Pain as a Teacher

Pain is a powerful teacher. When you are literally struck down, it makes you take stock of where you are and where you are going.

During this past year I've had severe chronic pain from a back injury. I've done everything possible to get help, but with not as much progress as I would like. However, it has given me an opportunity to think about my life and to put things into perspective.

My personality is that I will help everyone else first, and then I think "I'll get to my own stuff -- later." But "later" never comes. There is always some new demand on my time and energy.

I believe my accident has been a chance for me to realize that I can't do it all right now, I need to take care of myself and physically I can't do everything I want to do. And "later" needs to be "now." It's time to put myself on the list and take time to take care of myself -- otherwise I'll end up having nothing left to give to others. I am trying to find good things to focus on and getting the most out of every learning opportunity. It's been a long journey, but hopefully now that I recognize the lesson, I can implement it and then my body will heal.

Pain is a powerful teacher. When you are literally struck down, it makes you take stock of where you are and where you are going.