Welcome to Season 4 of the Audacious Life Podcast! I hope you're well! I'm happy to be back with this short episode to update you on the summer break, what's been happening, and the direction I'm taking the podcast. The title of this episode is "Pause. Rest Before You Start Again." I chose this title because I see in myself and so many of the women in my life and work that we don't excuse ourselves to take a break from something when we're overwhelmed, feeling blue, under-the-weather, or simply burned out from all the plates we have spinning. I took a much-needed break from my two podcasts in August. It was not planned but it gave me room to breathe, focus on what needed my attention, and allowed me space to reconsider how I've been approaching my podcasts. The good the bad and the ugly. In spite of letting down listeners, I'm happy I did it. I needed the clarity it brought and the time to take care of some challenges. In short, here's what I learned. No one is going to grant you permission to hop off the hamster wheel of life. And that's good news, it means you created it, you're in charge and you get to find the things that you can intentionally pause so you can regroup when necessary.  Maybe it's not your work or the things you do around the house.  Maybe it's the extra stuff that used to fill you up but now seems like drudgery or work. If you used to garden because it was fun and made you happy but now you're helping out with the town's flower beds and it's become too much. STOP. PAUSE. RETHINK. If it's optional and it's no longer bringing you joy maybe it's time to reflect on where best to spend your time. It doesn't mean you have to quit but maybe there's a less time-consuming approach you can take so it feels good again. In this episode, I announce one big decision I made about my podcasts. I'm optimistic and excited about it. I don't think I would've arrived at this decision without the time off. I'd love to hear about you. Have you taken an intentional break from something in your life to rest, gain clarity, and move forward? How did it work out for you? Shoot me your story [email protected] - I'd love to hear from you! Have a great day! Steph