@jack57 First, congratulations on how you handle your pain. I'm impressed, but not surprised. Second, thank you for your service. I love that you say you approach pain like an enemy position that needs to be eliminated. You are a great example to many in the way you sought mindfulness teachings from the VA and changed the narrative of your pain.

I learned at Mayo's Pain Rehab Center that hurt does not equal harm. in the case of chronic pain. Once chronic is established and there is no fix or cure, we realize there is no choice but to learn better ways to live with what we've got, or the alternative of sitting around complaining and feeling sorry for ourselves. Sure that part will sneak in, but the important thing is to know how to handle it when it does and get back in the saddle again. Don't let your life box get smaller from chronic pain. That means a full on approach of physical conditioning, emotional stability and support, behavioral changes, and omitting or reducing chemicals.

Thank you @jack57 for giving examples of how you slowly progress your walking with slower, smaller steps. Keep up the great work!

Have you seen this conversation discussing SMART GOALS?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/smart-goals-and-chronic-pain-how-smart-are-you/