The Pain We Choose Instead

“I think I was trained to be uncomfortable unintentionally.”

Theresa’s words open the door to a conversation about how we cope with discomfort, avoid pain, and sometimes stay stuck without realizing we had a choice. This episode explores the inner shifts that happen when we stop avoiding and start choosing the kind of pain that leads to healing.

We talk about:

→ Why we often stay in discomfort instead of facing pain

→ The role of avoidance, self-worth, and survival in relationships

→ How choosing pain can be a gateway to healing and transformation

There are two powerful ways to keep going after this episode—one for your relationships, and one for your inner child.

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Episode Chapters

00:00 Feeling tired before recording

02:04 The mini course and relationship skills

03:01 “I’d rather be in pain than uncomfortable”

06:53 Emotional discomfort in relationships

11:09 Chronic pain vs. temporary pain

14:13 Avoidance through substances

23:37 The courage to choose pain

29:06 Speaking the truth without shame

36:00 Advocating for yourself in healthcare

40:35 Final reflections on discomfort and choice

Topics we explore in this episode include:

emotional discomfort, nervous system awareness, chronic avoidance, healing in relationships, pain vs. uncomfortableness, emotional regulation, substance use and suppression, relationship boundaries, self-worth, choosing change