As I mentioned in the last episode, I got an offer on my St. Augustine home. After completing the inspection process, we’ve come to an agreement, and I’ll be closing down the house at the end of July. While this move feels exciting, especially since I’m not exactly sure what’s next, the unknown can feel overwhelming too. This got me thinking about what it means to close a door in our life, especially when that door has brought so much joy, healing, and comfort.

Over the years, I’ve had to let go of things I loved, and it wasn’t always easy. Sometimes the things that once energized us start to feel misaligned, and even though we hesitate, we know in our hearts it’s time to move on. As I pack up this home that’s been such a sacred space, I’m reminded that clarity and new opportunity can surface when we stop lingering in what was and begin focusing on what’s possible now.

So on today’s Wise Walk, I thought we would slow down, check our reality, and explore the doors in our life that we are ready to close, whether they are emotional, mental, physical, or spiritual.

• Are there doors in your life you're ready to release so you can gain clarity and be fully present in what's possible now?

• Have you recently closed a door but still feel emotionally tied to it, and what would it take to truly move forward?

• Are you holding on to a joyful chapter that no longer serves you, and is it time to make peace and let it go?

• Can you let go emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually so new opportunities have space to appear?

• Which open doors in your life are draining your energy or focus, and are you ready to close them, for now?

• Can you identify which doors support your alignment and which are distracting you from your best stride?

Thank you so much for your support and for sharing your own journey of growth and change. Every time you reach out, you open doors for connection, reflection, and expansion.

I’d love to hear what resonated with you from today’s episode, and I hope you’ll join me for next Thursday’s Wise Walk.

In this episode:

[02:19] "When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us." - Helen Keller

[03:17] Sometimes we can't be fully present with what's ahead, because we're still looking back.

[04:16] Letting go and transitioning from running to hiking and walking.

[06:00] I love the beautiful nature and scenery when I'm walking and hiking.

[08:00] My biggest takeaways are when one door closes, another one opens. It is this idea of using energy to focus on the present.

[09:44] I feel like this change I've been called to is about closing this door, so that a new door can open for me.

[10:06] I can easily get swept up with other people's needs. This may be distracting me from seeing where I need to be going.

[12:22] I have a friend who feels called to close some doors on some long-term relationships. The energies of the relationship dynamics are taking away what's possible for her.

[14:00] I'm an individual who embraces change. It somehow gives me an adrenaline rush. I seek out change after a certain period of time.

[17:23] Big takeaway for me is that I need to embrace change and have to let go of the past. I need to thank the past, so I can discover new opportunities. Also I can release some of the distractions and noise that have been swirling around with this big life change.

[18:27] Any door we close is forward movement, and I'm excited to be moving forward.

Memorable Quotes:

• “You want the doors that are open to you to be close and to be fulfilling and to really just help you move forward in that special and meaningful and aligned way.” - Mary Tess
  
• “Even when you can’t see what’s next, honoring your intuition and releasing distractions can bring the clarity you need.” - Mary Tess
  
• “What is meant for you will find you. It will not pass you by if you are open to it.” - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

Mary Tess Rooney

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Have you ever felt like your whole being was craving stillness, but life just kept charging ahead? That’s exactly where I’m at right now. I am so excited because it’s the night before I get to go on vacation and not just any trip. I’ve secured a whole week off where I’m going inward to retreat. No plans, no agendas, no schedules. I may sleep in. I don’t know what I’m going to do, and honestly, that’s the whole point.

This retreat is all about giving myself space to go with the flow. I’m bringing along a few intentional self-care rituals that nourish me mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, and creatively, but beyond that, I’m releasing expectations. I just feel very called to embrace my own experience and be fully present with myself. After a long stretch of pushing through deadlines and showing up for others, it feels really good to show up for me.

So in today’s Wise Walk, we’re slowing down together. We’re going to check our reality and ask ourselves these questions.

• Are you willing to commit to retreating, even if you don’t leave your home?

• What helps you recharge, restore balance, and reconnect with yourself?

• How can you reignite the parts of you that feel dimmed or suppressed?

• What will you commit to now to prevent burnout later?

• What absolutely must get done right now, and what can wait?

• Where can you give yourself breathing room to approach tasks with more energy?

• How can you structure your days to match what you realistically have energy for?

• What can you postpone guilt-free, knowing it’s still on your list but not urgent?

• How can you set yourself up for success by prioritizing balance over busyness?

• Where can you celebrate yourself for choosing harmony and self-care alongside productivity?

I can’t wait to hear how you’re creating space to retreat and realign in your own way. Until next time, keep prioritizing fun as you read the signs, direct your path, and get your stride on.

In this episode:

[03:04] My sister and I booked a trip to Nantucket to go on a retreat. I love the coastal sea immersion and the charm of the town.

[04:47] We've had a lot going on and questioned whether this was the right time.

[05:08] A good thing about booking in advance is that there is a financial loss if you cancel. I also really need this trip on an energetic and emotional level.

[06:18] We should be able to take a week off and retreat without feeling stress.

[08:05] When it comes to deadlines, I'll do whatever I need to do to hit it. Having the retreat scheduled, helps me focus on what I need to accomplish even if I have to do a little extra before leaving.

[09:40] I also had to make strategic decisions to put some things on the back burner.

[12:16] Another great thing about scheduling a retreat in your life is you get to design it however you see fit.

[13:08] I also want to wear an eye mask and earplugs and sleep in and tune out.

[14:11] I look forward to sharing whatever awakenings and impressions come out of this retreat. I'd also like to hear what you have planned.

Memorable Quotes:

• “I just feel very called to embrace my own experience and be very, very present with myself.” - Mary Tess
  
• “We all benefit from retreating from the norm. It helps us open our eyes, gain a different perspective, and connect with our bodies without expectations.” - Mary Tess
  
• “You are the only one that knows what is best for you.” - Mary Tess

Links and Resources:

Mary Tess Rooney

Email

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

Heart Value