Over the past eight months, I've lost two dear loved ones who had a profound impact on my life. They lived fully, with vibrant energy, wisdom, kindness, and deep care for others. While I'm heartbroken that I no longer get to experience their physical presence here on earth, I also feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the love I was able to receive from them, love that was unconditional and deeply shaping. One of them passed just yesterday, so forgive me if my emotions rise as I share, but in the midst of the sadness, I find comfort in knowing that even though I can no longer see them or hear their voices, their spirit lives on. And the love and impact they had on me and so many others remains. This episode is a reflection on that truth that love and impact don't disappear when someone is gone. They continue through memory, through values, through the ways we show up for others because of what we were given or what we received. On today's Wise Walk, I invite you to slow down with me and reflect on the people you've loved and lost, and consider how their presence still guides you, shapes you, and lives on through you. As you reflect on the loved ones you have lost, how does their love and impact continue to live on in you today? In what ways were they a role model for you, and which of their qualities are you consciously choosing to carry forward for yourself or the next generation? What messages do you still receive from them, and how do you notice their guidance when you are at a crossroads or facing an important decision? What stories from your past bring their presence alive, and how can you retell those stories so others can appreciate how they lived, showed up, and influenced you? Is there someone in your life who has recently experienced a loss, and how might you invite them to share a meaningful story about the person or animal they loved? If you are unsure what to ask, what real-life challenge could you share while inviting their loved one's wisdom through a question like, what advice do you think they would offer me now? What other ways come to mind for helping someone you care about honor a memory and keep it alive through conversation, curiosity, or shared reflection? How are you showing up and leading by example for the people you interact with each day? In what ways is your love and impact staying with others, long after the moment has passed? How are you mentoring others and sharing your wisdom from a place of openness, authenticity, and unconditional care? How are you living your values in a way that inspires others to find their passions, live by what matters most to them, and step into their highest and best self? I hope that whatever you and your loved ones are going through, that you have the ability to start looking at the love and impact around you, both living and passed on. Cherish it, because that's what this is all about. As always, I would love to hear what you took away from today's episode, so feel free to reach out and tune in next Thursday for another Wise Walk. In this episode: [02:59] There's a saying that we die twice. The first time is when we physically die, and the last time is when people stop saying your name or the memory of your spirit and impact dies. [04:00] I'm grateful we get to keep memories alive by holding our loved ones in our hearts, sharing what we learned from them, and continuing values and traditions they impressed upon us. [05:02] My loved ones are mentors that have kept me grounded and kept me in check. I love the acceptance and willingness to be vulnerable with each other. [06:04] My friend's dad recently passed, and she's been sharing stories about her connection with him. We have the ability to keep each other's loved ones' memories alive by being curious. [08:09] I asked my new friend a question about her father, and she started telling me stories about his time in the Navy. He respected rank, but he wasn't afraid to put his foot down and even told an Admiral why something wouldn't work. [09:12] It was wonderful to hear her voice light up when she shared a story about her father who showed up and was able to lead by example. [10:15] When I reflect on the love and impact of my loved ones, I think of their magical confidence and how they led by example. [11:29] The lesson my uncle was trying to teach me is if you have self-belief anything is possible. [12:02] I hope I can instill love and impact in others. The beautiful thing about loss is that you take stock of what you have. [13:38] The other big takeaway is how each of us have the ability to make each other feel special. Feeling seen, heard, and understood is impactful and carries legacy. [14:29] There is no direct path for healing from grief. If you are experiencing any grief, any loss, just know that you have love and support even in the Striders community and it takes as long as it takes. [15:05] Show up and be curious and caring for those that you care about. [16:03] I'm going to approach the services of Aunt Ronnie with the mindset of looking around the room and gathering stories about how her love and impact touched so many. Memorable Quotes: "I'm grateful for the fact that we get to keep the memory of whoever we cherish alive by talking about them, by holding them in our heart, and sharing what we learned from them." - Mary Tess "My loved ones have served as mentors, both when they were here in this earthly presence, and they continue to do so, because I can still hear their voices in my head." - Mary Tess "One of the things that I cherish about some of the loved ones that I have in my life is this acceptance and willingness to be vulnerable with each other. When we do that, we can learn from each other." - Mary Tess "We're not striving for perfection. We're striving for being authentic, for really stepping into our own power and just loving and having positive influence in each other's lives." - Mary Tess Links and Resources: Mary Tess Rooney Email Heart Value Colette Baron-Reid Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram
