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

    EP300: Appreciating Our Itches & Evolution, One Wise Walk at a Time

    I'm so excited to be celebrating episode 300 with you, my listeners and fellow Striders. Today, we are looking back at how True Stride began, how it has grown, and how much can change when we keep showing up with honesty, curiosity, and a willingness to listen to what feels aligned. When this podcast started nearly six years ago, I had just left corporate America, I was writing a book, and I was being told I needed to build a big social media presence. But that never felt like me, so I chose a different path and followed the thing that did feel true. I was showing up, one episode, and reflection at a time. In this episode, we talk about what it has meant to grow in real time. I look back at the early days, when I was trying to pack in every story, every question, and every takeaway because I wanted so badly to be useful and make every connection clear. Over time, the podcast became more spacious and natural, and I learned to trust that you would take what resonated, leave what did not, and apply each reflection in the way that made sense for your own life. I also share how my dreams have shifted along the way, from living near the beach in St. Augustine to following a new vision of life in the mountains with land, gardening, chickens, and a different daily rhythm. This 300th episode is a Wise Walk through the itches we cannot ignore, the dreams that keep evolving, and the small, honest steps that help us move toward a life that feels true and appreciate how far we have come together.  When you first started listening to this podcast, what were you seeking? What was it about these episodes and Wise Walks that helped you get back in touch with yourself? What helped you remember what you truly want and what you truly need? What is it about these episodes that supports you in slowing down, dropping into that big, beautiful heart of yours, and surfacing those gut feelings, intentions, and dreams deep within you? What helps you notice what feels aligned or what does not feel aligned, so you can have an honest conversation with yourself? What brought you to this podcast? What has changed along the way? What has evolved for you? How does this podcast or this community support you right now, in this moment? Over the past 300 episodes, how have you released your fear of external pressures? How have you shown up for yourself, expressed yourself freely, or stayed in alignment with your True Stride when it really mattered? When you strip away the fear of others' opinions about what you are doing or how you are showing up, what is genuinely important to you? Are you living in ways that you want to? Are you investing time in ways that fulfill you? Are you in full gratitude for all that you have accomplished and all that you have become in the six years we have been going on Wise Walks and having self-reflection conversations together? As you take yourself on a Wise Walk and reflect on where you are investing your time, are there things that once lit you up but no longer do? Do you give yourself permission to release them? Maybe it is a literal investment, an item, or a possession that you have. Maybe it is an activity that once lit you up, but now, for whatever reason, just does not feel aligned. Can you let that go so that you make space for this current version of yourself and your future version? Can you write your next chapter in a way that includes and prioritizes the things in your life that you want to invest in and that light you up? For this 300th episode, my heart is absolutely full of gratitude for how far we've come and for how many itches we've scratched together. We have shed fear of external judgment so that we could align with our daily actions, values, and choices. We've shown up for ourselves in ways that really matter. We get to live the way we want to and invest our time in ways that fulfill us. Thank you for listening, for witnessing my own evolution, and for sharing vulnerably in yours. I look forward to unpacking whatever itches we need to scratch in the future as we listen to our big, beautiful hearts that already know our answers. In this episode: [02:57] When I first started this podcast, everyone was saying, you need a social media presence. I tried social media, but it didn't feel aligned.  [04:26] I was exploring other avenues and decided to start a podcast. [06:00] My book was about dropping into your heart, determining what lights you up, and then going after that, while staying in alignment with your true authentic self. [07:05] I've evolved as a podcaster. I used to pack a lot in my Wise Walks, but now I try to encourage discovering what feels in alignment for you.  [08:23] These broad topics and free flowing conversations leave room to interpret and reflect in whatever way feels most relevant and aligned for you. [09:09] Pressure to create jam-packed episodes was a little too suffocating for me. [10:20] We are deeply connected, and this podcast has helped me show up in the best version of myself. [12:22] It's been one of my dreams to live in an area that made me feel like I was on vacation. I did that in St Augustine, Florida. My next dream was living in the mountains and on the land. [13:29] I journaled about a day in the life on my mountain, homestead farm. [14:45] I love how these Wise Walks allow me to continually check in with myself and examine whether I'm living in alignment. [15:32] Living our dream life takes time. The process of checking in with ourselves gives us a huge advantage. [17:12] Take time to recognize your dreams and put in action steps and everything that will move you toward the direction that you want to go. [18:26] This podcast has helped me continually ask questions and release what doesn't fulfill me anymore. [19:25] I love how the self-reflection questions on our Wise Walks give me time to check in with myself and see if what I'm investing in is still lighting me up. Memorable Quotes: "I understood the value of a podcast, and something about it felt aligned. It gave me a way to be vulnerable, share my message, and put myself out there in a way that could attract the right audience." - Mary Tess "Growth happens when we keep showing up, one honest reflection at a time, even when we do not know exactly where the path is leading." - Mary Tess "Over the course of these six years, both you and I have evolved, and you have always surprised me with how heartfelt your intentions are to show up as the best version of yourself." - Mary Tess Links and Resources: Mary Tess Rooney Email Heart Value Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

    26 min

  2. Jun 18

    EP299 - Ask to Get What You Want

    When I was growing up, asking for what you wanted was not seen as a good thing. It was considered impolite, as though you were putting somebody out or being an imposition. If someone offered something to you, then you could say yes, but asking directly was different. It felt as though you were putting someone on the spot. I am not really sure what that mentality or belief system was about, but it shaped the way I thought about asking. That belief shifted when I was working in one of my first careers in a sales organization. They completely flipped the script. Their whole mentality was that if you do not ask, you do not get. At first, that felt very different from what I had been taught, but it also made sense. We are not going to get what we want if we do not ask, unless we are relying on someone else to anticipate our needs or read our mind. Retraining that muscle was not easy because I had spent so much of my life believing it was impolite to ask. Then I found myself in an environment where the message was clear. Ask for what you want. Lately, I have been thinking about that a lot because I am noticing it in myself and in others. On this Wise Walk, we explore the power of asking for what we want. What is your belief system around asking for things that you want in your life? When you think about asking for what you want, do you cringe because it feels impolite or uncomfortable? Are you in a place where you feel clear about what you want and need, and you are not afraid to ask for it? Is there something in your life right now that you want but have been hesitant to ask for? Is there someone you interact with consistently, and you find yourself hoping or waiting for them to offer something just so you can say yes? How can you flip your own script and get clear about what you need or want without being afraid to ask? What are the things you know about yourself at your core and have been able to express, communicate, or ask for? How does it feel when people understand what you want and serve it up to you, even when you do not have to ask? Do you notice how communicating your needs and wants can empower you while also giving others the opportunity to support you? How can asking, giving, and receiving flow more smoothly in your life? Is there something in your life, right now, that you need help with? What has been weighing on you, and where are you wondering how you are going to accomplish it? Can you journal, write, brainstorm with a loved one, or use another resource to get clear on the different ways you could approach this? Can you identify one opportunity, be vulnerable enough to ask, and then be patient enough to wait for the answer? What phase of help do you need right now, and who can you ask for help? Can you appreciate the sense of community that may rally around you to help you gain what you need? Have you ever offered advice or support in a conversation, only to realize that was not what the other person needed? Can you pause and ask, "What do you need from me?" or "How can I support you best?" Can you believe what someone tells you they need and show up for them in the way they are asking? As we approach episode 300, I want to thank you for being part of this community and for walking beside me on each Wise Walk. Your support, your stories, and your reflections mean more to me than you know. I would love your guidance as we look ahead. Please let me know what you value, what you want more of, and what you hope this podcast becomes in episode 300 and beyond. In this episode: [03:31] I've noticed how the belief that it's impolite to ask has shown up in the actions of my nieces and nephews. [04:25] Not expressing what you want shows up in little ways, and then it becomes exponentially larger with things that really matter in your life. [05:26] Knowing and expressing what you want gives other people the opportunity to be on your level. [06:44] Those around us get the satisfaction of giving us what we want when we express to them what we want. [07:46] Since my move, I've had to ask for a lot of things. One of the things I wanted to learn was how to safely drive a tractor.  [09:07] I went to the dealership, and they helped me learn how to drive the existing tractor. The hands-on tutorial empowered me, and I made some friends along the way. [11:31] The other thing I've gotten good at is recognizing when someone is sharing stories, whether they're asking for help or not. [12:59] Clarifying whether they're asking for help builds the foundation of trust. [13:36] Sometimes people just want us to listen. What is the ask? [15:14] I will admit that using the muscle of asking can sometimes feel hard. [16:05] What do you appreciate and value in this podcast? What would you like to hear more of? Which episode stands out as meaningful? What would you like to see differently? [17:03] We are nearing episode 300 of this podcast. Let me know what you're feeling, and what you hope 300 and beyond becomes? [18:04] This community is bringing people together and raising conversations we all know that we need to have.  Memorable Quotes: "That muscle of asking, or at least being clear with what we want, is strengthened by those day-to-day routines." - Mary Tess "When we are vulnerable enough to ask, we get to see who shows up for us. By expressing what is weighing on us, we allow the community to help share the load." - Mary Tess "I know that what is most empowering for me is hearing from you and learning how these episodes either spark something in you or open the door to meaningful conversations." - Mary Tess Links and Resources: Mary Tess Rooney Email Heart Value Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

    20 min

  3. Jun 11

    EP298: Support Makes the Mission Possible

    Adversity has a way of showing us where we need support, even when we think we should be able to handle something on our own. Since moving to the farm, I have had plenty of moments that stretched me in new ways. Some have been exciting, some have been overwhelming, and some have involved learning more than I ever expected about chickens, weeds, acreage, and all the little surprises that come with farm life. This past weekend brought one of those lessons into focus when my dear friend Alison and her daughter Eva came to visit from California. I had a list of things that had been weighing on me, and one of the biggest projects was clearing toxic weeds from the chicken run. It was not impossible for me to do by myself, but emotionally and mentally, it felt heavy. Once Alison stepped in with her positive attitude, mission-focused mindset, and willingness to get it done, the whole thing felt more manageable. There we were after dinner, wearing masks and gloves, cutting weeds, gathering seed pods, and eventually working by headlamp in the dark. It was practical, a little comical, and also deeply meaningful. It reminded me how much trust is built when someone is willing to stand beside you in the messy moments. On today's Wise Walk, we are looking at what becomes possible when we are clear about what we need, brave enough to ask for help, and open enough to let the people who love us show up. When you are dealing with adversity, what strategies help you navigate it successfully? Who in your life can you count on to show up for you in difficult moments? How do you lean on the people who are there for you? How can you be vulnerable enough to let others support you in the ways you need? How can you channel a positive attitude and mission-focused mindset so you can move through adversity with greater ease? Who is the person you can be vulnerable with when life feels heavy or uncertain? Who shares your commitment, willingness, can-do spirit, and team mindset? Who makes you feel like, no matter what comes your way, you can face it together? Whatever adversity you are managing right now, who can you call? Who has an ear to listen? Who will reassure you that you can get it done, even when the moment feels heavy, toxic, or overwhelming? How are the people in your life showing up for you? Are they offering a listening ear, encouragement, and support? Are they providing resources and strategy to help you navigate in ways you may not see as possible right now? How can you willingly accept their help? How can you say thank you for the ear, the resources, the support, or whatever they are offering to help advance the mission? As you reflect on the goals or adversity you are managing right now, which projects or obstacles require support? Which challenges require extra hands, moral support, or emotional presence to remind you that you have got this? How can you be crystal clear about what you need so your support team can show up for you? How can you weed through the noise of everything else you want done and identify where support is most needed? How can you build camaraderie with the people in your life who are there for you? How can you be clear about the specific areas where you need support? Whatever you are navigating right now, please remember that you are not alone. We really are better together, and sometimes the support we need comes through extra hands, a listening ear, or simply the encouragement to keep going. I would love to hear what you took away from today's episode, and if you have any tips or tricks for managing farm life, I am open to those too. Thank you, thank you, thank you for listening. Be sure to tune in next Thursday for another Wise Walk. In this episode: [02:36] We often hear clichés like "We are better together," and they are true. They exist for a reason. [03:27] My dear friends from California were visiting, and I had a list of things that I thought I would ask them to help me with, in between all of the fun we were also having. [04:13] There is pride and satisfaction when you see what you can accomplish together. [05:21] My chicken run was overgrown with weeds. They ended up being toxic jimson weeds. We had to find a way to safely clear out these weeds. [06:51] We suited up and cut them one by one. This was weighing on me and having the extra help made it possible.  [08:08] We had a team mindset and tackled it with rhythm and flow. [09:03] We were willing to be vulnerable and lean into each other's strengths. We were better together. [10:40] Even when we're apart, we listen really well because sometimes it's about the emotional presence. [13:56] Leaning in for support can also help you bond in ways that are really cool. [15:09] It's important to be clear on what you need. I had a list, and when I helped my friend in California, she also had a list. It's about balance and knowing what you need help with. [17:01] Find ways to balance work and play. [18:47] I'm also feeling grateful for how each success energizes me. Memorable Quotes: "When we are clear about what we need, we give others a chance to show up in meaningful ways." - Mary Tess "The messy moments can become bonding moments when we face them with people we trust." - Mary Tess "Support does not always have to be physical. Sometimes encouragement, reassurance, and presence are enough to help us keep going." - Mary Tess Links and Resources: Mary Tess Rooney Email Heart Value Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

    22 min

  4. Jun 4

    EP297: The Power of Productive Pressure

    Pressure has a way of getting our attention. I don't always love how it feels in the moment, but I can't deny that it often brings me into sharper focus. When there's a deadline or a real sense of urgency, I start to see what matters most and what I can let go of. The extra noise gets quieter, the mission-critical pieces become clearer, and somehow that pressure can turn into momentum. Lately, I've been noticing this in my own life as I prepare for friends and family to visit and as I work toward a hiking goal that's coming up in mid-July. Both situations are stretching me, but they're also helping me make decisions, take action, and remember that not all stress is bad when we use it well. On our Wise Walk, we'll look at where pressure may be helping us grow, what nonessentials we can release, and how to build in recovery after an intense season of effort. Are you someone who performs better under pressure, and do you know what motivates you or gives you clarity and focus? What becomes possible when you lean into the pressure you're feeling, and what kind of beauty surfaces when you accept the situation you're in? Where in your life are you feeling pressure right now, whether it's from guests arriving, a fitness goal, a deadline, career projects, or something else on your calendar? Are those deadlines helping you perform under pressure and channel your stress into productive energy? Are you able to focus on what is mission critical, eliminate the nonessentials, and hit your stride? Where in your life are you building in recovery time after periods of pressure or intensity? Can you acknowledge when a pressure-filled season is helping you grow, while also recognizing that the intensity may not be sustainable? How can you eliminate the nonessentials and build in a recovery period after creating beauty under pressure? What tips, techniques, or tricks help you hyper-focus during an intense period while still giving yourself an off switch? How do you help yourself feel pride and satisfaction when you cross the finish line or accomplish what you set out to do? How do you build in mini wins along the way so you can recognize your progress and give yourself credit? When you are finished, do you take time to accept, acknowledge, and appreciate the beauty you created through your pressure strategies? Thank you for being part of this community and for helping me keep looking at life through a lens of possibility. I'd love to hear what you took away from this episode and what beauty you're creating under pressure.  Whether you're working toward a goal, growing through a challenge, or learning to build in recovery, please reach out and share. I'm grateful for you and this community, and I hope you'll tune in next Thursday. In this episode: [02:28] Diamonds, pearls, and fossils are all beautiful and formed under pressure over time. As well as, espresso and crystals. There are so many examples in nature. [03:03] I don't like being under pressure, but I'm mindful about how it can improve my performance. [04:11] I have friends and family coming, and it's a motivating deadline. I have a heightened awareness of what I can get done in time. [05:18] My deadline for my hiking goal is giving me focus and clarity on my training plan. I enjoy pressure when it comes to the sense of reward, and the sense of relief.  [06:11] My goal is also forcing me to get out there and join hiking groups and engage with others.  [07:09] These goals are motivating me and helping me improve my performance and to grow. We have to put the time in now to get the payout. [08:34] As I reflected on beauty under pressure, I realized that stress is also involved.  [09:29] Not all stress is bad. Even though we're not meant to maintain high adrenaline constantly, having deadlines and channeling our productivity isn't bad. [10:32] We have to make sure that we decompress after these stressful periods. [12:02] One of the strategies I use when I have super intense goals is setting a timer. I can be in high intensity go mode when I have an off switch. [13:37] When I was writing my book, I would use the Pomodoro Technique and set mini deadlines as writing sprints. Memorable Quotes: "Stress can have negative effects on us and can be used for good. We need to manage the pressure in our lives and let it help us achieve our goals." - Mary Tess "Recovery time is essential because we can't sustain a high level of intensity for too long." - Mary Tess "Pressure can be uncomfortable, but it can also reveal what we're capable of when we stay focused on the essentials." - Mary Tess Links and Resources: Mary Tess Rooney Email Heart Value Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

    17 min

  5. May 28

    EP296: The Rule of 3s: A New Way to Navigate Change

    I have been feeling waves of exhaustion, waves of energy, and honestly, a little out of rhythm as I settle into my new home. I'm only about 10 days into this move, and even though I'm excited and grateful, I've also had moments where I feel disoriented, tired, and unsure of what needs my attention first. When I shared that with my aunt, she reminded me of the Rule of 3s: three days to decompress, three weeks to build routines, and three months to begin feeling truly at home. That framework gave me so much perspective because change, even when it's good, still asks us to let go of something familiar. In those first few days, we are not just setting up a new space or stepping into a new chapter. We are also adjusting to what we left behind. I saw that in myself, and I saw it as I brought my dogs into this new environment and began creating routines for all of us, including the goats and chickens that are now part of my daily life. The more I think about it, the more I realize how much grace we need during any big transition. We cannot expect ourselves, our loved ones, or even our pets to feel settled immediately. We need time to decompress, time to create small grounding habits, and time to integrate into whatever new experience we are stepping into. On today's Wise Walk, we are slowing down to check in with ourselves and ask where we are in the Rule of 3s, whether we need rest, routine, or simply more patience as we find our footing. When you experience a major change in your life, are you able to give yourself grace and use the Rule of 3s to help you adjust and pace yourself? When someone you love, whether two-legged or four-legged, experiences a major shift like a new home or new job, can you offer them that same grace? In the first 72 hours of a transition, when everything can feel overwhelming, are you kind and patient with yourself? Can you recognize that even when a new experience is exciting and full of possibility, it may also come with a sense of loss? Are you willing to let yourself decompress as you adjust to giving up what you once had? Can you honor what you are losing while giving your body, mind, and heart the time they need to adjust and receive the full gains of what is next? Whatever you are taking on right now, I'm sending so much good energy and positive vibes your way. Change is hard for all of us, so if you feel stuck, frustrated, or unsure, take a moment to ask where you are in the Rule of 3s. Hopefully, months from now, you will look back and realize you handled the transition with more grace than you thought possible. Until next Thursday's Wise Walk, please be sure to prioritize fun, read the signs, direct your path, and get your Stride On. In this episode: [04:27] The first 3 days of my new home experience was disorienting. It has taken some time for me to decompress. [05:18] I didn't bring my dogs yet, because I knew they needed space to go through the transition. [06:22] We have to pace ourselves and acknowledge that we're going through a decompression period during the first 72 hours. [07:12] The best way to manage the first 72 hours is to give yourself permission to do the bare minimum and take the time to decompress. Manage your priorities to the best of your ability without overdoing it. [08:14] The second step is starting to establish routines for your new environment. Your first 21 days are about managing and starting small daily habits that help you feel grounded in your environment. [11:10] In my new home, I've also acquired goats and chickens. [12:44] I've not only been creating routines, I've also been hiking, walking, and exercising. [13:57] The three month mark is all about integration. Give yourself at least 3 months of that new activity to feel at ease. [15:34] When starting something new it takes a while to build up that muscle memory. It doesn't happen overnight. [16:24] Hold on to the habits that support you. [17:26] The message behind the rule of threes has really helped me manage the new move. [18:48] The rule of threes will also be helpful for my dear friends who just got new puppies. Memorable Quotes: "Sometimes feeling unsettled does not mean something is wrong. It simply means we are still integrating into what is new." - Mary Tess "In the first few days of a transition, we do not have to do everything. We only have to tend to what is essential." - Mary Tess "When we understand the phase we are in, we can stop fighting the process and start caring for ourselves through it." - Mary Tess Links and Resources: Mary Tess Rooney Email Heart Value Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

    21 min

  6. May 21

    EP295: The Hidden Gifts in Misplaced Things

    Sometimes the smallest misplaced thing can stir up the biggest reminder. A set of keys on a walking path, a phone left behind in a restroom, or eight tiny screws tucked away in a "safe place" can all feel like inconveniences at first. But I've been thinking about how these moments also invite us to slow down, pay attention, and notice what life may be trying to show us. After my recent move, I found myself searching for the antique screws that hold my grandparents' dining room table together. I knew I had put them somewhere special, but of course, that special place escaped me when I needed them most. What started as a frustrating search turned into motivation, resilience, prayer, laughter, and a deeper commitment to organize my life with more intention. In today's Wise Walk, we're looking at what we can gain from what feels misplaced and how we can rewrite the story from loss into growth. When you misplace an item in your life, can you chuckle, reframe the narrative, and consider how it might benefit you? How might misplacing an item actually be good for you on some level? What surfaces for you when you think about misplaced items? When you find someone else's misplaced item, how are you able to support that stranger, unknown person, or someone in your life? How can we heighten our awareness of the ways misplaced items might serve a greater purpose for us and for others? As you take yourself on a Wise Walk and reflect on the misplaced items in your life, what stands out as a hidden gift in the experience? How has a misplaced item motivated you or improved your organization for the future? How has misplacing something helped you slow down and recognize that you may be tired or carrying too many things at once? How can you slow down so the pattern of misplacing things does not repeat itself? If you misplace something today or in the future, how can you see it as a lesson, a gift, or an opportunity for growth? How can you rewrite the narrative and focus on what you gained, not just what you lost? What in your life feels like you gained more than you lost, even though you went through a temporary struggle? When you found something you thought was lost, did you feel relieved, giddy, or reassured that it was not gone forever? How can you give yourself credit for being resilient, staying motivated, and learning from the experience? How can you improve your organization or habits so that the same type of situation does not happen again? We expand when we misplace things, and we have to rise to the occasion. I would love to hear what you took away from today's episode. I would love to hear what is coming in and out of your life and how you are growing more resilient. Thank you so much for listening.Thank you for being such a support to this community, the Striders community. I am grateful for each and every Thursday and going on these Wise Walks with you. In this episode: [02:44] I've recently moved, and there are so many things that I've accidentally misplaced from putting them in a "safe place". [03:58] I put the screws to my grandparents' table in a "safe place".  Not being able to find them became very stressful. [04:31] Looking for antique screws gave me motivation to go through everything. [05:41] It was just a matter of time, energy, intention, and effort. Knowing this helped me move through and unpack everything. [06:03] I benefited from going through boxes and bins much faster than I normally would have, and I've taken a vow to be more organized in the future. [07:17] I love how we can reframe the narrative when things happen. [09:06] In life, we misplace things, whether we find them again or not, it's still an opportunity to reframe the narrative. [10:33] The great news is that I found the screws. Of course, they were in the last bin. [11:16] This gift of being highly motivated helped me get through a lot of boxes and bins. [13:50] We learn more from our mistakes than we do from our successes, because we expand when we misplace things or when things don't go as planned. Memorable Quotes: "We expand when we misplace things, we expand when we make a mistake, we expand when things don't go the way we hope." - Mary Tess "This theme of misplacing things is connecting me to things that are more meaningful, that are more important for my growth at this moment." - Mary Tess "Hopefully, we gain more than we lost in the moment, and we can reframe the narrative in our life so that we can see that and appreciate it." - Mary Tess Links and Resources: Mary Tess Rooney Email Heart Value Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

    15 min

  7. May 14

    EP294: Mistakes, Grace, and the Village Around Us

    Life has a way of reminding us that we are not meant to carry everything alone. This past weekend brought that lesson into focus for me as I coordinated a big move from St. Augustine to Georgia, with belongings spread across storage, family, my van, and the pieces of a life that had been in transition for months. It was exciting, exhausting, emotional, and full of moving parts, which meant there were also a few unexpected curveballs along the way. In the middle of trying to keep everything organized, I dropped a ball that mattered to me. I accidentally uploaded the wrong podcast file and did not realize it until the podcast team reached out. At first, I was upset with myself. I thought, how did I miss that? But once the panic settled a little, I could also see the reality of the moment. I was in the middle of a major move, my attention was split in too many directions, and sometimes that is when simple mistakes happen. This episode is about the power of having a village, whether that village is family, friends, coworkers, or even kind strangers who step in at just the right time. As I move through this transition, I am feeling deep gratitude for the people who helped me keep things moving when I could not do it all on my own. On today's Wise Walk, we are looking at what becomes possible when we give ourselves grace, ask for support, and remember that being human does not mean being unsupported. When you are juggling too many things in life and you drop a ball, do you have a support system that can rally around you, help you pick it up, and keep moving forward? How are you feeling right now? Are you feeling overwhelmed, alone, or isolated, like the weight of the world is on your shoulders? Can you take a breath, ask for help, or see what can come off your plate so you are not juggling so many things at once? What becomes possible when you feel part of a village and supported in those moments when things do not turn out exactly as planned? Can you give yourself permission to receive support and allow things to turn out even better because you do not have to do everything alone? Can you give yourself grace when you drop a ball or make a mistake? When you are juggling a million different balls and there is a missed opportunity or mistake, how do you rebound from it? What do you do to release disappointment, frustration, or negative energy? How do you pivot from what went wrong to asking, "What can we do to fix it?" Can you lean into your support system, especially when the situation is time-sensitive or too big to fix alone? Can you appreciate that there are ways to rebound successfully without beating yourself up? I would love to hear about your village. I would love to hear about how you take on these feats in community with others, how you honor the fact that you are imperfectly perfect, just as you are. So please send me your shares, send me your feedback. I welcome them. And I look forward to next Thursday's Wise Walk, so be sure to tune in. In this episode: [03:18] I had to move from St. Augustine, Florida to Georgia this past weekend. It was no small feat with my belongings in different locations because of my nomad adventures.  [04:15] I was one person trying to coordinate with the movers and consolidate everything. It was extremely draining. [05:44] I was being really present with the move, but other issues came up in my life.  [06:12] This podcast is important for me, but my audio files didn't upload like they were supposed to. I was so busy, I missed the communication from my podcast team, creating a last minute shuffle.  [07:55] Everything came together and we were able to get the show out on time.  [09:12] We are human, accidents can happen, that doesn't mean we don't have time to fix it or get the show out on time.  [10:36] Moving is one of the top stressors in life, and mine was extra complicated with the consolidation of my belongings.  [11:25] I realized that the team took pride in their work and wanted to get things out on time, and we are better together. [12:28] The move went successfully. It's done. The podcast aired successfully. Leaning into the support I have, makes me realize it's okay to juggle balls when needed.  [13:26] The best gift we can give ourselves is the grace and understanding to know that it's okay to pivot. [15:03] A cool story about getting my nephew's bike to school with the help of one of my friends.  [16:05] I was also juggling the logistics of this event on a crowded elevator going up 30 stories. I was encouraged by the people in the elevator with me.  [17:51] In general people want us to be set up for success.  [18:11] It's also important to make sure you say thank you! [19:38] A big shout out to Karen, Emma, and Beth. Thank you! I also want to thank Mike Hain for helping inspire this episode and knowing that we are better together. Memorable Quotes: "You do not have to prove your strength by carrying everything alone. Sometimes strength looks like leaning into your village." - Mary Tess "A mistake can become a reminder that we are surrounded by people who care, contribute, and help us keep going." - Mary Tess "We are better together, especially in the moments when life does not go according to plan." - Mary Tess Links and Resources: Mary Tess Rooney Email Heart Value Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

    21 min

  8. May 7

    EP293: Giving, Receiving, and the Beauty of Balance

    I was recently reminded how hard it can be for some of us to receive, especially when we are used to being the giver. A young woman I love shared a story about borrowing a dress from her cousin, only to have her cousin offer it to her as a gift. Her first instinct was to say no because it felt like too much, but I could see so clearly that the dress was meant for her, and that accepting it would also allow her cousin the joy of giving. That conversation brought me back to a lesson that I had to learn in my own life. For many years, I felt most comfortable showing up for others, supporting them, and being of service. What I did not realize at the time was that receiving is its own kind of practice. When we resist help, generosity, or thoughtful gifts, we may be blocking someone else from stepping into their own giving energy. This episode is about the natural ebb and flow between giving and receiving, and how different seasons of life ask different things of us. As I move through this big transition, I can feel how much easier it becomes when I'm willing to say yes to the people who want to help. On today's Wise Walk, we are looking at what it means to receive with grace and let support come in without guilt, resistance, or the need to explain it away. At this moment in time, do you feel that you have mastered the flow of giving and receiving? Do you feel weighted in one identity more than the other? Is there an opportunity for you to create more balance between giving and receiving? If you are in a phase of life where you feel like you are receiving all the time, can you look for opportunities to give? If you have been a giver for most of your life, where can you open yourself up to receive more? How can you practice being gracious and simply saying thank you when gifts of giving come your way? What is something in your life that someone gifted you, but you resisted receiving? What was going on in your mind or heart that made you feel it was inappropriate to receive that gift? As you surface that awareness within yourself, are there ways you can look at the situation differently? As you reflect, do you feel that resisting the gift was the right decision because it was not meant for you to receive? Are you resisting because you do not feel worthy? Can you recognize that receiving with grace empowers others to step into their role as givers? Where can you eliminate the stress of feeling like a gift is too much? Are you assigning a monetary value or emotional weight to a gift that the giver is not assigning to it? How can you receive a gift in the way it was intended and allow the giver to give in the way they intended? Is there an item, gesture, or gift in your life that you can cherish not just for what it is, but for the lesson it represents? What gift symbolizes a phase in your life where you witnessed your own growth? How can a gift remind you that you are more than what you have been allowing yourself to be? What else can you invite into your life by showing up and saying yes? As we move through our own ebbs and flows, may we keep finding small ways to give, receive, and acknowledge each other right where we are. Please reach out, share what's on your heart, support whoever you can, and stay open to receiving support too. I'm sending good energy your way, and I look forward to connecting with you again on next Thursday's Wise Walk. In this episode: [03:56] When you grow up being a giver, you can neglect learning to be a receiver. [05:37] The importance of knowing that you are worth a gift. [07:13] By not receiving the gifts we are denying the giver the satisfaction of sharing that gift. [09:14] We are all better when we balance out the ebb and flow of receiving and giving.  [10:14] It's beautiful to know that you are worthy of giving and receiving.  [13:01] I love the awareness of creating this ebb and flow of giving and receiving in my life.  [14:17] Our life and our needs are going to always ebb and flow. The more we can help out and receive when we need help, the better the ebb and flow of life.  [15:23] I decided to graciously accept help that will set me up for success with my new home.  [16:39] I've gone through so many moments where I give. It feels good, but this is my moment to receive.  [17:35] Honor where you are in the ebbs and flows of life. Memorable Quotes: "Receiving with grace is a beautiful thing when you know that you are deserving to receive as well as to give." - Mary Tess "You are empowering others to be givers when you receive with grace, when you receive with love, with kindness." - Mary Tess "Honor where you are, wherever it is, and know that this cycle of giving and receiving will continue on." - Mary Tess Links and Resources: Mary Tess Rooney Email Heart Value Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

    20 min
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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
    301
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    True Stride