As the year winds down and the holidays approach, I feel a quiet pull to lighten my load. November always feels like a bridge between what's been and what's next, and I've been asking myself what I can release before stepping into a new season. There's something deeply satisfying about clearing space, whether that's finishing something I've been avoiding, resolving an annoyance that's been draining me, or simply letting go of the pressure to do it all.
In this episode, I share how discernment helps me emerge better. It's so easy to carry unnecessary weight like chasing perfection or holding onto small frustrations that siphon energy from what truly matters. From everyday logistics, like finally sorting out an insurance issue, to bigger lessons about trusting myself as a student and letting my work be imperfect, I'm learning that ease arrives through acceptance, not over-effort. Living simply in Joshua Tree keeps reinforcing that peace doesn't come from adding more. It comes from doing less, more intentionally.
I'm also noticing how this applies to relationships. Some connections feel light and energizing while others carry worry or judgment that isn't mine to hold. Giving those spaces room to breathe feels like a gift to both sides. On this Wise Walk, I invite you to reflect on where your energy goes, what no longer fits, and how to lovingly set it down, so you can step forward with clarity, ease, and a little more spaciousness.
- As you think about what's weighing on you right now, what do you want to tackle and what can you release to set yourself up for success next year?
- What feels heavy on your heart or impossible to complete, and what would make you feel proud to finish before the year ends?
- Are there things that feel heavy but don't truly need to get done, and can you give yourself permission to release them?
- Will you take time to journal and hold space for the idea of unburdening yourself?
- As you take yourself on a Wise Walk, are there areas in your mental or emotional life where you could unburden yourself?
- What thoughts, worries, or energetic weights are not serving you anymore?
- Can you let them go, or deal with them now so they don't follow you into the new year?
- When you think about your physical environment and your calendar, what feels heavy or unnecessary?
- Is there something you've always done out of habit that doesn't matter as much anymore?
- What can you lovingly say no to in order to support your well-being and make space for creativity and rest?
- Can you say yes to more of what truly nourishes you and let go of the things that no longer resonate?
- As you reflect on relationships that feel a little heavy right now, which ones might you release from constant engagement because there's a disconnect or energetic misalignment?
- Can you make peace with that, knowing it doesn't have to be forever?
- Maybe the relationship will shift, or maybe it won't—but can you allow yourself to let go, trust the season you're in, and free up space for what feels aligned?
I'm so grateful for this space we share and for every Strider who walks alongside me. Five years in, it still amazes me how light and energizing our Wise Walks feel, and how this community continues to grow. Your support truly fuels me.
So please, keep reaching out and letting me know what resonates. You never burden me; you remind me why this journey matters. As we move through the rest of this year, may we keep releasing what doesn't serve us and make room for more of what does. I can't wait to walk with you again next Thursday.
In this episode:
- [03:00] The three main areas I need to unburden are mental and emotional space, physical environment, and relationships.
- [04:18] I need to take care of an auto insurance issue that is weighing on me and work on my perfectionism.
- [05:17] My perfectionism made me want to rerecord audio I created for my shamanic Reiki. I realized there was no need other than my perfectionism to redo the whole thing.
- [06:18] I was proud of myself for making the choice to unburden myself.
- [07:33] I also needed to unburden my physical and environmental calendar. Managing clutter is a priority, especially in my 300 square foot casita in Joshua Tree. There are also dust issues in the desert.
- [09:24] I have a favorite quote that focuses on doing less of what doesn't matter.
- [11:08] I love the idea of being mindful about what we can unburden and have less in our life of what doesn't matter.
- [13:39] The last category I've been reflecting on unburdening is relationships. I'm meeting new people and trying to balance spending time with new people and those that I already love.
- [14:36] I want to discern who is supporting me.
- [17:16] I am so grateful for you. Our relationship and going on Wise Walks together feel so light and energizing.
Memorable Quotes:
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- "Discernment is the quiet courage to say no when something no longer feels aligned." - Mary Tess
- "Every time you clear what feels heavy, you create room for joy to return." - Mary Tess
- "Sometimes the most powerful step forward is the one that frees us from what we no longer need to carry." - Mary Tess
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