True Stride

If you're new to this podcast, I'm so glad you're here. One of the things I've shared in prior episodes is that I have been managing a bone marrow cancer diagnosis since 2002—that's 23 years and counting. It's been a journey filled with highs and lows, but right now, I'm in a good phase where my blood levels are stable. Even so, I still check in with my doctors regularly, staying in a watch-and-wa...

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 a...

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'...

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, i...

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...

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 o...

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...

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....

"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 new...

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 s...

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 str...

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...

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 t...

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, yo...

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 hand...

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...

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...

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 re...

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 Ca...

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,...

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'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...

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....

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 naviga...

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 discus...