I’ll say one thing for humankind: we aren’t scared of pain. In fact, a lot of us don’t know how to live without it. We’re so into pain, we’ll spend hours binge-watching other people’s pain. Some of us even take pride in causing pain for others.

You’ve heard of the starving artist, the long-suffering rockstar, the emotionally stunted genius who pushes people away and treats them like shit so they won’t see how beautifully screwed up he is about his own pain (I’m looking at you, Dr. House).

This is an abusive relationship. Except, it isn’t pain that’s abusing us. It’s us who’re abusing pain.

Pain tells us some really significant information: Don’t touch open flames. Don’t trust a chronic liar. Don’t forget sunscreen in the desert. Please, do not run back to the partner that kept stabbing you in the back with their knife of betrayal.

More importantly, pain guides us to our shadows so we can shine a light on them and befriend them. Pain has helped me see where I sabotage myself by not speaking honestly, by not setting healthy boundaries, and by giving without allowing myself to receive.

All the tears and gut-wrenching cries induced by pain to teach me who I am and who I’m not and how to keep myself safe.

Pain does the same for you. You need only listen.

Join me as I explore this relationship and how you can begin shifting your perspective so the pain isn't such an overwhelming experience.