E1: The Pause That Changed My Life

In the very first episode of Intentional Pause, Dr. Chris shares the deeply personal story that inspired this podcast. After a life-changing health crisis at age 33 forced her to stop, she discovered that slowing down wasn’t a setback—it was the beginning of profound transformation.

In this episode, you’ll hear how chronic stress, perfectionism, people-pleasing, and the need to stay in control led to a major wake-up call, and how taking an intentional pause helped her heal, change her mindset, and build a new life and career.

You’ll also be invited to take your own “Pause with Purpose” by reflecting on one small way you can slow down this week and put yourself back into the equation of your life.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stretched too thin, or like life is moving faster than you can keep up, this episode is your reminder that sometimes the most powerful step forward begins with a pause.

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Pause with Purpose Moment

This week, after hearing my story, I invite you to reflect on one part of your life where you can intentionally slow down, just a little bit.

We will start small…

For example, maybe you feel you don’t have any time to yourself…

• Start to build in just 10 minutes a day where you do something you enjoy (read a book, sit outside with a cup or coffee (or wine!), do some deep breathing, listen to your favorite music while doing nothing else, etc.
• Maybe you work throughout the day without taking a break or you eat lunch while you work…take time for lunch where you just eat or schedule a small break (I call these recovery breaks) where you go outside and take a walk.

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“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes…including you!”