Do you ever catch yourself saying “yes” before you even know what you want?
In today’s episode, we explore the simple but powerful practice of pausing before responding. Taking a mindful moment that creates space between reaction and choice.
We’ll talk about how learning to pause can help you honor your limits, values, and energy. You’ll leave with practical strategies to check in with yourself, notice urges to over-function, and respond from clarity instead of autopilot.
Take a breath, settle in, and give yourself permission to pause.
Learn more about therapy and resources at rosebudpsychotherapy.com or on Instagram @rosebud.psych.
This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy or a therapeutic relationship.
In this episode of Permission to Pause, Maggie sits down with therapist and mindfulness guide Mary Anna Sharp, MA, LPC to explore the healing power of rituals—the small, intentional acts that help us slow down, find meaning, and reconnect with ourselves.
Together, they discuss how ritual can serve as a form of mindfulness and self-soothing, especially in seasons of transition or overwhelm. Mary Anna shares how she uses tea rituals as a grounding practice and offers insight into how anyone can begin cultivating rituals that feel supportive and personal—whether that’s lighting a candle before journaling, savoring a morning cup of tea, or creating space to breathe between the tasks of daily life.
Tune in to hear:
What defines a ritual—and how it differs from routine
How ritual can regulate the nervous system and create safety
Why slowing down can help us reconnect with our values and purpose
How to begin your own mindful ritual practice (no incense required!)
Details about Mary Anna’s upcoming 4-week group on Rituals, Mindfulness, and Tea
Learn more about Mary Anna’s work, therapy offerings, and upcoming group:
Website: https://www.meghantoups.com/maryanna
Instagram: @freelifecounseling
Join her Rituals, Mindfulness, and Tea Group: Reach out to her at maryanna@mergeintohealth.com
If you resonated with today’s conversation and want to explore therapy or mindfulness-based support with Maggie:
Website: www.rosebudpsychotherapy.com
Instagram: @rosebud.psych
Explore more episodes of Permission to Pause wherever you listen to podcasts.
This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute therapy or a therapeutic relationship. If you are in need of mental health support, please reach out to a licensed provider in your area.
Maggie's back after a short break - or rather, a pause.
Today's episode explores Belonging. Belonging is one of our deepest human needs, yet is surprisingly hard to navigate.
In this episode, we explore the tender balance between our yearning to be seen and known, and our instinct to protect ourselves from judgment, rejection, or hurt.
Together, we’ll reflect on how fear, anxiety, and shame can get in the way of connection, and how to begin moving toward relationships, communities, and spaces that truly nurture us.
You’ll be invited to pause and consider:
What belonging means to you
What gets in the way of connection
Gentle practices to recognize and cultivate belonging in your everyday life
If loneliness, disconnection, or people-pleasing have kept you from feeling at home in yourself and with others, this episode is for you.
If you found this episode meaningful, please follow Permission to Pause and share it with someone who might need it too. Learn more at rosebudpsychotherapy.com or on Instagram at @rosebud.psych.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only. It is not therapy and does not constitute a therapeutic relationship.
What if two things that seem opposite can both be true? In this episode of Permission to Pause, we explore the concept of dialectical thinking—a core skill from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) that helps us move beyond black-and-white thinking.
You’ll learn:
What dialectical thinking is
Why it can help ease anxiety, improve relationships, and reduce inner conflict
Practical examples of using “both/and” thinking in real life
Whether you’re navigating a difficult decision, feeling torn between two feelings, or trying to understand someone else’s perspective, dialectical thinking offers a more balanced, compassionate way forward.
For more content, you can follow Maggie on instagram @rosebud.psych, or read her blog at www.rosebudpsychotherapy.com.
Disclaimer: Permission to Pause is here to share ideas, skills, and reflections you might find helpful in your daily life. It’s not a replacement for therapy or professional mental health care, and listening doesn’t create a therapist–client relationship. If you’re struggling or need more support, I encourage you to reach out to a licensed mental health professional in your area
Permission to Feel: Making Space for Emotions
Most of us were never taught how to feel our emotions—only how to avoid, judge, or push them away. But what if your feelings aren’t problems to solve, but rather messengers to listen to?
In this episode of Permission to Pause, we explore what it means to make space for your emotions without judgment. You’ll be guided through a practice called Soften, Soothe, and Allow from the Mindful Self-Compassion tradition, designed to help you meet your feelings with kindness instead of criticism.
Whether you’re navigating anxiety, overwhelm, or just want to feel more grounded in your emotional world, this is your invitation to pause—and feel.
Includes a guided self-compassion exercise
Learn more about mindful self-compassion at https://self-compassion.org
Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and supportive purposes only. It is not therapy and does not constitute a therapeutic relationship. If you're struggling with your mental health, please reach out to a licensed professional.
What if, in moments of stress or self-doubt, you could offer yourself kindness instead of criticism?
In this episode of Permission to Pause, Maggie offers a gentle introduction to Mindful Self-Compassion, a powerful approach developed by Dr. Kristin Neff and Dr. Chris Germer. You’ll be guided through two foundational practices—the Self-Compassion Break and Soothing Self-Touch—designed to help you meet difficult moments with care, grounding, and emotional support.
These practices are a simple and accessible place to start engaging in holding yourself more gently. Be mindful of how you respond to these practices.
In this episode, you’ll:
Learn the three elements of self-compassion and about backdraft
Practice the Self-Compassion Break: a short, go-to tool for when you're hurting
Explore different forms of soothing self-touch to calm your nervous system and reconnect with yourself
For more information and resources, visit Dr. Kristin Neff’s website: https://self-compassion.org
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This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy or medical care.
Learn more about Maggie at www.rosebudpsychotherapy.com .
We often think of rest as just sleep or time off—but what if the reason you're still exhausted after a full night's sleep is because you're not getting the right kind of rest?
In this episode of Permission to Pause, I explore the 7 types of rest popularized by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, who identified seven distinct areas where we can feel depleted:
Physical
Mental
Emotional
Social
Sensory
Creative
Spiritual
I’ll walk you through what each type of rest actually means, how to recognize which one you’re missing, and simple, compassionate ways to begin replenishing yourself—without needing a two-week vacation or a full life overhaul.
This is your permission to pause… and rest in the ways your body and mind actually need.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEDr. Saundra Dalton-Smith – Author of Sacred Rest and creator of the 7 types of rest framework
Learn more: https://drdaltonsmith.com/
For more resources and therapy support: www.rosebudpsychotherapy.com
Connect on Instagram: @rosebud.psych
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, share it with a friend who needs some rest, and leave a review—it helps others find the podcast and take a pause too.
Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are experiencing chronic fatigue or ongoing health concerns, please consult a licensed medical provider to receive individualized care.
In this first full episode of Permission to Pause, we’re talking about what it really means to slow down—and why it can feel like so unattainable. If you’re used to rushing, pushing, or performing your way through life, this episode offers a gentle invitation to come back to yourself. This episode includes a guided practice at the end.
Learn more about Maggie: https://rosebudpsychotherapy.com/about
Welcome to Permission to Pause—a podcast for sensitive, stressed-out women who are trying to do it all and struggle to slow down. Hosted by therapist Maggie Malone, LCSW, this space offers gentle reminders that your worth isn’t measured by your productivity, perfection, or how much you take care of everyone else.
In this trailer episode, you’ll hear what Permission to Pause is all about, who it’s for, and what you can expect in upcoming episodes. If you find yourself saying yes when you want to say no, overthinking every decision, or feeling anxious way more often than you'd like—you're in the right place.
This is your invitation to take a breath, take up space, and give yourself permission to pause.
