Getting Unstuck: Install Your Mental Pause Button

When you feel stuck, it’s rarely because you lack options.
It’s because your nervous system is running the show.

That’s where the mental Pause Button comes in.

Think of the mental pause Button as a built-in pattern interrupter—a way to stop the stress loop, create space, and choose a better response. Not later. In the moment.

The Pause Button isn’t about calming down for calm’s sake.
It’s about regaining agency.

When you hit an internal wall and don’t know what to do next, the Button helps you shift energy, interrupt autopilot, and move forward differently.

The Pause Button Method (3 Simple Steps)

Step 1: Install the Button

Close your eyes for 10 seconds and imagine installing a physical pause button in your mind.

Make it yours:

  • Big or small
  • Blue, gold, red, sparkly
  • Subtle or bold

The design doesn’t matter.
The function does.

This button exists for one reason: to interrupt a stuck pattern.

Step 2: Assign It a Job

Your Button’s job is to stop emotional autopilot—fear, frustration, irritation, reactivity.

When you press it:

  • Emotions don’t disappear
  • They simply stop driving

You create a gap—and in that gap lives choice, perspective, and agility.

This is the moment you remember:

I’m not stuck. I can pivot.

Step 3: Pair It with New Language

Agility isn’t activated by force.
It’s activated by reframing.

Every time you press your Button, say this—out loud or silently:

“If this moment isn’t working, I’m allowed to change it.”

That one sentence gives you permission to pivot:

  • Mentally
  • Emotionally
  • Strategically

Now you’re back in the driver’s seat.

What Happens After You Pause

Once the stuck pattern is interrupted, ask better questions:

  • What else could be true?
  • What’s the next right move, not the perfect one?
  • Where is the opportunity inside this friction?
  • What version of me do I want leading right now?
  • If this were a chapter in my story, how do I want it to end?

You’re not rewriting the past.
You’re rewriting your response.

And that’s where leaders grow.

Stuckness wants you to believe there’s only one ending.
Agility reminds you: you’re the author, not the character.

So the next time you feel stuck—
Press the Button.
Pause the pattern.
Choose differently.

You are not stuck. not stuck.

Carpe Momentum: Two tips to accelerate success

“I could be so successful, if only I had more time…”

Have you ever started the sentence, “If only I had more time…” then finished that sentence with realization that you would fill that extra time with more hassled, stressful tasks that would leave you even more exhausted than you already are?

Time, precious time

Author Harvey Mackay says that time is the one commodity that we can’t reproduce, alter, capture or revisit. We each have the same quantity of time on a given day, day after day. How we use that time makes all the difference.

Think about the Food Network television show, “Chopped,” where several chefs open a mystery box with a tiny window of time and a mission to create fabulous food fare. Invariably, one contestant groans as the clock runs out and Chef Ted shouts, “Time’s up!”  The contestant stares at the unfinished dish below and states as if it’s the first time this has ever happened, “I ran out of time” as their reason for not including all of the required ingredients on their plate, or for not cooking their dish to the judges’ satisfaction. Each chef had the same ingredients, the same cookingtimesup station, the same pantry, and the same amount of time. Why were the other chefs able to finish on time with the intended delicious outcome, while Joe/Jane Too-Late is standing with a raw slab of pork on the station?

So how to make the most of this precious, limited resource? How do super-successful time managers seem to breeze through tasks and still have time to show up at the kids’ soccer games or catch a concert in the park?  Continue reading

New life chapter – house for sale

New life chapter – house for sale

Next Chapter

This house provided shelter. One never felt alone.

The people lived inside it. The love made it a home.

The time has come to pass it. Next chapter calling me.

Some other souls should have it. New life awaits. Come see.

www.psre.com/2702

Great opportunity to own a charming brick colonial in the desirable well established North Wilmington community of Carrcroft! This home features hardwood floors through out and a private wooded setting. The expansive living room has a fireplace perfect for entertaining. Renovated kitchen features 42″ cabinets, granite counters and stainless steel appliances. The cozy family room has beautiful built-in shelving, ceiling high brick fireplace and a charming window seat with storage. French doors lead to a trex deck and brick patio perfect for enjoying the tranquil wooded views and creek. A private study/bonus room and first floor laundry complete the first floor. The gracious oak staircase leads to four spacious bedrooms and a completely renovated Hall bath with travertine tile. The large 17×13 Master bedroom is appointed with a walk in closet and full bath. Additional upgrades include a whole house insulation upgrade (2011), newer roof (2007) and replacement windows. One year home warranty included. The location can’t be beat for easy access to I-95 and shopping.

 

Here are the additional photos for 1216 Hillside Boulevard, Wilmington, DE 19803-4212

Welcoming foyer

Welcoming foyer

Dining room

Dining room

42" cabinets & stainless appliances

42″ cabinets & stainless appliances

Neutral granite countertops

Neutral granite countertops

Family room w/ fireplace

Family room w/ fireplace

French doors leading to deck & patio

French doors leading to deck & patio

Window seat w/ storage overlooking backyard

Window seat w/ storage overlooking backyard

First floor study

First floor study

Original built in cabinetry

Original built in cabinetry

Large Master with hardwood floors

Large Master with hardwood floors

Master bath w/ stand up shower

Master bath w/ stand up shower

Large Master walk in closet-lots of storage!

Large Master walk in closet-lots of storage!

Updated Hall bath

Updated Hall bath

New Travertine tiles

New Travertine tiles

Bedroom 2

Bedroom 2

Bedroom 3

Bedroom 3

Bedroom 4

Bedroom 4

Trex maintanence free deck

Trex maintanence free deck

Patio perfect for a fire pit & smores

Patio perfect for a fire pit & smores

2 car garage with large driveway

2 car garage with large driveway

Private wooded level lot

Private wooded level lot

Stream w/ it's very own beach!

Stream w/ it’s very own beach!

Your new community!

Your new community!

 

Contact Information

Agent's Photo

Peggy Centrella, REALTOR®
Direct 302-234-5229
Office 302-239-3000
Email

Property Information

Offered at $364,900
Status Active on market
Community Carrcroft
Type Single/Detached
Design 2 Story
Style Colonial
Bedrooms 4
Full/Partial Baths 2/1
Age 59
Taxes $3612
Fireplace Two
Heating Oil
Cooling Central Air
Approx. Acreage 0.36

URL for this page

www.psre.com/2702