This is obviously great news on my pain journey, but what I am going to say next might sound a bit backwards — so please hang in there as I write.

A few days ago I got a call from a friend I've known for years. A magazine writer who frequently travels on assignment, he's a busy guy.  It wasn't unusual that I hadn't spoken with him in over a month. But as soon as I heard his voice, I knew he wanted to talk about something. I just couldn't tell what it was until he stopped his gentle beating around the bush.

I recently learned (the hard way) that it takes only a single illness to erase your entire (usually unconscious) system of beliefs about your body’s invulnerability and tempt you to become anxiously fearful about potential future disease.

Have you ever found yourself stuck in an airport and needing a pen, but the thought of talking to a stranger would falsely persuade you that you don’t need it? Here’s advice for if you find yourself in a similar situation!