Own Your Yes Podcast

It’s Mental Health Awareness Month, and this is the part we often skip over.

The unseen. The unspoken. The quiet unraveling that happens when you stay in motion too long, carry too much, and check in on everyone but yourself. Dr. Phyllis has been on that treadmill. She’s run herself into the ground trying to hold it all together. And she knows firsthand: looking like you have it together doesn’t mean you’re okay.

Ignoring what’s going on inside—telling yourself it’s not that bad, convincing yourself you don’t have time to dea...

You know those emails marked time-sensitive? The ones that make you pause and pay attention? Consider this your version of that—but instead of a deadline or a task, it’s an invitation. An inner nudge from the part of you that’s quietly asking to be seen.

Dr. Phyllis knows this feeling all too well. There was a season in her life where she was constantly overcommitted, always doing, always chasing—yet deeply disconnected from herself. You are not just the sum of your roles, your tasks, or your accomplishments. You are a whole, valuable person—worthy of...

There are seasons when life feels like it’s asking a bigger question—one that can’t be ignored or brushed aside. In these moments, there’s often a crossroads: one path is known, predictable, and familiar. The other carries the weight of uncertainty but also the possibility of something more.

Today’s episode explores that very moment—what Dr. Phyllis calls “the crossroads of yes.” It’s the space where old patterns begin to feel too small, where the roles once played out of habit no longer feel true. There’s a stirring inside that says: something has to cha...

How Are You Really Doing? It’s a small question. One we often toss into conversation without pausing to hear the answer.

But when asked with intention, How are you really doing? becomes a powerful invitation to pause, reflect, and move toward deeper emotional honesty.

Dr. Phyllis has spent years making this question part of her regular rhythm—with friends, family, clients, and even herself. Not just as a social nicety, but as a sincere check-in. Because too often, we answer with “I’m fine” when our lives feel anything but. There’s pressure to hold it all...

“Why me?” “Why now?” We’ve all had seasons where those questions take over. The conversations play on repeat. The decisions get rehashed. And somehow, we convince ourselves that if we could just figure out why, we’d finally feel peace.

But here’s what Dr. Phyllis gently reminds us:

You don’t have to know why to move forward.

You just have to trust that forward is still possible.

That shift—from why to what now—changes everything. It’s the difference between staying stuck and starting again. Between spiraling in the past and steppi...

It’s easy to catch a glimpse of ourselves in the mirror or in a photo and immediately start picking apart every detail. The way our clothes fit, the shape of our body, the expression on our face—we find flaws before we find anything to celebrate. And then, without realizing it, we start believing that the mirror defines us.

Dr. Phyllis is here to challenge that mindset. She reminds us that our value is not determined by a reflection. The mirror does not measure our worth, our joy, or our purpose.

If you’ve ever f...

Dr. Phyllis used to struggle with being transparent, vulnerable, or truly authentic. In her mind, admitting that something hurt or disappointed her felt like exposing weakness. Saying it out loud made it real, and that was scary. So she kept things to herself, believing that staying silent was the strong thing to do.

But over time, she realized that holding it all in wasn’t strength—it was keeping her stuck. She couldn’t always communicate what she was feeling, and that led to a cycle of misperceptions. People saw resilience, but underneath it was exhaustion. So many w...

For years, Dr. Phyllis believed her worth was tied to the roles she filled. She chased perfection, sought external validation, and measured success by what she accomplished. But standing at her retirement party, reflecting on a lifetime of experiences, she shared a truth that had reshaped her journey—relationships matter more than roles.

The titles, the responsibilities, the endless striving—it was never about those things. What truly lasts are the connections we build—with ourselves, with God, and with the people who mean the most. Through emotional and physical transformation, Dr. Phyllis has learned that fulfillment doesn’...

Your mind is always racing. You’re constantly in fix-it mode, solving problems before they happen. Always preparing, always anticipating. You tell yourself that if you stay ahead, you can avoid the crisis. But in reality, you’re just living on edge—trying to control every detail, yet feeling more disconnected than ever.

It’s stressful, isn’t it?

Your nervous system is on high alert. You get into control mode, convinced that if you let your guard down, everything will fall apart. But have you ever stopped to ask yourself why you’re always trying to ge...

Is burnout due to stress or ego? We often think of burnout as a response to external pressures—work, family, volunteering—but it’s more than just stress. Compassion fatigue happens when we give and give without refueling, leaving us empty. And autopilot living kicks in when we keep pushing through the exhaustion, ignoring the signs until we hit a wall.

But here's the real question: Is burnout driven by stress, or is it ego? Ego convinces us that we need to do more, be perfect, and seek validation from others. We say “yes” to everything, thinking that if we...

Have you ever caught yourself going through the motions, only to stop and wonder—did I even lock the door? You drove the usual route, did the usual tasks, had the usual conversations, but none of it fully registered. It all feels like one big blur. 

That’s auto-pilot living. Your body is present, but your mind is somewhere else. You’re not engaged in the moment, and over time, life starts to feel distant, routine, almost numb.

Dr. Phyllis is breaking this down today—how auto-pilot sneaks into our daily lives, how it affects the way w...

Life is full of twists and turns, unexpected transitions, and moments that make us question if we’re heading in the right direction. But what if every step, every change, and even every detour is part of God’s plan? What if instead of seeing these shifts as mistakes, we saw them as stepping stones leading us toward alignment with His purpose?

This journey isn’t about standing still or forcing yourself into a path that no longer fits. It’s about finding the ‘yes’ that aligns with God’s plan for you. There is freedom in embracing ever...

Somebody is going to lose the game. That’s just how it works. One team walks away with the win, the other with a loss. And just like in football, life presents us with choices—plays we think will move us forward, decisions that look good on paper. But what happens when both options seem right? When saying yes feels like the obvious next move, but deep down, we’re unsure?

Not every opportunity is meant for us. Not every request requires an urgent response. And everybody’s fire doesn’t have to be our fire. The anxiety we...

Transitions can feel uncertain. Even when change is necessary or positive, it often stirs a mix of emotions. But embracing these sacred shifts allows us to grow, discover deeper purpose, and align with God’s calling.

Dr. Phyllis shares her personal journey as she steps away from decades of service in medicine into a new chapter. Drawing wisdom from Luke 10 and the story of Martha and Mary, she encourages us to pause and reflect on what truly matters—choosing what is better.

Life pulls us in many directions, often keeping us occupied with good things. Like...

Have you ever walked into a buffet and overloaded your plate, only to realize later it was too much? That’s how Dr. Phyllis felt for years—saying "yes" to everything, thinking it would bring fulfillment, only to feel exhausted and unsatisfied. When we fill our lives with too many tasks and commitments, it often leads to frustration and burnout.

As Christian women, we're natural caregivers and go-getters, eager to help. But by trying to please everyone, we lose sight of what truly nourishes our spirits. We end up doing things out of obligation, not purpose, which leav...

Have you ever felt completely drained—like you’ve poured out every ounce of your energy and there’s just nothing left? If you’re nodding, Sis, you might be experiencing compassion fatigue. It’s a term often linked with therapists, first responders, or medical professionals, but it can affect anyone who invests deeply in others without replenishing their own well-being.

Life pulls us in a million directions—family responsibilities, careers, marriage, bills, and the inevitable highs and lows that come with it all. When you’re a giver, it’s easy to forget that you can’t pour from an emp...

Resilience is often misunderstood. Many think it’s about constantly pushing through, checking off tasks, and never slowing down. But this kind of resilience can quickly become a cycle—one that leads to burnout.

So, what truly fuels resilience? It’s a question worth asking, because the answer can open up a new perspective and vision for life.

Resilience doesn’t have to come from enduring everything without pause. True resilience is fueled by something deeper. It comes from joy, from living authentically, and from being present in the moment. It’s about embracing life fully—with...

Moving into 2025 is an opportunity to step forward with hope and purpose. While 2024 may have brought its share of breakthroughs and setbacks, it’s important to see it as a chapter in a much larger story. The lessons of last year are tools for growth, not limits on your future.

What did 2024 teach you about yourself? Maybe it revealed strengths you didn’t know you had or opened your eyes to areas where growth is still needed. It’s easy to dwell on disappointments, but those moments don’t define you. Instead, they can be stepping stones toward s...

In life, we often put a lot of pressure on ourselves to succeed. We feel like every choice, every project, and every decision needs to be perfect. But here's the truth: not everything will work out, and that's okay.

The concept of “fail fast and move on” is a powerful tool for growth and resilience. It's about recognizing when something isn’t working and not wasting any more energy trying to make it work. 

We’ve all been there: stuck in a situation that isn’t right, but we keep pushing because we don’t want to admit...

Living life on autopilot can feel a lot like running on a treadmill—always moving but never truly getting anywhere. Tasks pile up, expectations mount, and before you know it, the days blur together in a flurry of doing. Everything on the surface might look fine, but underneath, there’s a quiet ache—a sense that something’s missing.

This state of functional overwhelm is often mistaken for resilience. Society praises the go-getters, the ones who juggle it all and just keep pushing. But is that really resilience? Behind the mask of “having it all together,” there’s a withering...

The holiday season is here, and along with it comes a never-ending string of parties, events, and gatherings. Invitations pile up, and so do expectations—both our own and those we think others have for us. It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to do it all, only to find yourself stretched thin, burnt out, and wondering how you got here in the first place.

Sound familiar?

Maybe you’ve RSVP’d “yes” but deep down think, I just don’t want to go. Yet, instead of staying home, you push yourself to show up. Wh...

During the holiday season, everything seems magnified. The joy, the connections, the gratitude—but also the pressure, the grief, and the exhaustion. You’re juggling so much that it feels impossible to think clearly. Maybe you’ve caught yourself snapping at the smallest things or retreating because everything feels too overwhelming. Perhaps you’ve felt that heavy, unshakable sense of impending doom, all while running on empty.

It’s okay to admit that you’re tired.

Here’s the truth: it’s okay to take a break. Sometimes, the most vital thing you can do is pause. Mental...

As resilient women, we wear a lot of hats. Caregiver, professional, friend, partner, mentor—the list goes on. We juggle roles with grace, but sometimes, in the rush of it all, we forget to take a breath. We move from one responsibility to the next without pausing to exhale, let alone change hats. And over time, everything builds up.

We don’t realize how much we carry from one role to another until the weight feels unbearable. The stress from one space seeps into the next, and suddenly, what was manageable becomes overwhelming.

Before you step...

We live in a world that’s anything but quiet. The endless notifications, the to-do lists that never end, and the constant pull to keep going can drown out even our own thoughts. But there’s a quiet invitation waiting for you—a sacred garden of silence where you can meet Him. Are you carving out the time to step into it?

No one is going to tell you to pause. No one is going to hand you the permission slip to rest your mind. The truth is, you have to take that step yourself. We convince oursel...

When was the last time you sat in complete silence? Not just a moment without conversation but a true pause- a space free from background noise, notifications or that buzz from daily life. For many of us, silence feels strange, even unsettling. We’re so used to the noise of the world- that silence can feel like a void we don’t know how to fill. But what if that discomfort is actually an invitation? 

If silence feels uncomfortable, it’s worth asking: What am I afraid to hear? Is it the thoughts I’ve been avoiding, the feeli...

What if the heavy burdens you’re carrying were never meant to be yours? Many of us find ourselves shouldering responsibilities that don’t belong to us, whether it's in our homes, relationships, or work. 

Today’s episode is a call to action — to stop being the excuse and start empowering others to take responsibility for their own actions. When we take on what belongs to others, whether in parenting, relationships, or work, it leaves us feeling overwhelmed and burdened with guilt. 

We often confuse this behavior with resilience, thinking we can handle it all, but in rea...

As resilient women, we often carry the weight of shame—shame over past experiences, unmet dreams, or goals left unachieved. We’re strong, we’re determined, but sometimes we feel burdened by lingering feelings of “not enough.” We’ve gone the extra mile for others, faced storms head-on, and shown up time and again. Yet, there are moments when we feel stuck, as if we’re spinning in place rather than growing forward.

What if we could see shame differently? What if, instead of letting it keep us trapped, we took a closer look at its source and gently put...

Every day, it feels like something new comes at you. Some mornings, you just want to pull the covers over your head and hide from it all, but you still get up. You keep going because there's something within you – a spark of resilience that God placed there, a superpower that propels you forward.

Today, let’s celebrate that. You were created to be resilient, a woman with a big heart and a deep capacity for caring. God shaped you with purpose, and there’s nothing wrong with the way you serve and give to others. But someti...

As we journey through different stages—whether it’s personal growth, healing, or simply choosing to do things differently—not everyone around us will understand or support the changes we make. Some people may not be able to come with us into this new season, and that’s okay. But it raises an important question: Who is walking beside you, and who is holding you back?

You have the permission to choose wisely. When you reflect on your closest circle, think about who you trust with your dreams and challenges. Not everyone will be supportive. Sometimes, hurt people—t...

Have you ever felt overwhelmed, stretched in every direction by responsibilities at home and work? It’s easy to feel like life is living you instead of you living your life. Your brain is on overload, and saying no feels like an impossible task.

You might be wired to be a go-getter, eager to meet others’ needs, but constantly saying yes can lead to burnout. It’s crucial to recognize that you’re not meant to be everything to everyone.

Setting boundaries is key. Start by evaluating your priorities and reminding yourself that “every fire is not you...

It feels like we’re constantly reacting—emails, notifications, the never-ending to-do list. It’s easy to get caught up in the rush, but living in this reactive state drains you. Psalm 46:10 reminds us to "Be still, and know that I am God." This isn’t just about slowing down; it’s about intentionally creating space to be present with God. When you pause, even briefly, you allow yourself to reset. You stop living on autopilot and start living with awareness and intention.

These moments of stillness don’t have to be grand. They can happen before you get out...

Do you ever feel like you’re constantly falling short or questioning your abilities? It might seem like imposter syndrome, but maybe the issue is that you simply have too much on your plate. We often confuse being overwhelmed with self-doubt when, in reality, it’s the never-ending to-do list and unrealistic expectations that are dragging us down. It’s not that you’re not capable – it’s that you’re trying to do everything at once.

As Christians, it’s important to remember that God never called us to do it all. He calls us to trust in his gui...

Are you feeling stuck or unfulfilled despite your efforts? In today’s episode, Dr. Phyllis offers an uplifting message for Christian women facing life’s challenges. Reflecting on Romans 5:1-5, she reminds us that “nothing is wasted.” Every struggle—whether in your career, family, or personal life—helps build resilience, character, and hope. You can find more profound joy and purpose by trusting God’s plan and living with intention. Tune in to learn how to let go of control, take care of yourself, and embrace life’s changes with faith and confidence.

Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(2:34) Scrip...

Are you a Christian woman feeling stuck, even though everything looks fine on the outside? In this uplifting episode of The Resilient Woman Podcast, Dr. Phyllis offers practical encouragement to stop seeking approval from others and start fueling your life with God’s joy and purpose. She invites you to permit yourself to dream again and take steps toward the life God has planned for you. Listen in to learn how to shift your mindset, regain your strength, and live daily with more peace and intention through your faith.

Episode highlights:
(01:07) Introduction and episode overview: “Unstuck Powe...

Is apologizing holding you back? In today’s episode, Dr. Phyllis helps you explore the real reasons behind constant apologizing and how it could signify people-pleasing. She shares her journey of overcoming the need to say “sorry” for everything, highlighting the emotional cost of taking on unnecessary guilt. Dr. Phyllis invites listeners to reflect on how often they apologize and whether it’s genuinely warranted or just a way to avoid conflict or seek validation. By recognizing these habits, listeners can learn to let go of the burden of pleasing others and reclaim their sense of self-worth rooted in faith an...

Are you living the life you’ve always dreamed of? In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Phyllis shares her journey of discovering that there’s more to life than the roles we fill. She encourages women over 50 to reignite their passions and dreams, reminding us that it’s never too late to live fully. Listen as she shares valuable insights on resilience, joy, and finding purpose beyond our day-to-day routines.

Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:52) Dr. Phyllis’s background in medicine
(3:56) Reflection on a pre-retirement event and bigger dreams
(5:50) Pursuing passions outside of career paths
(8:23) The impa...

Do you ever feel like life is running you instead of you running it? In this episode of The Resilient Woman Podcast, Dr. Phyllis, a seasoned life coach and physician, invites you to explore the power of resilience. Discover how to reset, grow, and align with your purpose despite life’s challenges. Whether you’re a busy caregiver, a loving wife, or simply trying to keep up with the demands of everyday life, this podcast is your space to recharge and find strength. Let’s journey together toward a more resilient, purpose-driven life.

Episode highlights:
(1:38) Challenges faced...

Are you feeling tired and questioning your self-worth? In this episode, Dr. Phyllis reminds you that it’s okay to love yourself, especially for Christian women who often struggle to put themselves first. She discusses why self-love is crucial for your growth and resilience. Learn how to embrace who you are, own your worth, and prepare for the new season God is calling you into. Whether you’re struggling with guilt or need encouragement, this episode will help you see that loving yourself reflects God’s love for you.

Episode highlights:
(1:45) Self-love and the challenge of selfis...

Are certain friendships keeping you from where God wants you to be? In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Phyllis shares her wisdom on recognizing and letting go of relationships that drain your energy and hold you back. With compassion and understanding, she guides you on gently releasing these friendships so you can move forward in your life with strength and peace. Learn how healthy boundaries can help you grow and follow God's plan.

Episode highlights:
(2:01) The concept of different definitions of friendship
(4:36) Personal story of being hurt by unequal friendships
(6:09) The impact of energy-draining friendships<...

Have you ever felt stuck in a cycle, even after learning what you thought were life's big lessons? In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Phyllis shares her journey through life's unexpected twists and turns and the importance of finding the courage to dig deep and hold on. She emphasizes that true joy and purpose come from trusting God's plan, even when life feels uncertain. Join us as we explore how to embrace change and find freedom in God's purpose for our lives.

Episode highlights:
(2:03) Embracing defining moments
(4:48) Going deep and facing narratives
(7:05) Self-worth and self-awareness<...