Episode 35: The Power of Pause

Most of the things we regret saying or doing didn’t come from who we want to be—they came from discomfort we didn’t pause long enough to regulate.

In this practical and deeply relatable episode of Midlife with Brooke, Brooke Oniki introduces a simple but powerful emotional skill she calls The Power of Pause. Through everyday examples—missing razors, sticky cereal bowls, and family dynamics—Brooke shows how pausing before reacting gives your nervous system time to calm and your wiser self time to lead.

This episode is an invitation to stop reacting from irritation, urgency, or hurt—and instead choose responses that align with your values, your faith, and the kind of person you want to be.

What You’ll Learn

• What “the power of pause” really is and why it works
• How small moments of discomfort often trigger outsized reactions
• Why pausing saves emotional, physical, and relational energy
• How overreacting creates shame cycles—and how pausing prevents them
• Why practicing pause with small things builds strength for bigger ones
• How the pause helps you embody patience, kindness, and compassion
• What it looks like to respond from alignment instead of impulse

Brooke also connects the power of pause to Christlike behavior—highlighting how Jesus modeled pause through silence, solitude, and restraint.

Identity Shift to Practice

Instead of thinking:

• “I’m impulsive.”
• “I always say the wrong thing.”

Try practicing:

• “I’m a person who pauses.”
• “I’m learning to respond instead of react.”

Small identity shifts create powerful long-term change.

Nervous System Insight

Brooke explains the concept of the zone of resilience—the emotional space where you’re calm, open, and grounded—and how pausing helps you return to that space instead of spiraling into fight, flight, or shutdown.

The pause isn’t about suppressing emotions.

It’s about giving your body and brain time to settle so you can choose wisely.

Reflection Prompts

• Where do I tend to react instead of pause?
• What discomfort am I trying to escape when I react quickly?
• How would my relationships change if I paused more often?
• What would it look like to identify as someone who pauses?

Free Resource Mentioned

Brooke references a free video called:

“How to Bring Your Emotions Down So You Don’t Overreact”

Click Here for the Free Resources page

Stay Connected With Brooke

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Learn More

Coaching, resources, and offerings for midlife women:

www.brookeoniki.com

Bonus for Listeners

Two private bonus podcast episodes created just for women in midlife:

• Menopause Explained
• Enjoying Sex in Midlife

Listen here:

https://www.subscribepage.com/summitadd

Want Personalized Support?

Schedule a free one-on-one coaching session with Brooke:

https://calendly.com/brookeoniki/life-coaching-session-with-brooke-oniki