Top of the morning to you! Or whatever time of day it may be wherever you are. I hope this Thursday finds everyone well. I’m actually writing this to you on Wednesday night, as I sit here not feeling so hot physically–which then makes me not feel so hot mentally, (I truly do believe in the mind-body connection, but that’s for another topic). As I sit here with a headache and a dull achiness radiating all through my body, I began to think about how at times all of us can feel alone in our pain-meaning physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual pain.
Right now I feel alone in my physical pain. When my body goes through these spells, I typically have a hard time going and/or staying asleep. It makes for a long, miserable night. Many times I feel helpless and alone because I know there’s not really anything anyone can do to make me feel better. My husband is here with me, and he could stay awake with me and massage me or keep me company, but ultimately, the experience has to pass on its own. I’m the one who has to feel it. The only way out is through. I also have moments of emotional or mental anguish that I must be willing to feel on my own–because no one else can do it for me.
I know those of you with chronic illnesses can relate to the physical discomfort that comes with flare ups. And all of us deal with mental or emotional issues that plague us at times–some of us more than others. I feel your pain. I understand that hopeless, isolating feeling that sometimes comes with pain.
That’s what I’m feeling at the moment. But even though I’m not looking forward to lying down and having an uncomfortable restless night, I know I can handle it. I learned that from Susan Jeffers book, “Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway”.
One of the main things she taught in this book, (sadly Ms. Jeffers passed away), is that life isn’t about getting rid of fear and discomfort–it’s about handling it. It’s about trusting our ability to handle what ever comes up, and always looking for the lesson. So even if I don’t fall asleep and end up getting up and sitting on the sofa, I can handle that. It won’t be fun and I’ll wish it weren’t so, but I can still handle it. I’ve done it before and been alright, and I can do it again. I can use that time to look at some motivational videos on YouTube, listen at music, or simply spend some quality time with God. Yes, I’ll be sleepy and likely won’t feel rested, but I can handle that too. The world won’t end. I’m strong enough–and so are you.
I’m not saying that if you are in pain, you can’t tell a family member or friend. By all means, talk to someone if it helps. Maybe it may make you feel better to have them just sit with you and keep you company. That’s a wonderful and loving gesture. AND DEFINITELY IF YOU ARE SUICIDAL IN ANY WAY, PLEASE DO TELL SOMEONE AND SEEK HELP IMMEDIATELY. Also if you are in physical pain that is severe and intolerable, get someone to take you to the ER. But if you are experiencing any type of pain that isn’t of the life or death variety, just know that you can handle it. Only you can feel it.
No matter how much support you have, you are the only one in your own body. No one can have a physical experience for you. I also want to add, that ultimately we’re not alone, but at the same time we are all alone in our own bodies and no one else can experience our personal sensations. But that’s okay. We have the ability to reach out to others for support when we need to and be able to handle life’s uncomfortable moments on our own too.
If you want to check out Susan Jeffers book, this is what is looks like:
| Well this is one version of it, (mine is red)
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You can get it on Amazon.com or order from Barnes and Noble, Books-a-Million, or any other major bookstore sites, I’m sure. Okay, that’s a wrap for this entry. Hang in there, people–and just know, whatever it is, you can handle it.