1. Ep 88 Embracing Self-Care: Learning from Our Pain 2. Lessons in Discomfort: The Silver Lining of Pain 3. The Teachings of Pain: Reflecting on Self-Care 4. When Pain Speaks: The Importance of Listening 5. Reflecting on Pain: A Journey to Self-Love 6. Understanding Pain: The Body's Lesson on Self-Care 7. From Pain to Strength: Embracing Life’s Tough Lessons 8. The Wisdom of Pain: Aging and Self-Care 9. Finding the Message in Pain: Self-Care Insights 10. A Lesson in Pain: Prioritizing Health and Asking for Help

Elizabeth West, intense arm pain, upper back pain, sleeping difficulties, causes of pain, calling in sick, self-care importance, self-love, effects of aging, osteoporosis in women, beneficial walks, strength training, light weights exercise, health prioritization, daily multivitamins for women, fish oil supplements, back pain reminder, diet improvement, increasing salmon intake, increasing vegetable intake, asking for help, discomfort lessons, daily life impact, Zoom call participation, Michelle Rohr's Say Yes to Desire, Oprah and Dr. Maya Angelou story, gratitude for pain, support from friends, pain as a teacher, Glennon Doyle podcast, paying it forward concept.

[Podcast Intro Music] Hello, and welcome back to "I’m Speaking…with Elizabeth West." This is episode 88, titled "What Is This Pain Trying To Teach Me?" [Sound of gentle chime] Today, I'm going to take you on a personal journey through a time of intense pain and the profound lessons it brought into my life. I've been grappling with an inexplicable agony in my right arm and upper back, pain so severe it shook my routine, forced me into bed, and had me question everything about my body's message to me. Raised with a 'never call in sick' ethic, I found myself doing just that, acknowledging a vulnerability I wasn’t prepared to face. But sometimes, it's our body’s stern way of calling for attention, a reminder that self-care is non-negotiable, especially as we embrace the natural course of aging. Osteoporosis among women is not just a word in medical journals; it's a reality that nudges us to rethink our health strategies. Walking, an activity I’ve managed to keep, turned out to be more than just a leg exercise—it was my meditation in motion. A commitment to reintroduce strength training beckons, along with a new self-promise to value my wellbeing over old habits. Vitamins in my daily routine, fish oil glistening in my spoon, and the culinary hues of salmon and veggies are my new symbols of self-love. Asking for help doesn't come easy, but through my confrontation with debilitating discomfort, the lesson of reliance and the magic of communal strength couldn't be louder. You'll hear how, even amid throbbing aches, I turned to Michelle Rohr's 'Say Yes to Desire' — because growth doesn't pause for pain. Today, we'll reflect on the wisdom imparted by the likes of Dr. Maya Angelou, who taught Oprah, and now us, to seek the value in our pain. You'll learn how it's not just about enduring, but about uncovering the hidden lessons that strengthen our core. You’ll also find out how reaching out and embracing community care has a twofold reward, and how the advice from Glennon Doyle about "paying it forward" has taken on a new meaning for me. So, as we dive in, I encourage you to listen with an open heart. Share this journey with me, rate and review our podcast, and if my story resonates with you, leave an audio message. Perhaps, together, we can discover what pain is trying to teach us all. Let's get started. [Podcast Theme Music Fades Out]

00:00 Struggling through pain, finding unexpected podcast success.

05:53 Struggling with health setback, seeking Michelle Rohr's help.

08:23 Questioning pain, learning from adversity, Oprah's perspective.

12:40 Unable to sleep or rest due to illness.

14:17 Struggling with calling in sick but necessary.

17:32 Regular walks 3-5 times weekly, essential for health.

21:01 Resuming strength training and taking daily vitamins.

27:02 Mom's healthy habits influenced my own diet.

31:16 Learning from pain and seeking gratitude in hardship.

32:53 Seek help, change perspective in tough times.

36:22 Discovering each other, paying it forward.

1. How does Elizabeth West's experience with back pain illuminate the broader issue of self-care and prioritizing personal health, especially in women who are aging? 2. What lessons can listeners glean from Elizabeth's reluctance to call in sick to work, and how does this reflect cultural attitudes about work ethic and self-care? 3. In what ways do you think strength training and physical activity, like the walks Elizabeth continued to take, play a role in managing pain and fostering overall well-being? 4. Elizabeth has decided to incorporate a daily multivitamin and fish oil into her routine. How important do you believe supplements are in the journey toward improved health? 5. How can we balance the need to push through pain while also being kind to ourselves and recognizing when to ask for help, as inspired by Elizabeth's experience? 6. Drawing from Elizabeth's reflections, how might one begin to interpret physical pain or discomfort as a source of learning or a signal for deeper personal development? 7. Elizabeth attended a program called "say yes to desire" even when bedridden. Can joining such programs or communities be an essential part of coping with and healing from physical pain? 8. Reflecting on Elizabeth's account of Oprah's story with Dr. Maya Angelou, how can gratitude in the face of pain or adversity change an individual's perspective? 9. Elizabeth talks about the importance of asking for help. How can we shift our mindset to view help-seeking not as a weakness, but as a strength and an opportunity for growth? 10. Based on the episode, what are some actionable steps listeners can take to improve their own self-care routines, and how can we support each other in these endeavors, as suggested by Elizabeth's example of "paying it forward"?

**Introduction to Episode 88: What Is This Pain Trying To Teach Me?** - Introduction of Elizabeth West, host of the "I'm Speaking...with Elizabeth West" podcast. - Brief overview of the episode's theme which revolves around Elizabeth's personal experience with pain and the ensuing lessons. **Elizabeth West's Struggle with Pain** - Description of the intense pain Elizabeth experienced in her right arm and upper back. - Acknowledgment of the puzzlement over the cause of the pain. - Elizabeth’s difficulty with sleeping and the impact on her day-to-day life. **The Challenge of Taking Time Off** - Elizabeth's decision to call in sick to work, despite her upbringing advocating against it. - Reflections on how this decision brought up the importance of self-care. **The Journey of Self-Reflection** - Elizabeth's introspection about aging and osteoporosis in women. - The steps she took to continue nurturing her health, including taking walks for wellbeing. **Embracing a Healthier Lifestyle** - Elizabeth's plan to incorporate basic strength training and a better diet, including salmon and vegetables. - Initiatives to improve overall health, such as taking a daily multivitamin for women and fish oil. **Pain as a Teacher** - Discussion of the lessons Elizabeth sought amidst her back pain. - Reflection on the story about Oprah and Dr. Maya Angelou's conversation about being grateful for pain. **The Value of Support and Community** - Elizabeth’s personal challenge in asking for help from friends. - Importance of reaching out and leaning on others for support. **Encouraging Reflection and Growth** - Elizabeth draws insights from her experiences with pain, hoping to help listeners with similar struggles. **Self-Care and Kindness** - Emphasizing the significance of self-care as a form of self-love and kindness towards oneself. **The Benefits of Help from Others** - Positive experiences Elizabeth had after asking for help from friends. - Citing references like Glennon Doyle's podcast episode about "paying it forward." **Conclusion and Interaction with Listeners** - Elizabeth encourages listeners to share their own stories and learnings from pain. - Encouragement for listeners to rate, review, and leave audio messages for the podcast. **End Notes** - Sign-off by Elizabeth West with reminders for self-care and an invitation to stay tuned for the next episode.

Welcome to another empowering episode of "I’m Speaking...with Elizabeth West." Today, we dive into the depths of discomfort, as I open up about a personal health struggle that struck hard. When life handed me debilitating back pain, instead of surrendering, I chose to listen closely. This experience became my sternest teacher, illustrating the undeniable importance of self-care and the courage in vulnerability. From invoking the wisdom of Dr. Maya Angelou to embracing the support of friends, we journey through the transformative process of asking for, and receiving, help. I also share the steps I'm taking toward recovery and vitality, including revamping my diet and dedicating myself to a more conscious exercise routine. So, if you're grappling with life's painful lessons, let's explore them together and emerge with resilience. Remember to rate, review, and resonate with us. Your wellbeing is your wealth, let's invest in it together. Tune in now to "I’m Speaking...with Elizabeth West," and let's grow through what we go through.

What Is This Pain Teaching Me?: "What is this pain trying to teach me? Or what is this uncomfort trying to teach me?" — Elizabeth West 00:00:44 00:00:49

The Pain of Every Movement: "everything hurt, from brushing my teeth to sitting to reach...Even just simple tasks, picking up a dish, putting down a dish, picking up a cup, everything hurt." — Elizabeth West 00:03:22 00:03:34

The Struggle of Recovery: "one step forward, two steps back" — Elizabeth West 00:06:11 00:06:13

Finding Purpose in Pain: "What is this pain trying to teach me?" — Elizabeth West 00:08:29 00:08:31

The Importance of Daily Vitamins: "As long as you're taking something like a daily vitamin and of course, read the fine print. What's in the vitamin? What are the vitamins that are in there? You want to make sure you don't have any allergic reactions or anything." — Elizabeth West 00:21:52 00:22:04

Aging and Self-Care: "I'm not invincible. I'm not a spring chicken anymore. I knew I wasn't, but just, like, reminding myself, like, I have to take better care of myself." — Elizabeth West 00:25:25 00:25:34

The Power of Influence from Healthy Eating Habits: "I have to continue to do some of these things, like eating salmon, for example, which I eating fish, more fish in general, and then eating more salmon because there's so many nutrients and vitamins in that, and eating more vegetables again." — Elizabeth West 00:27:02 00:28:22

The Power of Asking for Help: "But she talked about how asking for help, how it helps both parties" — Elizabeth West 00:29:28 00:29:32

The Power of Seeking Assistance: "You asking for help is obviously helping you, but the person that's helping you, we have these feel good endorphins that we feel better when we help people. So basically, it's just like all around, it just helps everyone involved." — Elizabeth West 00:30:07 00:30:22

Learning from Adversity: "What is this pain trying to teach me, I believe is what this episode will be called. What is this pain? What is this difficulty trying to teach me? What is this situation trying to teach me? What is this trying to teach me right now?" — Elizabeth West 00:31:35 00:31:48

🎙️ New Podcast Alert: I’m Speaking…with Elizabeth West 🎙️ Ep 88 - "What Is This Pain Trying To Teach Me?" Hey LinkedIn family, I'm thrilled (yet humbled) to share our latest episode of *I’m Speaking…with Elizabeth West*. In Ep 88, we delve into an unexpectedly personal journey. Experience is often our toughest teacher, and this week, Elizabeth opens up about her recent battle with back pain. It's more than a physical narrative; it's a profound exploration of self-care, aging, and harnessing the strength to ask for support. 📌 **Episode Highlights**: - Elizabeth's vulnerability and candidness about her own physical pain and the reflective journey that ensued. - A heartening discussion around breaking the stigmas associated with taking sick days and prioritizing self-care. - Inspirational insights drawn from figures like Oprah and Dr. Maya Angelou, emphasizing the growth that comes from hardship. 🔑 **3 Key Takeaways** for reflection and personal growth: - **Self-Care & Self-Love**: The importance of tuning into our bodies and putting our health and wellness above societal pressures. - **Exercise & Nutrition**: A gentle reminder that small, consistent actions like adding strength training and nutritious foods can make a monumental difference in our well-being. - **Asking For Help Is Strength**: There's power in vulnerability and building community support — let’s not shy away from reaching out. To everyone out there managing pain, whether physical or emotional, this episode is dedicated to you. Join the conversation with Elizabeth, and let's transform our pain into our power together. 🔗 Give it a listen and share your thoughts! Also, don't forget to leave a rating or review if it resonates with you. #ImSpeakingWithElizabethWest #Podcast #SelfCare #Wellness #Strength #Community #Vulnerability #Exercise #Nutrition #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth #Resilience

Subject: 💫 Dive Into Self-Discovery with Ep 88: Pain's Lessons Unveiled 💫 Hello, dear community, Elizabeth here, dropping in to share a very personal chapter that unfolds in our latest episode of "I'm Speaking…with Elizabeth West." 🎙️ Episode 88 - What Is This Pain Trying To Teach Me? This week's episode is an intimate exploration of how unexpected physical pain has forced me to pause, reflect, and ultimately grow. Here's a glimpse of our episode: 🔄 A Shift in Perspective: The severity of my pain led to difficult but necessary self-reflection and the realization that sometimes, we must listen to what our bodies are telling us. 🏃‍♀️ Embracing Self-Care: I'm revisiting strength training and discussing how crucial it is to prioritize our health, especially as we face the challenges of aging. 🌱 Growth Through Nutrition: I'll share insights on how I’m re-focusing my diet to nurture my body better with wholesome foods. 👐 The Power of Support: Learn about the unexpected life lesson I received by reaching out for help when I needed it most. 📖 A Tale of Resilience: Oprah and Dr. Maya Angelou's story inspires us to consider the hidden gifts within our pain. I invite you to tune in and perhaps find a piece of your own story in mine. Don't forget to leave an audio message with your reflections—your voice matters. As always, if our messages touch your heart, please rate and review the podcast to help our community grow. Wishing you strength and wellness, Elizabeth West ✨ P.S. Don't miss this episode's revealing journey. Tune in now at [link to podcast]. [To stop receiving these updates, kindly click here to unsubscribe.]

🚨 THREAD [1/14]: Sometimes life hits you with a curveball. For Elizabeth West, it started with a piercing pain in her right arm and back, making sleep a luxury she couldn't afford. 🛌😩 She had no choice but to call in sick, a practice she was always taught to avoid. 📞🚫 #PainJourney [2/14]: Confused and in agony, Elizabeth grappled with the pain's message. What was it desperately trying to teach? As women, we often overlook self-care, but when Elizabeth's pain echoed the silent whispers of aging, she listened. 👂👵💬 #WomenHealth #OsteoporosisAwareness [3/14]: Despite begrudging the pain, Elizabeth couldn’t stay still. She braved the discomfort to take walks, a small but mighty act against the pain's hold. 🚶‍♀️💪 And then, an epiphany: she would conquer her pain with gentle strength training. 🏋️‍♀️ #ChronicPain #SelfCare [4/14]: Imagine committing to a lifestyle overhaul while in the throes of intolerable pain. Elizabeth did just that, vowing to prioritize her well-being with multivitamins and nourishing fish oils. 💊🐟 #HealthFirst #SelfLove [5/14]: The agony wasn't just physical. It tested her resilience and bent her will - yet in that brittle moment, Elizabeth transformed pain into a resolute call for self-kindness and self-care. 🛌❤️ #BeKindToYourself [6/14]: Nutrition became her ally. Fresh salmon and a rainbow of vegetables soon filled her plate, fortifying her body against the relentless ache. 🐟🥗 #HealthyEating #DietChange [7/14]: No one is an island, and Elizabeth's searing back pain proved it. Seeking help was alien to her independent nature, yet the pain left no room for pride. With each request for aid, she found unexpected strength. 🤝💪 #ItsOkToAskForHelp [8/14]: Bedridden but not defeated, Elizabeth joined a Zoom call for Michelle Rohr's "Say Yes to Desire" program, a testament to her indomitable spirit. 💻💖 #Empowerment #ProgramReview [9/14]: The story of Oprah and Dr. Maya Angelou rang in her ears - "Be grateful for the trouble." With gratitude, Elizabeth searched deeper for the lessons in pain that Dr. Angelou insisted were there. 📚🙏 #Oprah #MayaAngelou [10/14]: What could pain possibly teach? Elizabeth pondered this and decided to document her journey, hoping her insights might shed light for others in their darkest hours. ✨📝 #ChronicPainAwareness #SharingIsCaring [11/14]: It took discomfort for Elizabeth to reach out and build bridges of support. Now, she's turned the lessons of pain into a rallying cry for a community that thrives on mutual aid. 🌉❤️ #SupportSystem #CommunityLove [12/14]: In her toughest days, Elizabeth learned the art of self-kindness. She's now an apostle for the virtues of self-care and asking for help - not as a sign of weakness, but as a blueprint for a stronger self. 🎨✨ #SelfKindness #StrengthInVulnerability [13/14]: Every cry for help is a chance to "pay it forward." Elizabeth reminds us of Glennon Doyle's wisdom on her podcast, shaping a culture of giving and healing. 🔄💕 #GlennonDoyle #PodcastWisdom [14/14]: If Elizabeth's story resonates with you, take a moment to rate and review her podcast. Embrace the conversation, leave an audio message, and join a community ready to uplift each other! 🎙️✨💌 #JoinTheConversation #PodcastCommunity ⭐️ And don't forget: be kind to yourself today. You've only got one you. ⭐️

1. Elizabeth West dives deep into lessons learned from debilitating back pain, engaging in self-reflection and the value of self-care. Tune into Ep 88 for an intimate exploration of personal growth amid challenges. 2. "Never call in sick" — a rule Elizabeth once lived by, until pain made her reconsider. Listen to her journey of self-compassion and the realization that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. 3. Discover how a painful setback led Elizabeth to reconnect with her body through mindful walking and light strength training. Ep 88 reveals the power of listening to your body's signals. 4. Elizabeth opens up about the importance of diet, supplements, and the wisdom of elders in our latest episode. Hear how a simple daily multivitamin and omega-3s are part of her healing process. 5. Ep 88 is a heartfelt reminder that pain, while challenging, can be a profound teacher. Join Elizabeth as she shares the poignant lessons of gratitude and resilience inspired by the words of Dr. Maya Angelou.