I'm not talking about a few aches and pains. The kind of pain I am accustomed to is indescribable and unimaginable that a person can bear with on a daily basis. There's no way I can make anyone understand this kind of pain unless you personally experience it yourself. Rather than trying to come up with one hundred different words to describe pain, in this post I'm going to share that in order to survive through this pain, you must believe that pain is here for something good. That the pain is here to guide you and help someone else who might be struggling and feeling lost and alone.
What Pain Has Taught Me So Far...
Pain has taught me that there is darkness and I need to let the darkness in. Don't fear it or avoid it. The darkness is there to guide you to the beauty that will follow.
When you're body is sick, your mind and spirit aren't well either. There will be depression, anger, grief and a whole heaping pile of emotions that comes along with illness. Don't beat yourself up, your body is doing the best it can trying to fight off extraordinary pain. Be gentle and kind to your body. This isn't the life you wanted but it's the life you've got. Turn the negative energy (anger, sadness and/or grief) around into something positive and useful. If you're unable to work, volunteer, take a class or discover a new talent. Explore new things and do what you LOVE to do. Bake cookies for your neighbor or do something kind for someone you love. Spread the goodness that comes from your heart.
When you're body is sick, your mind and spirit aren't well either. There will be depression, anger, grief and a whole heaping pile of emotions that comes along with illness. Don't beat yourself up, your body is doing the best it can trying to fight off extraordinary pain. Be gentle and kind to your body. This isn't the life you wanted but it's the life you've got. Turn the negative energy (anger, sadness and/or grief) around into something positive and useful. If you're unable to work, volunteer, take a class or discover a new talent. Explore new things and do what you LOVE to do. Bake cookies for your neighbor or do something kind for someone you love. Spread the goodness that comes from your heart.
It's easy to get wrapped up in pain and sickness where it's all you can focus on. Don't get stuck in this vicious cycle. Don't ignore your body, but try and get your mind off of pain when you can. If you're unable to get out of bed one day, make sure you're aware of your thinking pattern. If your thoughts become negative, let the negative thoughts in, but then practice turning these thoughts around into something positive. If the pain is full force or your too tired (physically or mentally) try listening to soothing music, watching a good t.v. show, read a good book, pray/meditate, or make a list of small and/or big goals you can accomplish for when you're feeling better. Remember to be realistic with your goals and that it's okay if you need to ask for help.
Learn to listen to your body's needs and when it whispers to you that it's had enough. Rest when you need to and keep moving when you're able to.
You won't be in control (of your pain and fatigue) sometimes and that's okay. I believed that a part of fighting this illness was that I must be in control of all situations at all times, but it only causes more anger and frustration.You'll be happier and more relaxed when you learn to let go and go with the flow. Acknowledge the pain and/or fatigue and care for your body. Take a warm or cool shower, try gentle stretching, ice packs/heating pads, get a massage, and have lots of comfy pillows/fuzzy things.
You will be questioned, judged and ridiculed about your illness. Don't let other people's opinions get you down. Believe in yourself even if no one seems to believe in you. Once you start believing in yourself and being true to yourself, others will come around. Or they might not, but that's okay too because it will guide you to the people you need in your life.
Speak up and be vulnerable. Stand up for yourself and what you believe in. It takes courage and practice but it is necessary.
Don't be afraid to go against the tide and think outside of the box.
You are never alone. Don't isolate yourself or give up on yourself or others. Reach out if the pain becomes too much for you to carry by yourself. There are others out there that are willing to help you even if they don't fully understand.
You may want to give up and you might give up for a little while. But ALWAYS get back up even it's painful and difficult. Embrace the pain, your struggle just means your story needs to be heard.
"Believe, when you are most unhappy, that there's something for you to do in the world. So long as you can sweeten another's pain, life is not vain." -Helen Keller
Laughter is truly the best medicine. Find something to laugh about everyday or try and make someone else laugh. "Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine." -Lord Byron
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