The PAUSE

Wise, loving, and inspired writings on the journey of life, love, and medicine

A physician wellness blog with practical tools for burnout recovery, boundaries, mindful leadership, and a life better lived — from Jessie Mahoney, MD.

About the Author: Jessie Mahoney, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician, certified coach, and physician wellness expert with over 20 years of experience as a leader in physician wellness, coaching, and mindful medicine

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    In addition to this blog, I publish regularly on KevinMD. These are some of the pieces that have been shared most widely

    Jessie Mahoney Jessie Mahoney

    Do You Approve of Yourself?

    Approving of yourself, as you are, costs nothing and offers incredible value.

    It is not a pass, it's gifting yourself energy, momentum, positivity, and hope.

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    Jessie Mahoney Jessie Mahoney

    Are You Buffering with Busy?

    Busy keeps us from being present. It keeps us distracted from the discomfort. Being chronically busy doesn’t feel good in the long run.

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    Jessie Mahoney Jessie Mahoney

    Opt Out

    What if you were patient, trusting, self-assured, hopeful, self-compassionate, and curious.

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    Jessie Mahoney Jessie Mahoney

    Coaching Is Preventive Care for your Mind

    Coaching helps you navigate uncertainty, unexpected outcomes, our broken medical system, and unreasonable performance expectations, with grace, compassion, and strategy.

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    Jessie Mahoney Jessie Mahoney

    Caring for the Long Haul

    What does “caring for the long haul “look like?

    It looks like managing your energy well.

    Not resisting reality. Staying out of urgency, negativity, and catastrophizing.

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    Jessie Mahoney Jessie Mahoney

    Transcend the Need to Be Chosen

    When you transcend the need to be chosen and instead choose yourself, you will very likely go farther, faster and arrive in places you actually want to go.

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    Jessie Mahoney Jessie Mahoney

    I Am Just A….

    How often do you say…? I am just a pediatrician. I am just a psychiatrist. I am just a section chief.

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    Jessie Mahoney Jessie Mahoney

    There is No There There

    Coaching teaches you to enjoy the here while intentionally and deliberately pointing yourself towards an aligned there.

    You learn that your ability to enjoy the here is what will enable you to enjoy being there when you get there.

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    Jessie Mahoney Jessie Mahoney

    The Grass Isn’t Greener: Mindful Love in Real Life

    The grass isn’t automatically greener in a new job or relationship. Here’s what “watering the grass” looks like in real life—and why it changes everything. Before you make a big change, water the grass. And if you still want to change, do it from clarity—not scarcity.

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    Jessie Mahoney Jessie Mahoney

    Feel More Loved: Notice the Love You Already Have

    What you practice grows. What you pay attention to is your life.

    What if you focused your attention on when people show you love and how they show you love.

    Your morning coffee just might be a cup of love.

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