In today's episode, we delve deep into a topic that touches every one of us: pain. Not just the physical kind, but also the mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of pain that are an inescapable part of the human experience. The truth is stark yet unavoidable – pain is a part of life, and there's no journey through this existence that doesn't encounter it in some form.

So, what do we do with this pain? For much of my life, particularly through my 20s and into my 30s, I was under the illusion that there was a destination in life—a sort of end zone—where pain no longer existed. This belief persisted even after walking across America, selling billions of records, and even summiting Everest. Yet, sitting in my house in Michigan, the realization hit me hard. Despite these achievements, I was still in so much pain. Depression and illness became recurring themes in my life, exacerbated by my attempts to conceal my true feelings. The more I hid, the more I suffered.

The coping mechanisms many of us turn to—overeating, pornography, drugs, drinking—are misguided attempts to distract ourselves from our pain. But the truth is, we engage in these behaviors to avoid feeling what's truly going on inside us. However, through my journey, I've come to understand that pain is, in fact, my greatest teacher. It's the harbinger of major breakthroughs, a gift waiting to be opened.

Life hands us pain not as a punishment, but as a lesson. The key is to learn what this pain is trying to teach us. This realization doesn't come from external sources; you don't need a book, a documentary, or even a podcast to find out where you need to grow. The answer lies in looking at where it hurts the most.

Opening this gift of pain means embarking on a deep, spiritual journey to uncover the lessons it holds. The first step is asking ourselves, "What am I supposed to learn from this?" The answer forms an action plan, setting us on a path toward healing. Just asking this question can provide a sense of relief, akin to unwrapping a gift and seeing the potential it holds.

Will you dare to open this gift? If you do, I promise you, the transformation will be profound. You will emerge not just as a new version of yourself but as a more beautiful you. This journey is deep and spiritual, and it starts with a simple yet profound step: embracing your pain to uncover the growth and learning it offers.

Moderately Bullish - Bonus Ep with SAA President Christopher Dore