The Moment I Realized Being Strong Was Breaking Me | Dr. PaQuita Pullen on Rest, Burnout & Becoming

In this episode of the 3 Parallels Podcast, Dr. Jason Branch sits down with Dr. PaQuita Pullen for a conversation that starts with morning banter and ends somewhere most people are afraid to go. Dr. Pullen — educator, leader, and advocate for ease and joy — takes us inside her journey from academic achievement and professional recognition to complete emotional collapse, and the moment she chose to become devoted to rest. This is not a conversation about giving up. It is a conversation about what it costs to carry everyone else, what it means to finally set that weight down, and how becoming a better version of yourself sometimes starts with doing less. 📖 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN  (bullet list block) Dr. Branch takes you inside the real conversation around burnout, identity, and what healing actually looks like for people who have spent their whole lives being the strong one. In this episode:What the 'strong Black woman' schema costs — and how to name it so you can move past itWhy rest is a devotion, not a reward — and what Devoted to Rest actually means in practiceHow to redefine success on your own terms when the world's definition is burning you outWhat ease and joy look like as an intentional practice, not a fantasyThis episode is an invitation to stop performing strength at the cost of your wholeness — and to start Becoming the better version of yourself that rest makes possible. 💡 LIFE WORK  (action items)Life Work #1: Choose ease and joy this week. One moment, one decision — pick it on purpose.Life Work #2: Redefine what success means to you. Write it down. Make it yours, not the world's.Life Work #3: Rest without guilt. Not sleep — rest. Give yourself permission, today.Devoted to Rest is not a retreat. It is a return to yourself. This episode shows you what that looks like.Connect with Dr. Branch: www.drjbranch.com | [email protected] | 404-436-2540Therapy available in NJ, PA, and GA.Coaching available everywhere. Join Gator University: https://www.skool.com/gator-university-1745/about Support the show on Cash App: $3ParallelsPodcast The Gator Scales Journal on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Gator-Scales-Journal-Jason-Branch/dp/B0DPXLXZWC 🔗 Join the Journey Subscribe for episode drops, behind-the-scenes & exclusive content → 👕 I AM HIM / HER / THEM Merch Represent the movement → 🎓 Gator University — Freshman Class 2026 Join the community → 🧠 The Lab Experience Weekly space for helping professionals to connect, reflect & build community. Every Wednesday  |  9 AM PT / 12 PM ET 🚀 Executive Performance Coaching & Therapy Text or Call: 404-436-2540  |  Email: [email protected] Therapy available in NJ, PA & GA. Book your free 15-minute consultation → 📲 Connect With The 3 Parallels Podcast YouTube → Instagram → Spotify Playlist → 💛 Support The Podcast Cash App: $3ParallelsPodcast Every contribution helps grow the movement. 📘 The Gator Scales Journal Start your personal growth journey today → 🎙️ Episode Sponsored By J. Branch & AssociatesConnect with Dr. Branch: www.drjbranch.com | [email protected] | (858) 786-3638Therapy available in NJ, PA, and GA.Coaching available everywhere. Book a free consultation: https://calendly.com/drjbranch/balloon-string-session-cloneGator University Free Community:https://www.skool.com/gator-university-4736/about Support the show on Cash App:$3ParallelsPodcast