taking pause

we know it's important, but why is it so hard?

We are surrounded by tools — breathwork, meditation apps, wellness rituals, fitness trackers, adaptogens, cold plunges, pelvic wands, and more.
We’ve never had so much access… and yet, so many of us feel stuck.

Especially in the world of pelvic health, this can feel overwhelming. Where do we begin? How do we choose what’s actually supportive and not just another checkbox?

If you’ve ever felt that way, you’re not alone.
I’ve been there too — as a practitioner, a mother, a woman doing her best to show up authentically in her body and her life.

Why the Pause Feels So Hard

We often think of “taking a pause” as sitting in silence, slowing our breath, clearing our mind. But let’s be honest: that’s not always accessible (cue screaming kids).
Stillness can feel intimidating. Silence can stir up anxiety. And when your nervous system is already buzzing, being told to “just relax” feels like a cruel joke.

But I’ve learned this:
The ability to check in with yourself — even for a moment — is the foundation of healing and feeling more present.
The “self check in” is the cornerstone of my work, my digital studio, and my personal practice.

Because no matter how many tools I offer, they only work if they land in your body.
And the only way you’ll know what lands… is to listen inward.

The Art of Checking In

Over the years, I’ve found a few gentle practices that help me pause — in a way that doesn’t feel overwhelming or forced. I’m sharing them here not as answers, but as invitations. Try one, try them all, or simply let them spark your own idea.

1. Voice Notes to Self

I walk or sit, open my phone’s voice memo app, and just… talk. No plan. No filter.
I ramble, vent, reflect — whatever comes out. Then later, I listen back (if I want to).
There’s something powerful about hearing my own voice. It often helps me actually hear what I need.

2. Stream-of-Consciousness Journaling

Inspired by morning pages, I free-write without judgment.
No structure, no point — just thoughts on paper.
I give myself permission to not make sense.
Later, I go back and highlight the words or phrases that resonate. They often surprise me.

Tip: I keep a designated notebook + pen in one place to remove the barrier of “setting up.” This is often in my bag or my car, where I tend to spend a lot of time these days.

3. The Three Words Practice

I pause and write down the first three words that come to mind.
They might be names, places, feelings — anything.
They don’t have to go together or make meaning.
They are simply what’s present — a tiny window into my internal world. And by doing this I can either let something go or pull myself deeper into the present moment.

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Why This Matters

None of these practices are the solution.
But they are small, honest ways I return to myself.
They make the idea of “pausing” less daunting.
They remind me that listening inward doesn’t have to be still, silent, or spiritual.
It can be messy. Casual. Real.

Because checking in with yourself — truly checking in — is how discernment grows. And discernment is the most powerful wellness tool you’ll ever have. It’s how you can start understanding what truly resonates for YOU.

An Invitation

Try one of these. Or don’t.
Add your own twist. Toss them out.
But if something clicks — if one small practice helps you feel more connected — I’d love to hear about it.

Because this space is for women like us, navigating life with full hearts and full plates, finding our way inward again and again.

xx,
Allison