No one would call it easy, but the rhythm of emotional pain that we learn to tolerate is natural, constructive, and expansive. . . . The pain leaves you healthier than it found you.

Martha Beck, PhD, is an American author, life coach, sociologist, and inspirational speaker. After leaving the Mormon church, both she and her husband subsequently came out as gay. Beck has been a contributing editor and writer for several popular magazines including Redbook, Real Simple, and O, the Oprah Magazine, and is president of her own company, Martha Beck, Inc., which offers life coach training as well as products and live events related to life coaching.