True Stride - podcast cover

True Stride

Mary Tess Rooneymarytessrooney.com
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!
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Episodes

EP226: Manifest Your Feels

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

Jan 23, 202516 min

EP225: Faith in Action

In our last episode, we explored the profound connection found through prayer and how a simple daily habit between me and my mom turned into a practice of faith and intention. This week, thanks to feedback from a Strider, we’re going deeper into faith-based practices. Have you ever wondered about the differences—and the similarities—between prayer, meditation and manifestation? In this episode I'll break down these three concepts and how each one connects us to ourselves, our intentions and some...

Jan 16, 202518 min

EP224: Communicating with Prayer

I’ve been thinking about prayer, what prayer means to some of us who practice it. Prayer in its simplest form is a conduit, a way to communicate, to reach out for guidance, support or forgiveness. Whether we’re seeking comfort for ourselves or someone we love, prayer opens the door to connection and vulnerability. On this Wise Walk let’s slow down and look at how prayer, whether rooted in faith, intention or personal reflection, can help us release, clarify and tap into our purpose. We’ll look a...

Jan 09, 202523 min

EP223: Grief and Love

Striders, today’s Wise Walk is a bit more mellow as I’m still dealing with some lingering upper respiratory inflammation from the holiday chaos and unexpected challenges like the environmental effects of a new roof. As I’ve been slowing down, resting and prioritizing self-care, life has brought me face to face with another kind of weight: grief. From the loss felt by loved ones who have lost those they love to the changes brought by divorce, aging and changes in our abilities, these moments remi...

Jan 02, 202520 min

EP222: Time to Rest

It’s been a crazy holiday season, and this year has been no exception for me. I just got back from New York and it was a whirlwind of catching up with people I hadn’t seen in ages. I stayed up late, got up early and packed as much in as I could. It was so much fun but now I’m paying the price. So if you’re wondering what’s up with my voice I have a cold and my body is telling me to slow down. So on today’s Wise Walk I want to focus on the importance of rest, taking time to recharge and creating ...

Dec 26, 202418 min

EP221: Your Word for the Year

I was thrilled when a fellow Strider reached out and asked me what my word of the year is going to be. If you're new to this podcast, let me explain: since 2010, I've chosen a word each year that helps ground me, something that represents what I want to embody, what I want to challenge myself to be mindful of, or the intention I’m setting for that year. For example, in 2010, my word was "ask." I wasn’t speaking up or asking for the things I needed or wanted. I was caught up in doing for others w...

Dec 19, 202420 min

EP220: Anniversary Appreciation

This weekend marks one year since my colon surgery, a major turning point in my life. What was supposed to be a straightforward procedure turned into a nine-hour surgery, where they had to remove 20 inches of my colon instead of the planned 12. There were complications, and the recovery was far from easy, but the good news is, I’m here today, feeling amazing and so grateful for how far I’ve come. 2023 was a tough year, full of hospital visits, health struggles, and working hard to keep my body i...

Dec 12, 202419 min

EP219: When Less is More

"Less is more." It’s a simple phrase, but when we lean into it, it can transform how we live. Simplifying life, whether it’s clearing out distractions, reducing clutter, or focusing on what truly matters, can create deeper meaning, bigger impact, and a sense of harmony we all crave. I was inspired to talk about this topic after watching a TV show, and one of the characters reflected on how the news used to feel richer and more meaningful before the 24-hour news cycle took over. I recalled that w...

Dec 05, 202417 min

EP218: Community Inspiration

I want to share something that’s been on my mind after visiting a few local gyms recently. What started as a simple search for a place to get in some strength training turned into a bigger reflection on how much community shapes and inspires us. There was an older gentleman lifting more weight than I could, and a woman in sequins heading to Zumba, ready to hit the dance floor. Watching everyone show up in their own unique way reminded me how powerful it is to be part of something bigger and how ...

Nov 28, 202421 min

EP217: What Energy Are You Assigning?

I'd like to take you on an introspective journey inspired by a recent eye doctor appointment with my mother. When we came across a humorous sequence of letters on the vision chart, what began as a normal exam became a source of pure joy. My mom’s laughter was contagious, and it reminded me of the energy we assign to the little things in life. Some moments trigger humor, while others may bring stress—but the choice of how we perceive them is always ours. In this episode, we’ll slow down for a wis...

Nov 21, 202418 min

EP216: Puppy Love Lessons

In our last episode, I shared a special experience of transporting a nine-week-old German Shepherd puppy from Austin, Texas, to her new home with my aunt in Palm Springs, California. Everything just aligned perfectly—it felt like divine timing, and everything came together in such a beautifully kismet way. This little puppy, named Bear because she looks like a tiny black bear, was joining my aunt’s family to be a buddy for her other dog, Madra. The journey was truly magical. Traveling with Bear ...

Nov 14, 202423 min

EP215: Wonders of Divine Timing

Have you ever had a moment in life when everything just seemed to fall into place at exactly the right time? Growing up, I was raised with the belief that while hard work and putting yourself out there are essential, there’s also this beautiful necessity to stay open and receptive to the right timing from the Universe. Divine timing is about alignment, that perfect synergy of purpose, path, and timing, a belief that things unfold just as they should, exactly when they’re meant to. In this episod...

Nov 07, 202419 min

EP214: Aligned Stride: In Step with Your Heart

I received a message from a new listener—a new Strider—who was asking about the origins of the True Stride podcast. How it came to be, and the connection between Wise Walks and this community. They wanted to understand how they could be a part of it and feel connected on a deeper level. I love that kind of feedback, so thank you for reaching out and asking these questions! For anyone listening, you’re always welcome to share your ideas, thoughts, feedback, or reflections based on our Wise Walks....

Oct 31, 202421 min

EP213: Upcycle Love

Life has a way of surrounding us with things we once loved—whether it’s treasured belongings, relationships, or even past versions of ourselves. But as we grow and change, so do our needs and priorities. In this episode, I’m reflecting on what it means to Upcycle Love. It’s not just about letting go of items that no longer serve us, but about giving them new life and purpose in someone else’s hands. As I prepared to evacuate for Hurricane Milton, I found myself going through my home and reevalua...

Oct 24, 202419 min

EP212: What Is Also True?

We have another storm approaching right on the heels of Hurricane Helene. It’s a tough time for so many reasons, and Hurricane Milton is shaping up to be a strong and powerful storm. First and foremost, my heart goes out to anyone who’s been impacted by Helene or is preparing for Milton. These hurricanes bring so much devastation—emotionally, physically, energetically, and financially. It’s a lot to handle, and the stress that comes with it is overwhelming. As I reflect on the impact of storms i...

Oct 17, 202417 min

EP211: What's Weighing You Down

What if the most important thing holding you back in life is not what others have done to you, but the mental and emotional burden you are carrying around? In today's episode, we'll look at the profound practice of forgiveness, both for others and ourselves. We all carry emotional baggage from our prior experiences, whether it's a bad relationship, a moment of betrayal, or even guilt we impose on ourselves. I recently watched a very cool video on Instagram that used gym weights to represent the ...

Oct 10, 202419 min

EP210: Practice Gratitude

Often, when I coach a client, we begin the session with three breaths. These breaths are meant to align our rhythms and heartbeats, and to allow us, as individuals, to release anything that happened before we came together. The words I use while we inhale and exhale together may vary. Sometimes I’ll say, "Let’s take a nourishing breath," or "Let’s take a grounding breath," or even "Let’s take a restorative breath." These words change based on what I sense in the moment, but I love the idea of ta...

Oct 03, 202417 min

EP209: Selective Sharing: Protect Your Emotional Wellbeing

Are you facing a significant life decision or transition? Do you hesitate to communicate your goals with loved ones for fear of their reactions or unsolicited advice? Today, I’m talking about something that's been on my mind a lot lately: how do we deal with major life transitions without letting everyone else's opinions throw us off track? I've been thinking about when I decided to relocate to California in 1997. It was a significant move for me, but I was astonished by how my friends and famil...

Sep 26, 202419 min

EP208: Connection Through Stories with Shanti Joy Gold

One of the core principles in my book Heart Value is about aligning with humans that appreciate you and the value you share that lights YOU up. Yes, your heart-centered value is so important to you and others when you share an energetic and emotional connection with each other. We all have value that lights us up, and we have value that benefits or pleases others, but makes us cringe inside. Yes, it may pay the bills or fulfill other purposes. We've all done that too. But wouldn't it be magical ...

Sep 19, 202443 min

EP207: When Simplifying is Complicated

I've been on a simplification kick, and the funny thing is that, ironically, simplification is very complicated. A friend took off work to evaluate her home and determine where she could streamline, free up some energy, and reallocate resources, focus, money, or space in her life. We were chuckling at just how hard it is to simplify and how complicated the process can be. So for today's wise walk, I thought we could slow down, check our reality, and ask ourselves these questions. In what areas o...

Sep 12, 202422 min

EP206: The Difference A Year Can Make

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 mil...

Sep 05, 202422 min

EP205: Shining a Light on Beacons

Recently, I've been on a fitness kick, incorporating yoga, strength training, walking, and even some hula hooping into my routine. As someone who prefers outdoor activities to gym workouts, I've been exploring different ways to stay active while enjoying nature. My sister Heather, who's also been focused on well-being and fitness, joined me in an interesting adventure. We decided to climb the St. Augustine lighthouse - all 219 steps of it, reaching a height of 165 feet. The experience was more t...

Aug 29, 202418 min

EP204: What’s Fueling Your Mood?

Have you ever taken the time to ask what’s fueling your mood? In our last episode, we explored the powerful concept of retreat - recognizing when we need to step back, regroup, and realign our energies. Your feedback was incredible, and a common thread emerged: many of you resonated with feelings of heaviness. Today, we're going to explore this shared experience. As someone who's personally navigated through periods of feeling stuck or depressed, I understand the weight of these emotions. Over t...

Aug 22, 202416 min

EP203: What Does Retreat Mean to You?

This has been a super challenging and draining week for me. At first, I tried to push through, struggling with a long to-do list while feeling stuck in mud or sludge. Everything felt heavy and hard. It took time to accept my situation, as my mind clung to all I wanted to accomplish. This episode is about retreat. What it means to you, and signs that it's time to do so. Some of the things I discuss include recognizing the signs that tell us it's time to pause, reassess, and find a better path for...

Aug 15, 202418 min

EP202: Weathering Storms

Wherever you are in geographical space, I hope that you are not weathering any literal or metaphorical storms right now. But if you are, I think this episode might interest you because I'm in the midst of managing a literal hurricane approaching Florida, Hurricane Debby. Also, I am metaphorically going through a big transition, and it feels like I've been managing a storm for a while now. When a storm is heading your way, do you recognize the emotional and physical things you'll need to prepare ...

Aug 08, 202417 min

EP201: Leading with Info & Intuition

This week has been one of those weeks, you know the kind where you get these intuitive hits, feel resistance in certain areas of your life, and find yourself wondering, "What am I supposed to do with this information? How do I move forward?" That's exactly what I've been navigating lately. I'm in the middle of a business deal, and at first, everything felt aligned—everyone seemed to be operating in good faith, coming to the table with transparency. It was that good feeling of mutual respect and ...

Aug 01, 202418 min

EP200: Feel Your Way Forward

This is a monumental milestone—episode 200 of the True Stride podcast! Can you believe it? Two hundred episodes of taking wise walks on this path together, sharing stories, insights, and personal growth. When this journey began, I was in a period of major life transition, having left corporate America and embarking on the adventure of writing my book, Heart Value. In planning to publish a book, I received feedback to voice my message and beliefs in a more public and accessible way. Thus, this po...

Jul 25, 202417 min

EP199: Keeping Cool

I hope that wherever you are, you're listening to this episode in a cool, calm, and supportive environment. I wish that for you because here in St. Augustine, Florida, we've been dealing with some crazy heat lately. It's not your typical hot Florida sun—it's that humid air that feels dense and almost hard to breathe. Over the past few nights, things have taken it up a notch. I'm dog-sitting for my sister, so my two pups and I moved into her home to watch her dog. When her AC went out, the situat...

Jul 18, 202418 min

EP198: Sending Blessings & Intentions

Even when we’re met with a crossroad, life around us continues. It’s up to you to honor the transition you’re facing. This episode talks about sending blessings and intentions while moving forward in life. I have some loved ones that are in a period of transition. Some of them are selling homes and looking towards new homes, which can be a little stressful. In my own experience, I’ve bought four homes and sold three. Each time felt different, but what stayed the same is this idea of releasing th...

Jul 11, 202418 min

EP197: Reform Perfectionism

If we’re not careful, perfectionism can slow us down and bury our potential. There has to be an easier way. This episode talks about how you can reform perfectionism. I completely love reading something, whether it’s an article, book, or social media post, and it strikes a chord as I’m reading. For example, I have a friend who has a history of struggling with her weight and body image. She posted on social media her revelation of finally accepting her fuller physique, including brave pictures of...

Jul 04, 202412 min
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