Finding Strength During Pain: 3 Powerful Lessons Learned

I believe that any pain, physically, mentally, or emotionally, can be repurposed for something good. I rarely understand what the repurposing looks like until I have a good amount of distance from the pain. It’s hard to keep a positive perspective while you are in the midst of pain. Over the weekend, I was immobile due to my spinal disc and sciatica issues. For a few days, I was fighting back the tears until the damn burst and I began to weep. I mean weep. I was trying everything and the pain was just too strong. I feel like I have a strong grasp on pain because I have had 4 children naturally, delivering one almost 9lb baby and tearing like crazy. If I think of natural birth as a 10 out of 10, my back this past weekend was an 8.75 every time I tried to walk. During this, my husband asked me: "What can we learn from this?" I initially had an attitude because I thought the question was more antagonizing, but the more I thought about it, here is what I came up with. Through this pain, there are 3 key takeaways I learned and am still learning.

Ask for help

When you're in the throes of pain, it can be easy to isolate yourself, thinking that you need to bear it alone. I'm the type of person who often tries to tough it out, believing that I can handle whatever comes my way. But my husband's question made me realize that I don't have to go through this alone. Asking for help, whether it's from loved ones, medical professionals, or even seeking support groups, can make a world of difference. There's no shame in reaching out when you need it most, and it's a lesson I'm still working on embracing fully.

Rest is good

In our fast-paced world, we often overlook the importance of rest. We push ourselves to the limit, thinking that productivity and achievement are the only measures of success. However, pain has a way of forcing you to slow down, whether you like it or not. It's a reminder that rest is not a sign of weakness but a necessary part of healing and self-care. I had to learn to listen to my body and give it the rest it needed, even when my mind was screaming to keep going. The recuperative power of rest is an invaluable lesson I've taken away from this experience.

Gratitude can pull you through

When you're in the midst of intense pain, it's easy to focus on what's wrong and what you've lost. However, my husband's question prompted me to shift my perspective. I began to reflect on what I could still be grateful for despite the pain. It might sound cliché, but gratitude can truly be a lifeline during tough times. It doesn't make the pain disappear, but it can help you find moments of light and hope amidst the darkness. It's an ongoing practice, but it's one that has the power to carry you through even the most challenging moments.

While pain is never a pleasant experience, it can be a powerful teacher. It forces us to reevaluate our approach to life and encourages personal growth. Through the lens of my recent struggle, I've come to appreciate the importance of reaching out for help, embracing rest as a vital part of healing, and cultivating gratitude as a source of strength. These takeaways continue to shape my journey through pain and remind me that even in the darkest moments, there can be valuable lessons waiting to be learned.