Adversity introduces a man to himself. --Unknown
If you suffer, thank God! -- it is a sure sign that you are alive. --Elbert Hubbard
Life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you respond to it.—Unknown
The world is full of suffering, it is also full of overcoming it. --Helen Keller
It is through much tribulation that we enter the kingdom of Heaven. --The Apostle Paul
My barn having burned to the ground, I can now see the moon.— Japanese poet Masahide
No man knows till he has suffered from the night how sweet and dear to his heart and eye the morning can be. --Bram Stoker
I say that trials and tests locate a person. In other words they determine where you are spiritually. They reveal the true condition of your heart. How you react under pressure is how the real you reacts.-- John Bevere
Blessings alone do not open our eyes. Indeed, blessings by themselves tend to close our eyes. We do not come to know Him in the blessing, but in the breaking. --Chip Brogden
Pain in life is inevitable but suffering is not. Pain is what the world does to you, suffering is what you do to yourself. Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional. - Unknown
What doesn't kill us makes us stronger. - Friedrich Nietzsche
Did you know that the Chinese symbol for "Crisis" includes symbols for danger and opportunity?
Is there benefit in suffering?
Grief, anger, loss, depression, fear, frustration. These are very common responses to injury, illness, and chornic pain. However, getting stuck in any one of these emotions can negatively affect daily function, social relationships, healing, and overall health.
Actively working through these normal reactions to illness is a necessary process toward acceptance and improved mental, physical, and spiritual health. You can seek encouragement and help through psychological counseling, good self-help books, support groups, and spiritual guidance. But, one concept that will be integral in your healing will be to find some meaning in your situation.
Chances are you've learned something about yourself, about others, and/or about the world during your experience with pain. You may not have learned these life lessons otherwise. So, do you view your pain an inescapable crisis or an opportunity to learn and challenge yourself?
Pain Topics:
Info you can use!
Searching for the Silver Lining in Pain and Chronic Illness
Read through and really consider these statements - Do any of these apply to you?
* I appreciate life more because of my illness/pain.
* My illness gave me a new start in life.
* Because of my illness/pain, I find it easier to accept what life has in store.
* My pain made me think about the true purpose in life.
* My religious/spiritual beliefs deepened because of my illness.
* My illness/pain made me a better person.
* My illness/pain made me a more tolerant person.
* My illness gave me permission to do things for myself.
* My illness/pain made me a more determined person.
* Through my illness, I discovered a talent I didn't know I had.
* My illness made me more aware of my strengths.
* My illness/pain made me face up to problem areas of my life.
* My illness strengthened my relationships with others.
* I see others in their true colors because of my illness.
* My illness/pain gave me the opportunity to meet new people.
* My pain made me put an end to troublesome relationships.
* I have been an inspiration to others.
* My illness changed other people for the better.
* My illness taught me how to stand up for myself.
Perhaps you now need a family member to drive you to appointments. Do you see that as becoming a burden OR do you see it as a chance to spend more time with a loved one?
Perhaps you are unable to work. Do you see your days as an expanse of boredom OR do you see them as more time to develop a new hobby?
Perhaps you have had to get creative to figure out how to engage in your chores more efficiently. Perhaps you have learned that it's okay to take some time for yourself or to ask for some help (By the way, most people enjoy giving help!! Don't deny them that gift of helping you). Perhaps you've learned you're stronger than you thought in the face of a challenge. Perhaps you're more open and communicative with your spouse than you have been in the past. Perhaps you've learned who your "true friends" are. Perhaps you've developed a stronger bond with your higher power. Perhaps you've met other patients in waiting rooms or support groups who are intriguing and inspirational. Perhaps you can act as a positive role model for your children on how to cope with stress and illness.
Viewing the changes in your life as challenges, opportunities, or unexpected new chances can be quite liberating. Some of these phrases might sound false or too "Pollyanna" to your ears at first. But, moving from a "Pain is only bad" mentality to an "I can do this and learn from it" outlook might just be the best thing you can do for yourself.
-Leanne Cianfrini, PhD
