deepen your sense of connection and trust." - Mary Tess Links and Resources: Mary Tess Rooney Email Heart Value Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

  3. Sep 3

    EP310: Focus on What You "Have" and "Have Done"

    A friend of mine is doing some really exciting things right now. She is building a new business, speaking at fashion events, and stretching herself in all kinds of new ways. When we were talking recently, one of the things she focused on was the fact that she has not been exercising. I remember thinking, why are we so quick to notice the thing we have not done instead of everything we have and have done? I have caught myself doing the same thing. We can accomplish 99 things and somehow we let that one thing we didn't complete, overshadow all we accomplished. Sometimes life simply requires us to put certain priorities on the back burner while we give our energy to something else. That does not mean those things no longer matter. It may simply mean we are exercising different muscles right now and focusing on what this season in life needs from us. On today's Wise Walk, we talk about shifting our attention from the have-nots to the haves, appreciating what we are accomplishing instead of judging ourselves for what we have not gotten to, and giving ourselves permission to prioritize what matters most right now with more self-love and compassion. Do you find yourself beating yourself up over things you haven't done lately or haven't gotten around to? In those moments, can you catch yourself and let self-love and self-care wash over you? Can you shift your focus from what you haven't done to appreciating what you have accomplished and the new muscles you are exercising? Is there an area of your life where you are being critical of yourself because you haven't gotten to something? Can you reframe that disappointment by acknowledging what you want to circle back to while appreciating everything that is benefiting from your heart, energy, and intention? Are you able to give yourself credit for how you are showing up, what you are accomplishing, and how you are supporting both your present and future self? When you reframe your mindset, how do you feel, and can you get excited about the vision you hold for your future self? Catch yourself when you focus on what you haven't done, and take a moment to appreciate everything you have accomplished. Trust what you are being called to focus on when it feels aligned with your energy, effort, and expertise. Let me know what you took away from this episode, and I'll talk to you on next week's Wise Walk. In this episode: [03:07] Our brains are conditioned to hold on to the negative elements in life. [04:16] How one less than glowing review took over my thoughts. [05:48] Reframing how to look at critical feedback is so important. We need to appreciate our wins. [06:51] We can focus on priorities and circle back to the other things later. [07:42] We need laser focus to incorporate the elements that help us become our highest and best self. [09:18] Just like my friend, I too realized I wasn't exercising as much as I wanted to. I'm still moving my body and using different muscles than I'm used to. [10:20] I need to let go of the list of what I haven't done lately. [11:07] Sometimes we need to step back and appreciate what matters. [13:17] Think about how you can help yourself move with more self-love and compassion. Be appreciative about what you're doing and how you're showing up for yourself. Memorable Quotes: "We need to appreciate the wins in our lives and recognize what we are doing right, what we are accomplishing, and how we are showing up." - Mary Tess "Let go of the things you are not getting to without guilt. You can circle back to them when the time is right." - Mary Tess "Give yourself self-love and compassion for being present with what you need right now instead of focusing on everything you haven't done." - Mary Tess "Move through life with more self-love, self-compassion, and a deep appreciation for what you are doing and how you are showing up." - Mary Tess Links and Resources: Mary Tess Rooney Email Heart Value Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

  4. Aug 27

    EP309: Who Has Your Back? Self-reliance Meets Support

    Sometimes life gives us a lesson we already know, but apparently need to learn again. I recently tweaked my back while moving an extremely heavy piece of furniture, and I knew immediately that I had to stop. There was a time when I might have tried to push through the pain and finish what I started, but experience has taught me that ignoring what my body is telling me usually makes things worse. This time, I grabbed the ice, stopped trying to solve the problem myself, and started figuring out who I could call for help. What surprised me was how vulnerable that felt. Asking movers to finish the job was one thing, but as the reality of my injury set in, I realized I needed help with some very basic parts of my life. I couldn't drive home as planned. I couldn't bend down to feed my dogs. I had to call people I love and admit that I simply could not do certain things on my own. As uncomfortable as that was, every phone call became a reminder that receiving support is not a failure of self-reliance. Sometimes it is exactly what allows us to take care of ourselves and move through a difficult moment without making it harder than it already is. In this episode, we're taking a Wise Walk together to look at the heavy loads we carry and why so many of us wait until we're in crisis before asking someone to share them. Where could you use a little more support right now? Who has shown you that they genuinely have your back? And can you allow yourself to receive their help without guilt or the feeling that you're putting someone out? I am learning that being strong doesn't always mean doing everything myself. Sometimes strength looks like being vulnerable enough to say, "I need help," and then letting someone show up for me. What memorable painful experiences have forced you to stop midstream because pressing on would have caused further harm? When physical, emotional, or energetic pain surfaced, were you able to pause, honor what you were feeling, regroup, and determine your next steps? Where in your life have you ignored pain or discomfort that was trying to tell you to stop? What did you learn from those experiences that you want to carry forward the next time something painful happens? Where in your life are you carrying a physical, emotional, or energetic load that you may not need to carry alone? Where can you become vulnerable and ask for help before you reach a crisis point? Once you ask for help, how can you receive that support without guilt or feeling like you are putting someone out? What resources are available through your family, friends, or contacts that could help you carry a difficult load? What other tools, techniques, or resources could help you move through a vulnerable period with greater ease, support, and confidence? How can receiving the support you need help you move through hardship while carrying the lessons from that experience forward? I hope you're not carrying heavy loads by yourself. Be vulnerable enough to ask for the support you deserve and allow others to share the load. In doing so, you may deepen the bonds of friendship, love, respect, and support around you. I would love to hear what you took away from today's episode. Thank you so much for listening. Be sure to tune in next Thursday for another wise walk. Please be sure to prioritize fun as you read the signs, direct your path and get your Stride On. In this episode: [03:26] I've tweaked my back in the past. My back has vulnerable points. I need to be more careful than most. [04:39] Each time I injure my back I get a little more in tune on how to respond. [05:36] While I was laid up, I began to make phone calls and request help for my current situation.  [06:44] The thing I took away from this experience is that I had to learn how to ask for help. [07:27] When we are down and out we have to face our fears about being vulnerable. Pain forces us to confront the feeling of resistance when asking for help. [09:09] I also had to call my cousin for help with feeding my dogs. [11:21] Once I started exercising the muscle of asking for help, it actually got a lot easier. [12:33] When we are vulnerable, it's important to feel seen and heard. [13:37] I also started thinking about support in broader terms. I invested in a back brace to feel more secure and calm. [16:17] My big takeaway is that it's okay to have a mentality of self-reliance. It's also important to remember that we don't have to carry everything by ourselves. [17:28]  We all need each other and are better together. We stand stronger in our foundational root chakra when we know when to ask for help. Memorable Quotes: "Where in your life are you carrying a heavy load that you don't need to carry alone? Sometimes asking for help is exactly what allows life to move a little more smoothly." - Mary Tess "When we are vulnerable enough to ask for help, we also get to see who genuinely shows up for us, who has our back, and who is willing to stand beside us when things get hard." - Mary Tess "When we ask for help and allow ourselves to receive it without guilt, we create a beautiful balance between self-reliance and the support that is available all around us." - Mary Tess "The more we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and receive the support we need, the more easily we can move through life's difficult moments with confidence that we will get through them." - Mary Tess Links and Resources: Mary Tess Rooney Email Heart Value Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

  5. Aug 20

    EP308: The Flavor Profiles of a Satisfying Life

    Years ago, I spent some time studying Ayurveda and learning more about how food can support the body. One thing I remember really liking was the idea of bringing different tastes into a meal. Instead of eating something that hits only one note, you include a mix of flavors so the meal feels more satisfying and complete. I started thinking about that again recently, only this time in terms of life. There are certain things I need in my day that help me feel good about how I invested my time. Moving my body is one. Being outside is another. I love learning, having meaningful conversations, working with my animals, and knowing I did something useful for someone else. I also need that point when I can say, "day is done," and stop pushing myself to do more. On today's Wise Walk, we talk about the different flavor profiles that make a life feel satisfying, why those ingredients will look different for each of us, and how being more intentional about what we include in our days can help us feel more balanced and complete. What does feeling satisfied mean to you? In what ways do you feel satisfied in your body, heart, energy, relationships, career, and activities? How can you direct or redirect your energy toward the things that help you feel satisfied? What activities allow you to actively direct your energy toward the areas of your life that bring you satisfaction? How do you incorporate those activities into your day? Do you have enough variety in the things that help you feel satisfied? Are your personal flavor profiles connected to relationships, learning, acts of service, or other meaningful experiences? How are you incorporating your heart, mind, body, and soul into the way you live each day? What are the things that light you up, and how do you feel when you make time for them? What do you notice when those important elements are missing from your day? Where can you be more intentional about choosing the things that help you feel satisfied, grounded, calm, and balanced? How can you create a clear stopping point at the end of the day and shift your energy toward reflection, recovery, restoration, or nourishment? How do you create satisfaction during the times when you do not need to be "on"? Are there areas of your life where you are depriving yourself of the flavor profiles or sensory experiences that help you feel abundant, grateful, and fulfilled? How can you become more aware of what feels aligned for you and what does not? How can you intentionally choose more of the things that bring you satisfaction? What can you eliminate from your life that is weighing you down or pulling you away from the experience you want to create? What elements help you feel complete in how you show up for others and how you show up for yourself? How can you create balance between being of service to others and giving yourself what you need to unwind at the end of the day? I'd love to hear what helps you feel satisfied and how you create balance in your life. Please send me your thoughts and feedback. I look forward to next Thursday's Wise Walk. Until then, prioritize fun as you read the signs, direct your path, and get your stride on. In this episode: [01:47] I studied Ayurvedic practices as a way to support my body. Ayurveda has different healing beliefs and works with food and spices as nourishment, and also incorporates body cleansing practices. [02:16] They focus on the mind, body, heart and soul alignment. It's being intentional about how we prepare our food.  [03:07] Spices are incorporated to help our bodies feel supported. [04:02] There are six fundamental taste that we should achieve in every meal including sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent. [05:19] Things I should include in my everyday life flavor profile include exercise, nature, meaningful conversations, learning, and being of service. [07:07] At the end of the day, my aunt and I will always say, "Day is done." [08:36] Shifting energy and going inward and using your "off switch" is also very satisfying. [12:51] One of the ayurvedic flavor profiles is sweetness. I make a point to incorporate sweetness in my day. I have something sweet after my meal. [14:40] My sweet stopper has helped prevent me from overindulging. [15:43] This helps close out the eating experience for me. [17:11] We can be intentional about incorporating flavor profiles into our days so we feel satisfied. Memorable Quotes: "Satisfaction is personal. Each of us has to recognize what makes us feel nourished, supported, and complete, then intentionally direct our energy toward those things." - Mary Tess "A satisfying life is not built from one thing alone. It comes from understanding the different experiences that energize us and making space for them in our daily lives." - Mary Tess "When we make room for the things that light us up, we give ourselves a better chance to end the day feeling complete rather than wondering what was missing." - Mary Tess "Balance includes knowing when to be fully engaged and when to create a clear stopping point so our energy can shift toward calm and recovery." - Mary Tess Links and Resources:  Mary Tess Rooney Email Heart Value Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

  6. Aug 13

    EP307: Tapping Out Is Not Giving Up

    One of the messages I heard over and over growing up was simple: if you start something, you see it through. My mom taught us to keep going, push through the hard parts, and trust that we could get to the other side. That lesson gave me a lot of confidence, but I also remember one time in high school when she completely surprised me. I was struggling with a situation that had become hurtful, and instead of telling me to keep going, she told me that sometimes it is okay to "lick your battle scars and move on." At the time, I was almost shocked to hear those words from her, but I needed them. I had been so focused on not being a quitter that I wasn't paying attention to how much the situation was costing me emotionally.  That lesson came back to me recently when a friend told me about recognizing a red flag with someone she had just started talking to and deciding, very simply, to "tap out." I loved the phrase because there is strength in knowing when enough is enough. Tapping out does not always mean giving up. Sometimes it means protecting your peace, stepping away before more damage is done, or giving yourself enough space to come back with a clearer mind. I have been learning that on the farm too, where sometimes the best thing I can do is stop forcing a project, reset, and look at it again later with fresh eyes. So on today's Wise Walk, I'm looking at that line between staying the course and knowing when it's time to step back, regroup, and put your energy somewhere that feels better.   Have you ever been in a challenging situation that creates a lot of conflict in your life, yet you hold on because you don't want to quit? Are you holding on so tightly that you may be directly or indirectly causing harm to yourself and collecting those micro battle scars along the way? When you find yourself in an unhealthy situation or predicament, do you give yourself permission to lick your battle scars, move on, and give yourself time to heal? Can you redirect the energy you've been using to push past the discomfort or conflict toward something that feels more aligned, fulfilling, and supportive of your overall well-being? Are you managing something in your life right now that feels unhealthy or is weighing on you, but you keep telling yourself you have to push through?  Is there an opportunity to choose again, step back, hit pause, or tap out so you can reset and give yourself room to heal?  Can you find a different way forward that still supports what you ultimately want, but feels more aligned and sustainable?  If you step away for a while, do you actually feel called to re-engage, or might you realize that you're ready to let it go?  I hope today's episode reminds you that stepping back doesn't make you a quitter. Sometimes tapping out gives you the space to reset, heal, and move forward with more clarity. I'd love to hear what stood out to you, and I look forward to connecting again next Thursday for another Wise Walk. In this episode: [05:39] I share a story about an event that happened to a dear friend of mine when she attempted online dating. She called out a guy when he wasn't telling the truth. Then she tapped out. [07:20] I love that my friend recognized the red flags and was able to tap out. We often forget that tapping out is an option. [08:51] Tapping out can prevent injury and prevent us from getting hurt. [09:38] Tapping out can also reset our cognitive fatigue. [10:33] Tapping out can also help us redirect our energy in a healthy way. [12:27] Tapping out can also create space for better long-term results. [16:11] Forcing something that does harm to us creates trauma and gives up our control. [17:04] I see tapping out as a healthy boundary setting not quitting. Memorable Quotes: "We do not have to push beyond pain and discomfort if we feel that tapping out is in our best interest." - Mary Tess "Sometimes pulling back or sometimes stepping away, it just gives us that ability to see things from a different lens." - Mary Tess "I still don't see that idea of tapping out as quitting. I see it more as a healthy boundary setting that prevents harm to us." - Mary Tess "Knowing when enough is enough, knowing when to walk away, knowing when to step back, like that is a power you obtain always." - Mary Tess Links and Resources: Mary Tess Rooney Email Heart Value Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

  7. Aug 6

    EP306: Making Space for Reinvention

    Sometimes you do not realize how much your life has changed until something makes you stop and look at it. New interests emerge. Our priorities change. Everyday experiences begin to feel natural even though they would have surprised an earlier version of us. A recent conversation with my sister gave me a chance to see my own transformation through her eyes. While she was excited about business meetings in Dallas, I was equally excited to spend the week harvesting green beans and learning canning. Her surprised laughter reminded me just how far my life has shifted from my years in New York City. Each of us has an opportunity to reflect on the many versions we've experienced during our lifetime and appreciate each one without feeling obligated to remain there. On our Wise Walk, I share how I am reinventing my approach to exercise as my body and responsibilities change, along with the patience required to grow into a new way of living. Together, let's consider the small steps that can help us move toward the person we are becoming. Reinvention takes time, honest adjustments, and plenty of grace for ourselves and for the people who may need a moment to catch up with who we are becoming. As you appreciate where you are today, can you look back and value the many different versions of yourself? How many times have you reinvented yourself throughout your life? Have you ever surprised someone you love because they still pictured an earlier version of you? Is there a new version of yourself calling you forward right now? Who can support and encourage you as you move into this next phase of your life? Can you make room to try something new, even if what you have always done still feels familiar and comfortable? What does reinvention mean to you at this point in your life, and why does it matter now? What needs to change or be cleared away so you can move toward the vision you have for yourself? What small step could bring you even one percent closer to the person you want to become? How can you build momentum and begin to feel connected to this new version of yourself? How are you sharing the small changes in your life with the people who care about you? Can you invite supportive people into your vision so they have time to understand who you are becoming? Can those conversations strengthen your desire to make the changes that feel important to you? As you reinvent yourself, can you pause and recognize how far you have already come? Can you appreciate the person you once were while also welcoming the person you are becoming? What is lighting you up as you continue to grow, evolve, and reinvent yourself? I encourage you to appreciate every version of yourself that helped bring you to where you are today. Give yourself the time and grace to keep growing, and trust that each small step is helping shape the person you are becoming. I would love to hear what you took away from today's episode. Feel free to reach out and share how you are reinventing yourself or what changes you are beginning to explore. Please join us for another Wise Walk next Thursday. In this episode: [04:27] I've even found a few moments where I've had to laugh at the dramatic change in my life since I've been on the farm. [05:04] In New York, I lived in the hustle and bustle of the city. My nature fixes were in Central Park. [06:12] I've reinvented myself, and I'm enjoying this new phase of my life. I'm transforming into a country girl. [08:22] One area that I'm clear on reinventing for myself is the way that I work out. My body has evolved to a place where hiking is a better fit than running. This change was hard to accept. I'm also incorporating more strength training. [10:21] True reinvention requires personal growth, transformation, and adaptation. This could take 5 years. I need to give myself space and grace. [11:56] Whatever your reinvention time, be realistic about it and give yourself permission to clarify and take baby steps. [12:43] Also give people around us the space and grace to adapt with us. [15:34] This conversation with my sister helped me take stock of just how far I've come. [16:07] We have the opportunity to reinvent ourselves at any age. [17:03] The choices you make today will write your biography for tomorrow. Memorable Quotes: "How cool that at any age, we have the opportunity to reinvent ourselves. We are not stuck in who we were, and the future has yet to be written." - Mary Tess "I have to give myself a lot of space and grace to really get in flow with this new version of myself." - Mary Tess "True reinvention requires personal growth. It requires transformation. It requires adaptation." - Mary Tess "We are reinventing ourselves in small ways every single day. We change. Our tastes change. Our interests change." - Mary Tess Links and Resources: Mary Tess Rooney Email Heart Value Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

  8. Jul 30

    EP305: Exercise Your Power to Test Drive

    Sometimes you can think you know exactly what you want, but actually experiencing it tells you something completely different. In backpacking, a shakedown gives you a chance to test your gear on a shorter trip before heading out on a bigger adventure. I love that idea because we do the same thing in everyday life, whether we realize it or not. I have test driven cars that looked great on paper, but felt completely wrong once I got behind the wheel, and my first trip hauling horses across the country taught me very quickly that leggings and sneakers were not nearly as practical as denim and cowboy boots. The experience gave me information I could use the next time around. There are so many areas of our lives where giving something a trial run can help us figure out what actually fits. It might be a career, a neighborhood, a relationship, a subscription, or even where we set up a desk. Sometimes we just have to try something and see what happens. Maybe it works exactly the way we hoped, or maybe we realize pretty quickly that it is not for us. Either way, we learn something, and we can use that information to decide what comes next. On today's Wise Walk, we talk about where a test drive might help us figure out what fits, what doesn't, and what we want to choose from here. Is there an area of your life that would benefit from a shakedown or a test run to see if it truly aligns with you? How does that experience fit and feel for you right now? What feels good, what feels off, and what can you do with that information? Is there anything missing from the experience that would help you feel more prepared and avoid regrets later? When was the last time you were excited about something but realized, once you were in the experience, that you did not know what you did not know? Have you ever wished you had tried something on a smaller scale first so you could better understand what to expect and prepare accordingly? Is there something you are interested in experiencing or taking on that you could test in a smaller, lower-commitment way first? Do you give yourself opportunities to take something for a test drive before fully jumping into the deep end? Can you look at the many things that you're juggling in your life right now, get curious, and give them a little bit of a shakedown? Can you try them on for size or give them a test run? Can you give yourself the space and grace to try it on for fit, feel, and no regrets before you fully commit? As always, I would love to hear what you took away from today's episode. Feel free to reach out and share whatever areas of your life you are testing out for fit, feel, and no regrets. Please join us for another Wise Walk next Thursday. In this episode: [02:43] When I think of a test drive, I think of taking cars for a test drive. Things can look good on paper and make logical sense, but you don't know until you've taken it for a test drive. [04:42] We can apply the test drive concept in any area of our lives.  [05:22] I tried many neighborhoods on for size when I was thinking about moving. [06:20] I'm evaluating my closet and clothes to see what's a good fit. How does it feel? How does it fit? Is there a real life application for this? [08:18] Denim is definitely the best outfit for farm work. [11:39] When I was promoting my coaching service, I used the initial call as a two-way opportunity for the client to get to know me and for me to get to know them. [12:45] Am I doing this out of enjoyment or am I doing this out of obligation? [13:53] I share my friend's online dating systematic approach. After messaging, then he has a call. If the call doesn't go well, he doesn't move forward. Memorable Quotes: "Anytime we are open to this idea of doing a shakedown with a certain area of our life, we're just gaining information." - Mary Tess "We are trying things on for size. We are giving that experiential test for fit, for feeling, for no regrets." - Mary Tess "We can take career aspirations for test runs. We can take activities and interests for test runs. We can take vacations for test runs." - Mary Tess "We are not locked into anything. We always have permission to choose again. It is ours to choose again." - Mary Tess Links and Resources: Mary Tess Rooney Email Heart Value Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

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About

Realizing your True Stride means moving forward in alignment with you heart, mind, body, energy and soul. This podcast offers thoughtful conversations to help you discover your groove at work, at home, during play and with your community. Empowerment coach, author and fellow Strider, Mary Tess Rooney, inspires heart-centered views to elevate your Heart Value, relationships and joy. Tune-in every Thursday for wise walks to get your stride on!

Information

  • Creator
    Mary Tess Rooney
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    313
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    True Stride