We all fear pain. Pain comes in many forms and sometimes threatens to overwhelm our emotions and/or our bodies. Sometimes we mask it; and find ways to make ourselves numb so that we can no longer feel its effects. But this does nothing more than create further harm, further hurt, and further grief. We must stop masking the pain and allow ourselves to feel, and begin to find strength. Pain can be a gift if we truly allow ourselves to feel it, to embrace it. Rejoice in the pain, for you are finally strong enough to feel again.
Pain is oftentimes the gateway to something better. Let the pain push you around and knock you down as many times as it takes until you can feel it again. Then feel the pain with all that you are. Let it overcome you and wash into your very core until it seems unbearable. Remember pain is what reminds us we are still alive, that we still have a chance to change, to overcome, and to conquer.
With that knowledge and understanding in mind, ask the pain to help strengthen you. Allow the pain of being at the bottom, with no further place to fall, to be the same pain that motivates you to begin your climb to the top and to overcome. You have the ability to end the pain, but only if you embrace the strength that comes with it. Find the strength that helps you to carry on, and helps you to fight your way out of darkness by guiding you toward a source of hope.
Pain tells us to slow down because we are wounded, or because we need help. Pain is an indication we must attend to ourselves and, if we are not able, we must allow others to attend to us. Allowing others to sooth our pain and comfort us when we are vulnerable is difficult and frightening. It forces us to admit we need help. But, we are not often specialists in our own pain and we must turn to those who are; those who have been there before and those who understand.
Pain gives us a means to succeed. It forces us to find a way to make it stop rather than remain trapped at the bottom, confined to its grasp. Acknowledge that the pain can show you the way out of hopelessness if you consider it your ally. Know that it can guide you to a successful recovery, to a fulfilling life, and help you find the way back home. After acknowledging its presence and succumbing to its benefits, it will slowly dissipate day by day until you realize it is gone. And in its place is love. Love for yourself, love for your accomplishments, and love for those who continued to love you despite their own pain. And in this place of love, take a moment to be still while you acknowledge and appreciate the pain for showing you the way to strength.