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 milestones as a way of reflecting on whether I'm moving in the direction I want to go. So, no surprise, I'm doing the same here. But it feels intensified because I've experienced more life than I might have ahead, and I want to honor all that I am and will become. For today's Wise Walk, I thought we could slow down, check our reality, and ask ourselves these questions: What milestones or time frames do you go into deep reflection? When you look back at the past year, do you set intentional plans for your future? As you reflect, do you approach it from a place of gratitude? Are you grateful for the hardships you've overcome and the wins you've accomplished this past year? Do you honor the good, the bad, and the ugly to realize how far you've come? How do you use this moment to stand strong in your own evolution? Do you recognize that your future can be more meaningful because of your past experiences? As you reflect on the past year or a big milestone, what difference has that year made? What things immediately spring to mind when you look back? What aspects of your life feel super aligned for you? Where are the areas where you're getting stuck or feeling pressure? Are there situations where you're saying “yes” to please others, but inside it makes you cringe? How can you give yourself the freedom and confidence to express your needs? How can those who love you, support you in ways that truly matter? I invite you to reflect on your own journey and set intentions for what's calling you. As a birthday gift, I'd love to hear about your growth, what's matters most to you, or how these Wise Walks have impacted you. If you're willing, please leave a review on iTunes to help others discover the True Stride podcast. Thank you for being part of this community. Your self-reflection and growth inspire us all. I look forward to our next wise walk – I'll be a bit older by then, but hopefully wiser too. Until next Thursday, keep striding forward. In this episode: [03:35] I have a friend who uses her birthday to reflect on where she's been and where she's hoping to go. [04:06] It can be a time of renewal based on the seasons or any other time you choose. [04:23] For this Wise Walk, I ask you to get clear on your time frame of renewal. What are the presents you can give yourself? [05:24] One gift I can give myself is a consistent meditation practice. And so I am going to challenge myself to meditate every day. [06:26] When I reflect back on my 49th birthday I was in a very different place. [07:30] I'm grateful that I listened to my body, and I'm grateful that I found a great medical team. [09:03] There's so many things to do with friends and get together without it revolving around food and drink. [10:11] I love that I've been able to communicate, express and set healthy boundaries to support my habits and ways. [12:36] We can be our unique individual selves and honor those around us. [14:10] Honoring my body and my truth was the best gift I gave myself last year. [15:49] Meditation can be more successful after moving your body. [17:14] I'm also going to explore different types of meditation to keep it interesting. [20:04] You presenting yourself with presents teaches everyone else how you are worthy and deserving of gifts. Memorable Quotes: “I've always kind of looked at these birthday milestones as a way of reflecting on… am I moving in the direction that I want to go.” - Mary Tess“We all have these just internal clocks for us to appreciate how far we've come and also awaken to what matters right now.” - Mary Tess“We have the ability to honor and give ourselves gifts that are really speaking to our heart.” - Mary Tess Links and Resources: Mary Tess Rooney Email Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram Heart Value Insight Timer
