#122-From Impulse to Intention: Pressing Pause Before You Say Yes

In this episode, Dr. Phyllis explores what happens in the space between the urge to say yes and the decision to follow through. She shares a personal story from her caregiving role, along with an unexpected lesson that came from caring for her dogs. What began as small, reactive moments turned into a deeper realization about how often we move straight from impulse into action without checking in first.Every decision is a doorway, and most of us walk through way too fast.Dr. Phyllis introduces the pause process, a simple, practical tool you can use before making both major decisions and everyday yeses. This isn’t about overthinking. It’s about creating enough space to notice what’s driving the urge.She breaks down how to slow the moment, recognize urgency for what it is, and choose intentionally instead of reflexively.Not every need is ours to meet. Not every opportunity is ours to own.If you’ve ever said yes and immediately felt overwhelmed, resentful, or full of regret, this episode offers a grounded way to do things differently next time.