Pain in the Past!: Recent Episodes
Anthony Johnson
Life with chronic pain. Or, not. This is my journey with pain, symptoms and sensations throughout my entire body for the last 23 years! Sometimes termed: Chronic pain, Migratory pain, Neuropathic pain, Spontaneous pain, Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS), Perceived Danger Pain (PDP) and others. I will use TMS and PDP interchangeably in this podcast. After many years of doctor visits, X-rays, MRI's and co-pays, I never really had any real "diagnosis." It was more of a, "Well, it could be...."I came across a book from Dr. John Sarno and wondered if the description of TMS he gave was what I was experiencing. After months of testing for myself, trials and errors, mental adjustments, and mind/body connections, it appears that after 23 years, I finally have a root cause! My brain attempting to keep me safe from my emotional pain, by sending my body into physical pain as a "distraction." It sounded preposterous initially however, after months of personal analysis, it appears to be legit. I am documenting my personal experiences in: Pain in the Past!
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How is humanity awakening in 2025 and why this very important in the face of AI and human disconnection.
The best survival strategy will be using our God given power and living our spirit to succeed in life.
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In this episode I talk about the fact that life is truly a game and in order to play well and remain in it, we need to adjust our strategy and our understanding of how to play.
It's not about the win as much as it is about remaining open to a game without rules, exploring new ways to play, discovering how others play and how we can play while still living our spirit!
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If you’ve been living on autopilot—living by rules written decades ago—this conversation is your permission to pause, breathe, and start living from the inside out.
You’ll walk away with a simple 3-step practice to catch yourself in the moment, break the old script, and make your next choice from spirit, not fear.
We must learn to "FEEL" the Spirit within! It's our GUIDE!
Ready to break your own invisible rules? Book a comped one-on-one discovery call at https://calendly.com/coachanthonyj/discovery-call
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In this episode I contrast speaking up like Charlie Kirk and being silent in our personal lives.
Speaking up and staying silent can both have negative consequences.
Are you "Living Your Spirit" by speaking up or are you staying silent?
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In this episode I talk about how we can get out of our minds and get out of our egos and start feeling and sensing what our spirit is calling us to do.
Our spirit calls us towards love, compassion, understanding, excitement and connection.
We thrive in all areas of life when we turn to our spirit for guidance.
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In this episode I talk about the five areas that I have worked on in the past five years to see greater success in my life!
Feeling, Thinking, Naturing, Socializing, Creating!
In a disconnected world as humans become like robots - this is a few ways to stay connected to the human spirit.
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Are you stuck in old patterns because of the labels you’ve given yourself?
In this EP, we explore how self-labels—like “I’m not good enough,” “I’m too old,” or “I’m just not that type of person”—can quietly limit your growth and potential.
Learn why removing these mental labels is the key to breaking free, feeling more confident, and opening up to new possibilities in midlife and beyond.
If you’re ready to let go of limiting beliefs and start living with more freedom and authenticity, this episode is for you!
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In this episode I talk about
Heart-Based Feeling: Why It Matters Now
- Heart-based feeling and communication has a power to deepen relationships in midlife. Not only with ourselves but, with others.
- Contrast “surface talk” (logistics, day-to-day frustrations) with “heart talk” (vulnerabilities, dreams, values).
Practical Tools and How-Tos
Use “I feel” statements with a loved one this week, or set aside 10 minutes for a heart-to-heart.
Use reflective listening or simply asking someone, “What’s most important to you right now?”
Invitation to Reflect and Experiment
Notice where you feel stuck or disconnected, and pick one small action to move toward greater freedom or closeness.
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Midlife, often viewed as a time of reflection and transition, can be a period of great fulfillment and growth.
Many individuals find a sense of freedom and confidence, letting go of the need to constantly impress others and embracing their authentic selves.
This newfound self-acceptance can lead to stronger, more meaningful relationships and a greater appreciation for life's simple joys.
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In this short episode I talk about three areas, awakening, abundance and alignment and the two steps or shall I say two questions that we can ask ourselves when making decisions in life.
Is this coming from a space of FEAR or a space of LOVE?
Start understanding how things feel in your mind/body/spirit and make decisions based on the feeling of LOVE - not fear!
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Neurosomatics and How They Helped Me with Awakening!
What the nervous system actually does during stress
(Fight, flight, freeze — not flaws, just survival)
Why mindset work alone doesn’t stick
(You can’t out-think a dysregulated body)
Your story
(Chronic pain, emotional numbing, loss → rewiring, presence, self-love)
The “aha” moment
(You realized you weren’t broken — just wired for survival)
A tiny somatic practice for the listener to try
(Orienting, 3 slow breaths, nervous system check-in, etc.)
Closing reminder:
“Healing doesn’t start with the mind. It starts with safety in the body.”
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In this episode I talk about how life unfolds based on our internal dialog and beliefs.
If you are waiting for a situation, a person, a job, a relationship, health or anything else to change, you must first understand that YOU MUST CHANGE!
Reality creation is a real thing that most are clueless about or "think" it's a bunch of BS. Well, that belief may be what is holding you back from the life YOU DESIRE!
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You’re educated. You’re emotionally aware. You read the books, listened to the podcasts — maybe even went to therapy.
So why do you still find yourself falling for emotionally unavailable men?
Let’s talk about the patterns, the pull, and the power you didn’t know you were giving away.
In this episode I cover three points:
Point 1: He’s Not Confusing — He’s Emotionally Inconsistent
Point 2: You’re Not Too Much — You Just Want More
Point 3: Stop Making His Lack of Readiness Your Problem to Solve
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In EP 122 - Anxious Ladies and Avoidant Men Connect" we cover:
- Understanding Avoidant Attachment in Men
Explore what avoidant attachment means, especially in men, including their fear of intimacy, desire for independence, and how childhood experiences and societal expectations shape this style. Discuss common behaviors such as emotional distancing, difficulty expressing feelings, and withdrawal when relationships become too close. - The Anxious-Avoidant Relationship Dynamic
Explain the typical interaction pattern between anxious women and avoidant men, often described as a "push-pull" or "chase-withdraw" dance. Highlight how anxious partners seek closeness and reassurance, which can trigger avoidant partners to distance themselves, creating a cycle of frustration and misunderstanding. - Strategies for Healing and Connecting
Offer practical advice on how anxious and avoidant partners can work toward a healthier relationship. This includes communication tips, self-soothing techniques for anxious partners, encouraging avoidant partners to lean into vulnerability, and negotiating what each needs to feel safe both individually and together.
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"Doing Less" in Relationships Doesn’t Mean You Care Less — It Means You’re Letting Go of Control to Create Space for Connection.
When you're constantly over-explaining, fixing, proving, or pleasing... you're doing more out of fear — fear of losing love, being misunderstood, or not being enough.
Doing less is about:
- Listening without jumping in to fix
- Pausing before reacting
- Letting your partner have their experience without managing it
- Trusting that love doesn’t require effort every second — just presence and intention
- STOP "doing" things that KEEP YOU DISCONNECTED!
It's not laziness. It's emotional maturity.
It’s shifting from hyper-effort to authentic connection.
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You keep trying to fix your relationship… or your body… or your life.
But what if the real issue isn’t out there? In this episode, we explore how your own thoughts might be the root of your disconnection, your pain, and your emotional stuckness.
Learn how love, pain, and even illness often begin in the mind—and what you can do to break the cycle.
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Guys,
Ever feel like you're giving your all, but it's never quite enough? In this episode, we dive into the emotional toll of feeling unappreciated in relationships—especially for men who work hard to provide, protect, and show up.
Discover why this relationship dynamic happens, how it affects emotional connection, and what you can do to shift from resentment to recognition. Guys, If you're tired of feeling overlooked, this one’s for you.
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Ever feel like you’re living a life that was scripted for you—by family, society, or fear? In this episode, we expose the subtle programming that keeps you stuck in cycles of survival, people-pleasing, and emotional numbness. Perhaps even physical pain.
I’ll walk you through how to wake up, reclaim your power, and start creating a life that actually feels like your own.
This isn’t about rebellion—it’s about conscious choice to use your God given POWER to access your FREEDOM!
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In this episode I talk about living your true authentic self and getting connected with your spirit.
Understanding who you are and what you want and living life in a manner that brings you joy, happiness and fulfillment and then, considering what others may want or need.
Our "SPIRIT" diminishes when we outsource our thoughts, feeling and desires to things and people outside of us.
Are you living YOUR true SPIRIT?
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In this episode I talk about how you're thinking connects to your reality.
You may have heard the theory, thoughts create things and in many cases that is accurate.
Along with manifestation and law of attraction, the ways we are thinking and especially feeling, create the things that we experience in our life.
From relationships to health to wealth to potentially even death!
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Is your pain really just physical? Or is there something deeper going on?
In this episode, we dive into the powerful connection between thoughts, emotions, and physical pain. If you've ever felt stuck in a cycle of discomfort—whether it’s chronic pain, tension, or mysterious aches that won’t go away—this might be the missing link.
You’ll discover:
✔️ How your thoughts and emotions trigger real physical pain
✔️ Why stress, trauma, and suppressed feelings show up in the body
✔️ A simple shift to start breaking the thought-pain cycle
If you’ve been trying to “fix” your pain but nothing seems to work, it’s time to look at the mind-body connection in a whole new way.
🔊 Press play & start your healing journey now!
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In this episode I give three quick tips for connection or reconnection in your relationship!
Openness, Listening and Clarity are key!
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In this episode I talk about a frequent topic and that is how our childhood impacts our adulthood.
Think about how you act, react and behave now as an adult and see if you can map it back to your childhood experiences in any way!
You may find some interestingly familiar patterns!
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In this episode I talk about the purpose of painful emotions.
The pain of emotions is there to tell you what you are thinking and or feeling is not true!!!
Negative emotions are a lesson!
Check out the corresponding YouTube video:
@connectedlife
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In this episode I talk about what we unconsciously think and feel on a regular basis.
How does childhood programming affect our lives, especially as adults?
How can we change the way we are thinking and feeling so that life is actually easy?
Find out in this episode!
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In this episode I talk about the importance of setting goals for the new year and making sure that they are unique to you and comfortable for both your mind and your body!
Stop making resolutions because other people are doing the thing.
YOU ARE UNIQUE!
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In this episode I talk about three points.
How covid led to disconnection and separation.
How to reconnect with yourself and others.
How emotional intelligence and reconnection leads to manifestation and law of attraction.
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For the 2025 new year, learn to connect with yourself, other and the universe.
Covid made humans live separated lives.
It's time to connect and reconnect to feel a part of something.
It's the human spirit!
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This new Connected Life episode on why the two podcasts were combined into one and how these two topics both relate to emotional intelligence.
Emotional pain, physical pain and relationship challenges are often all inter-connected.
Solve the emotional issues and you will most likely solve chronic pain and relationship difficulties.
Here we learn to reconnect to ourselves, to others and to the universe or source.
Having clarity around who we are, what we want and how to navigate emotions is the key to a fantastic life of FREEDOM!
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In this episode I talk about what I discovered about what my pain is trying to tell me and what it is doing for me.
This helped relieve a lot of the stress around core wounds and emotions.
And in essence, relieve some of the symptoms!
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In this episode I talk about how we can raise awareness and be conscious of how we are acting, reacting and behaving in relationships.
Much of this can be based on childhood beliefs that keep us stuck and keep us from being honest, open and authentic!
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In this episode we talk with Kristal Desantis about her book and her relationship coaching with a focus on the men in relationships:
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by men in today's society, I penned "STRONG: A Relationship Field Guide for the Modern Man". This book is a testament to my commitment to empowering men to cultivate meaningful connections and navigate the ever-changing landscape of relationships with confidence and resilience."
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In this episode I speak about how you would score your relationship on a 10 scale. Would it be a 1 or would it be a 10 or would it fall somewhere in between?
Hopefully, you can say a number that is 7 or above.
If not, perhaps you need to think about what is next regarding the relationship!
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Special Guest:
NatNat, also known as Natalie Bedard, is an 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 committed to guiding others on their journey of self-discovery and emotional well-being. As the founder of Lift OneSelf and the host of the Lift Oneself podcast, she’s been transforming lives since 2019 by offering tools to regulate the nervous system, relieve emotional pain, and transform anxiety into empowerment.
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In this episode I talk about starting to date someone and not being honest, open and authentic on the very first date!
This never lasts.
Months or years into the relationship, people start to show their true selves and the partner is taken by surprise.
Here's how to be more authentic from the start of any relationship.
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In this episode I talk about feminine energy and how to balance feminine energy with masculine energy so that the relationship has a flow.
Women want to feel safe and protected while allowing the masculine to lead, direct and problem solve.
The feminine brings creativity and flexibility to the masculine.
Balancing the feminine with the masculine is like a dance!
Also, listen to EP 15 - Are You Masculine ENOUGH?
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In this episode I talk about how men need to step into their masculine and help women feel safe!
Men lead, direct and provide solutions.
This will allow women to relax into their feminine with less fear.
Here's how!
Also, listen to EP 16 - Are You Feminine ENOUGH to understand how the balance of these energies works.
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In this episode I talk about military partners who are deployed, partners who are long distance and how to remain present in terms of attention to our partners wants and needs regardless of physical proximity.
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The Anthony Johnson Speaks Introduction!
The course in the intro has been replaced with a 12-week coached program because people wanted a more personal and connected learning experience.
Thank YOU!
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In this episode I talk about how we use more than just what a person says, we also notice their body language.
Introduction to non-verbal communication: Explains that communication isn't just about words, but also about body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, and other non-verbal signals that we as the listener pick up on during conversations.
This have have impact on your relationships.
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Active listening is a crucial skill that forms the foundation of effective communication in relationships. It involves fully concentrating on, understanding, and responding to your partner's message.
This step is particularly important because it addresses several key aspects of communication. Specifically, it shows respect and value for your partner's thoughts and feelings.
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I just discovered that my mind was in a pretty good place.
However, my body still had some old emotions that were "trapped" and needing release.
This is what happened.
In this episode I tie all of the previous episodes together with some insight around how to talk to your brain in a matter that is more helpful.
I took 90 days off from recording to focus on "NOT" talking about pain and sensations. Here's what happened.
In this episode I talk about how journaling helped me get to the next level of freedom with my symptoms and sensations.
It's another way to get your feelings and emotions out of the body and free yourself.
**In this episode I talk about physical therapists and personal trainers.
When it comes to working out, fitness, stretching, flexibility, mobility, as well as physical therapy and personal training, we have to remember that we are not doing this to fix something.
We are simply doing this to maintain our health and physical body.**
Trying to fix.... TMS or mind body syndrome, almost always results and more pain that lasts even longer.
Donna is a Life Mastery Coach and a Health Coach and has been changing lives for more than 30 years!
Donna has proven methods for turning what some may call baggage, into what Donna calls luggage.
Yay! Episode 100.
In this episode I take about my challenge to myself.
Move More!!!!
Get up faster, walk faster, go up stairs and down again, park far away from my destination, walk more, work out more etc.
My challenge to myself is to do more today than I did yesterday and plan for even more tomorrow!
In this episode I talk about the flare ups of pain.
Pain rarely goes away and stays away 100% of the time.
The key is to remember the process as soon as we feel something changing and
relax, breath and allow the flare up to move through us.
In this episode I talk about relaxing your body and continuously scanning your body throughout the day to make sure that you are relaxed. relaxed neck, shoulders, chest, arms, abdomen, glutes, legs, feet.
Awareness of our state of mind and our physical positions.
The nervous system may be in the habit of tensing up!
In this episode I talk about the flare-ups of pain that just happen upon us at any given moment.
This can be after days of being sensation, symptom and pain free.
All of a sudden, something shows up.
It's our job to remain calm and allow this to simply come in and move out!
In this episode I talk about the tricky ways the brain knows which pain and symptoms will "scare" us. It keeps us in the FEAR/PAIN loop until we understand how to get out.
Questions, community group support and contact at:
www.painpast.com
Youtube:
@mypaininthepast
In this episode, I talk about the fear/pain loop and how the realization that I was the cause and that my body is "MY REMINDER" of how I'm feeling and what I'm thinking!
The pain is REAL. I have experienced the pain. I got through the pain and continue on my journey! The process is the same for all of us. Constant reassurance to the brain that we are safe. The "FEAR of Pain LOOP" will just delay your pain relief.
Join the Pain in the Past support group community at:
www.painapst.com
In this episode I talk about how fear can be the main cause of your pain regardless of any emotions, trauma or childhood experiences.
Don't waste time looking for ghosts!
www.painpast.com
In this episode I talk about an experience that I had where I decided, I was not going to say anything. And actuality, this is repressing emotions. It's repressing verbalizing what I feel. I am now aware that this can lead to pain, symptoms and sensations.
For more information, questions or to join the chronic pain community online support group visit: www.painpast.com
In this episode I Recap Episode 1, the Start of Pain by telling you about my history with pain and useless doctor visits. Doctor visits are not the solution for TMS!
In this episode I talk about how we must remain focused and we must be consistent as we continue to move.
In this episode I talk about our thoughts. We need to constantly be thinking positively and looking forward to moving freely and increasing our range of motion while enjoying our activities.
We have to set a daily intention to move more, and calmly reassure our brain. It's beneficial to look ahead at the weeks and months before us and see ourselves moving freely without pain and symptoms.
In this episode, I talk about a new pain that has arrived in my right foot around the ankle. It hurts to bend the ankle walking and especially, going up and down stairs.
But again, this is what TMS does. Creates, moves, changes!
This episode is about making sure we keep moving. Start moving more and in new and different ways. We are basically retraining our bodies to do the things it used to do before our brain started limiting our movement and causing symptoms and pain.
This episode is a follow-up, to episode 83.
How relief, was "experienced" by receiving an earlier doctor's appointment.
In this episode I talk about how a talk with my mom and her pain, caused me to experience pain.
Yes folks, the pain moves! Based on Dr. Sarno's theory, of the brain is trying to protect us from our emotions by causing physical pain and symptoms, it makes sense that the brain would move the pain around. If we just had a realization of TMS or potential TMS and moved on from our single individual pain, the brain would have a pretty simple task and most would not experience pain and symptoms for many years. Moving the pain around keeps us in the pain/fear loop! If you don't have a medical diagnosis or illness, the movement of pain is typical with TMS.
In this episode I talk about how my confidence in being ok was key for my pain relief. This will also be key, for YOU!
USA Today says doctors are cutting the use of opioids due to government changes and bans on pill limits. Opioids are substances that act on opioid receptors to produce morphine-like effects. Medically they are primarily used for pain relief, including anesthesia.
This may lead to those that rely on these medications for relief, to experience greater pain. Lets look at chronic pain relief starting at the root cause level.
In this episode, we talk about the importance of movement. Slowly increasing your activity and your range of motion for the activities and movements that you like and enjoy.
This episode is about CLARITY around my personal experience. I have no structural damage and no medical illness. Just years and years of minor to sever pain. That equals, CHRONIC PAIN. If you have a medical diagnosis, or an illness diagnosis, your story is different from my story and there may be different causes for YOUR chronic pain.
The story of my "conversation" about back pain and then having back pain literally show up a few days later? How these things happen.
In this episode I discuss "FRUSTRATION" and how this can lead to additional pain!
Flareups and setbacks may happen. We have to treat them with the same process of safety communication.
This episode is about the sneeky little ways our brain "changes" sensations, symptoms, discomfort and pain. It moves, changes severity and even changes methods! let's have some fun! Info at painpast.com
This episode is an update to my weekend happenings. For the back history, please listen to Episode 1. For more information, visit: painpast.com
An update to the weekend sensations and my perceiving of danger that led to the sensations. New sensations such as neck stiffness arise. Awareness of my perceiving danger and having that become my reality were present. For the background on my personal history with sensations and chronic pain, listen to Episode 1.
Episode 72 is an update to the last two days.
The pain and sensation movement and severity changes.
Episode 71 explains the PDP of the pinch in my upper back after doing lat pulls two days ago at the gym.
I believe this is caused by me "thinking" this movement "may" cause a pinch or pain after my workout.
This is a recap of some of my symptoms and sensations.
Today, I feel some pain in the right foot and left shoulder.
I have deemed them as TMS/PDP as there is no real cause!
What's going on in my daily life regarding sensations, symptoms and pain.
Today.....not so bad.
Episode 66 is the first in the daily update series that is randomly added and not quite on a daily basis,
Episode One (1) is the start of the podcast and is the original introduction to my chronic pain symptoms, doctors visits, books, treatment, solutions and journey to becoming free of chronic pain after 23 years of rollercoaster rides!
Episode 1 tells the story from the beginning of my personal journey with chronic pain.
The symptoms involved, the doctors visits, the diagnosis (if any) and what I did to help myself get through this pain!