My Gain From Pain...

     In that I live with a 'debilitating' disorder, I am, very, empathetic, to others, whose lives are impacted by disease, and, physical challenge(s). I understand, all too well, the ramification(s) which result from ailments that affect a body, all things from the emotional to the physical. This being said, I have learned, as well, that, often, when people struggle with health-related distress, especially, ongoing concerns that impact their everyday-lives, they can 'become' their 'illness', and, can begin identifying themselves by way of their disease. Believe me, I, certainly, understand, that when one lives with chronic-pain, for example, it's, frequently, fairly, challenging to 'forget' the impact from the daily struggle with pain. Yet, when we, continuously, focus on the unpleasantness of our situation, talk about 'it', chronically, and, lose ourselves in it, it is my opinion that we cause ourselves more concern(s). Our mind listens to and hears the thoughts and words we express. When we, constantly, focus on the fact that we feel unwell, well...we'll continue to feel worse; as it is that our body 'listens', too. This is not to suggest that we don't suffer legitimate 'hurts'; I have discomfort, each and every day. However, I do not make my pain the main purpose of my day. Believe, me, I understand the need to talk about things; it's important to 'share', and, to realize support from others who suffer similarly. However, when one tends, always, to make his/her pain the focal-point, I feel that this can cause, more, caustic-impact. Instead of allowing my 'struggles' to define me, I, instead, choose to acknowledge and accept my limitations, and, perform within the new-'guidelines' that my disorder has set for me. I understand, as well, the level of pain that I must endure, daily, with some days being worse than others, and I manage it in the best way(s) I can. I am, in no way, shape, or, form, criticizing, or, fault-finding, with regard to how others manage their maladies; We're all different, and, we must do what works for us. Although, I must say that if I have learned one thing, through this process of living with my physical-challenge(s), it is that I AM and will, always, BE, stronger than my disorder; and, it will NEVER have the 'upper-hand'! Just Sayin'...