Welcome to How to Feel Bad
(And Love Your Life)
Welcome to
How to Feel Bad
(And Love Your Life)
You’re Exactly Where You Need to Be
You might be wondering, “Why would I want to learn how to feel bad?”
Stick with me—because understanding how to lean into discomfort is one of the biggest secrets to unlocking true peace, joy, and fulfillment.
This email series will walk you through how feeling bad, when done intentionally, can actually be the key to living a life you love.
Why You’re Here
- Maybe you’ve noticed it yourself—something’s not quite clicking.
- You’re snapping at your partner over small things.
- You’re stuck in cycles of procrastination and frustration.
- Or you feel anxious, disconnected, or unfulfilled.
On the surface, things might look fine—maybe even great. But inside, something feels off.
You’re not alone in this. Many people feel vulnerable when they first start this work. But that vulnerability is a sign of courage. It means you’re ready to grow.
The Problem: Mistaking Discomfort for Threat
Here’s the truth: as humans, we often confuse discomfort with danger.
When someone says, “We need to talk,” for example, our brains jump into survival mode—fight, flight, or freeze—even though there’s no real threat.
This automatic reaction comes from deeply ingrained beliefs and unresolved emotions. It causes us to act in ways that hurt our relationships, hold us back, and make life harder than it needs to be.
But there’s good news: you can learn to interrupt this cycle, handle discomfort with skill, and respond intentionally.
What You’ll Get From This Series
Over the next few days, I’ll guide you through tools and insights to:
- Understand the hidden beliefs driving your emotions.
- Build emotional resilience to handle life’s challenges.
- Interrupt automatic reactions and choose healthier responses.
- Gain clarity and confidence in your relationships and decisions.
A Story to Inspire You
Let me tell you about a client of mine—let’s call him Fred.
Fred was wildly successful by society’s standards: a thriving business, incredible wealth, and a life many would envy. But he struggled to connect with others. His relationships were strained, and he felt like an imposter in his own life.
Through our work together, Fred uncovered a deeply held belief that his worth was tied to achievement. This belief had served him in business but wrecked his personal life.
As Fred learned to embrace discomfort and challenge these limiting beliefs, his life transformed. While some external circumstances didn’t go as planned (his marriage ended), he found peace, purpose, and joy in a way he never thought possible.
This kind of transformation is available to you, too. And you don’t have to wait for a crisis to begin.
What’s Next
In the next email, we’ll explore why you keep reacting the way you do and how your hidden beliefs trigger powerful emotional and behavioral cycles.
For now, take a moment to reflect:
- Where in your life do you feel stuck, defensive, or overwhelmed?
- What emotions feel hardest for you to sit with?
Just noticing these patterns is the first step toward change.
You deserve a life of confidence, connection, and clarity—and you’re in the right place to start creating it.
Warmly,
Ryan
Meet Ryan Soave
Ryan Soave, LMHC is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and certified trauma therapist with over 15 years of experience in trauma and addiction recovery. His clinical work is informed by personal recovery, which led him to pursue a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling and dedicate his life to helping others heal.
As Chief Clinical Officer at Guardian Recovery Network, Ryan integrates evidence-based and experiential modalities including EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, yoga, breathwork, and meditation into transformative treatment programs. His holistic approach has impacted thousands of individuals on their path to lasting wellness.
A sought-after speaker, Ryan has led workshops and presented at national conferences and corporate institutions such as LinkedIn and Bank of America. His work resonates with individuals in crisis and high performers alike, offering a grounded path to clarity, resilience, and fulfillment.
Rooted in the belief that the past does not define the future, Ryan helps clients reconnect with their true selves and find meaning beyond survival. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys fly fishing, time in nature, and the love of his wife and children who continually remind him of life’s deeper lessons.