True Stride Podcast By Mary Tess Rooney cover art

True Stride

True Stride

By: Mary Tess Rooney
Listen for free

Get 3 months for $0.99 a month
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! Biographies & Memoirs Personal Development Personal Success Social Sciences
Episodes
  • EP263: Turning Frustration Into Self-Awareness

    EP263: Turning Frustration Into Self-Awareness
    Oct 9 2025
    I've been thinking about frustration lately. Specifically about a class I took where the experience didn't match what was advertised. I tried to address it in different ways, but my concerns never seemed to land. At some point, I realized part of my frustration came from wanting more control than I actually had, and from expectations that were probably too rigid. That shift in perspective helped. On this Wise Walk, I want to explore what happens when our expectations clash with reality, and how we can extract value from those moments anyway. Instead of staying in disappointment, we can examine what the situation reveals, let go of what we can't influence, and work with what's actually available to us. The more we do this, the more capable we become at adapting and refocusing on what genuinely matters. Have you felt frustrated by anything recently, and when you gave yourself space to process that emotion what did you learn about yourself in the process?Is there a quality or pattern tied to that frustration, and can you redirect that energy in a way that shifts the experience or even the outcome?When you look back at present or past frustrations, what awareness is that feeling trying to bring forward about what truly matters to you?After doing everything you could to communicate or realign with someone else, how can you adjust your expectations around what you can and cannot control?What is it that you ultimately want to experience in this situation, and where can you release the heavy or negative feelings that are weighing you down?Where can you pause and say to yourself, this is what I’m learning about who I am, and this is how I’m going to respond so I can stay in my stride?When frustration sparks that immediate knee-jerk reaction, what is the deeper feeling underneath it? How do you usually respond, and how can you pivot your energy so you feel more aligned and at peace?What lessons have surfaced for you when things didn’t go the way you expected, and how did those moments shape your confidence to move forward?How do you balance holding high expectations with extending grace when outcomes fall short of what you envisioned?Where in your life right now can you practice letting go of control and trusting that you can still grow even if the circumstances aren’t ideal?How can you turn an unexpected setback, like a delay or disruption, into an opportunity to practice patience and creativity in the way you respond?What helps you remember that every experience, even frustrating ones, can still offer something valuable if you’re open to seeing it? I’d love to hear what you took away from today’s episode. Feel free to reach out and share your Wise Walk reflections, awareness, and lessons you’re gaining. If you found value here, please share this episode or leave a review so we can continue to grow together and expand this community that I’m so proud to be a part of. I look forward to going on another Wise Walk with you next Thursday, so be sure to tune in. In this episode: [03:01] At different times in my career I've led and managed training programs. I geek out on learning so that I can teach what I learn.[04:07] As this current class is drawing to a close, I realized that we are way behind and we are not going to accomplish all the learning objectives. I tried to communicate this to the best of my ability, but I'm not sure I was heard in an actionable way.[06:12] I realized that I'm just going to have to accept this. I also realized that I might have some control issues when it comes to key learning objectives not being met.[07:17] On a human level, I enjoy the teacher and really appreciate the people.[08:17] Frustration for me can sometimes indicate a level of control. I have to ask if there's an opportunity for me to learn something different.[09:12] Even if you communicate, it may not influence the person you're speaking with.[12:09] I'm also preparing to go back to St. Augustine for a week. I just got a notification that my flight has been changed to include a four and a half hour layover.[14:04] I had an awareness that I can only control what I can control. Fortunately, I was able to book a different flight.[15:20] Knowing what our triggers are and how to pivot through them can bring us at peace again and build confidence.[16:09] Maybe I'm learning to find my center and feel grounded regardless of the circumstance. I'm speaking up for myself and making the best of the situation. Memorable Quotes: “I can only control what I can control, and I have to let the rest go if I still want to salvage the best I can out of this experience.” - Mary Tess“The more we face adversity, the more we build the muscle to realign and get back into stride.” - Mary Tess“I always regret being silent more than I regret communicating.” - Mary Tess Links and Resources: Mary Tess RooneyEmailHeart Value Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram
    Show more Show less
    18 mins
  • EP262: Awareness That Leads to Change

    EP262: Awareness That Leads to Change
    Oct 2 2025
    After weeks on the road (after selling my home) and a big move, my body finally caught up with me. I could feel it in my neck, my shoulders, even headaches by mid-afternoon. All those miles gripping the steering wheel and lifting more than I should have left me out of whack. When I finally slowed down enough to notice, I realized that I needed to get support and realign. A chiropractor, a massage, and even some posture technology gave me the clues that I needed to start shifting things back into place. In this episode, I share what that process looked like for me, and how even small changes have already eased the pain and cleared my energy. It reminded me how connected our physical state is with our emotional and mental wellbeing. Sometimes a little attention makes a huge difference. On this Wise Walk, we’ll check in on the areas where we might feel just a bit off, think about the support that could help us realign, and look at what steps will help us feel lighter and more in sync moving forward. Where in your life do you feel just a little bit off?Is it physical, like your neck, head, shoulders, or back, or do you feel off energetically?Do you feel a little bit off with your relationships or work?What area of your life feels out of sync, where you notice pain, resistance or strain?What small steps can you take to address that imbalance and support yourself?How can you show up for yourself in a way that feels nourishing?Where might you need to enlist the help of others to find relief and structure?As you drop into your heart, what needs the most attention in your life right now?What is one thing you can do today to feel more supported and aligned?Can you name what feels off so you can tame it and start to shift it?Who can you talk to that you trust so you don’t carry it alone?What tools, resources, or individuals could help you realign in a way that fits you best?What motivates you most? For example, visual cues, conversations, or other kinds of support?Can you give yourself permission to seek what you need without guilt?What would feeling more balanced and in sync with your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing look like for you? Maybe there is someone that just needs a little bit of your good juju. And maybe that's what you can take away from today's Wise Walk. Whatever it is, I would love to hear what you took away from today's episode. As always, please reach out and share this episode if you know there's someone that needs to hear this message. Also be sure to tune in to next Thursday for another Wise Walk. In this episode: [02:58] I knew I needed to work with a chiropractor in order to address my pain and also a masseuse to get some knots out.[03:43] I discovered that the doctor I went to had technology that helps address what's going on with me from a digital imagery standpoint. It was really helpful to get those visual cues.[05:36] It was so helpful to see my body alignment visually. I can see where things were a little bit off.[06:33] We've driven over 5,800 miles in the past month. There were a lot of miles and a lot of sitting. It makes sense that I need to unwind and realign the imbalances.[08:16] The way my head was out of alignment and shifted forward, meant that my normal 11lb head was more like carrying a 46lbs head.[09:07] Everything is connected. That's so true for everything in our life. If we are off emotionally it affects our family life. If we're off at work, there's bad energy and stress.[10:04] Ignoring when we feel off will lead to more imbalance.[11:51] I'm excited and motivated to improve the alignment and imbalance with this new awareness I've gained.[14:06] If you feel like you're totally aligned, do you know of someone who you sense may be off. Do you have the bandwidth to help them?[15:03] I have a friend going through a home renovation, and the contractor isn't doing right by her. I keep reaching out and trying to support her, even if it's just listening.[16:14] If everything's aligned for you, maybe there's someone who needs your help that you can be inspired to reach out to after this Wise Walk. Memorable Quotes: “Everything in our lives is connected. If we’re off emotionally, it shows up physically, and if we’re off physically, it ripples into everything else.” - Mary Tess“Sometimes our body gives us signals long before we’re ready to pay attention” - Mary Tess“There’s a huge relief when you finally get clarity on the problem. That’s when you can make real progress” - Mary Tess Links and Resources: Mary Tess RooneyEmailHeart Value Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram
    Show more Show less
    18 mins
  • EP261: Compost and the Gifts of Friendship

    EP261: Compost and the Gifts of Friendship
    Sep 25 2025
    I’m in Palm Springs spending a few days with my dear friend Alison. This reminded me how much joy comes from the people we share life with. We met decades ago at NYU and bonded over what we jokingly called “compost,” a random mix from the dining hall salad bar that became our little tradition. This weekend we brought it back, laughed about those old days, and realized how something so simple still makes us smile. Being with Alison also reminded me how much relationships grow when we show up for each other. Sometimes that looks like cooking, sometimes it’s running errands, and sometimes it’s just sitting together while talking through what’s next in life. None of it has to be perfect. It’s just about being present and leaning into each other’s strengths. On this week’s Wise Walk, I’m inviting you to think about the people who make your to-dos feel lighter and your memories a little sweeter, and how you can bring more of that into your days right now. As you think about the week to come, who are the people you want to be surrounded by?How can you take the things on your to-do list and make them more fun by sharing them with someone that makes your heart happy?Is there someone from your past you can reconnect with by recreating a silly but memorable moment you shared together?What inside jokes, traditions, or meet-cute memories can you bring back to life because they still spark joy?How can you share those memories with friends or family so they understand where your bonds began?Who do you want to reach out to and thank for showing up in your life in such a meaningful way?Is there someone you want to catch up with over errands or simple moments so you can co-create the day together?What everyday tasks would feel more delightful if you shared them with someone you care about?Who in your life can be a great sounding board because their strengths complement yours?How can you ask for help in a way that feels vulnerable but also opens new possibilities?Who is the person you co-create with in such a vibrant way that even the mundane feels fluid and fun?How can you carve out time to nourish each other in ways that support both your present and your future? Give yourself permission to get creative, embrace the relationships that feel aligned right now, and have fun being present while sharing your gifts with others. I’d love to hear what you took away from today’s episode, so feel free to reach out and share your feedback. Please tune in next Thursday for another Wise Walk. In this episode: [01:01] I'm in Palm Springs visiting my dear friend Alison. I'm realizing that much of life isn't what we do, but who we do it with.[02:01] We've known each other since NYU, and we met at the Weinstein Dining Hall.[02:55] I share the origin of our "compost" salad bar, which was whatever we could find that would be healthy and fresh in the dining hall. [03:59] We went shopping and created "compost". Reliving this memory from the past brought us joy.[05:05] Do you have an absolute sweet memory from your past that you would like to create, because it brings you joy?[06:22] I've also bonded over dancing with another friend.[07:27] Thank you for prioritizing relationships, because nothing can grow without effort, time, and understanding.[08:46] The other big takeaway from this weekend with Alison was the idea of being present. We are connected and get caught up when it matters.[10:07] I love that when you're in a relationship that's been around for a while, you can be present no matter what you're doing.[11:57] Another thing that surfaced is how Alison and I were talking about acknowledging each other's strengths. We share in ways that we can nourish each other.[13:30] We also did some planning about where I'm going and what my financial possibilities may be. She helped me create a spreadsheet and scenario plan.[14:24] Knowing what's possible will help me plan better.[16:27] When we ask for help and tap into each other's strengths and gifts, we can be thoughtful and productive.[18:41] You can also do this with yourself. Memorable Quotes: “That first initial meeting and that energetic vibe that you felt, that understanding where you feel seen or heard, it has just carried you through the ages.” - Mary Tess“Self-awareness is a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger your relationships become.” - Mary Tess“Look at what you can do and look at the different ways you can feel empowered when you feel a bit more supported.” - Mary Tess Links and Resources: Mary Tess RooneyEmailHeart Value Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram
    Show more Show less
    21 mins
No reviews yet