Today I want to write about physical pain, chronic pain, the kind that stays with us 24/7. I know my friends and family suffer the effects of diseases and conditions associated with normal aging, wear and tear, and injury pains. Some have autoimmune diseases or cancer. The point here is to manage the constant pain with a myriad of approaches so we do not fall into depression. I had a close friend from church who committed suicide about 10 years ago, because he had chronic back pain, the doctors could not find any source of the pain, and he felt hopeless. He could not work, could not move very well, and could not sing in the choir any longer. Bob White was gorgeous, a mix of Robert Redford and Robin Williams, with a witty sense of humor, bright, clear blue eyes and perfectly wavy, blond hair. He had just met and married the woman of his dreams. Yet the internal and silent suffering he held within was too much for him to bear. He felt like a failure to his wife, his job, and his community. So he overdosed. Those of us who knew him were stunned and affected deeply. So how do we cope with our own chronic pain?
I was born with a spinal condition where one bone is out of place. Over the years it has hurt off and on in my lower back when the bone touches nerves. Recently the padding on each side of the vertebrae has slipped out, causing severe and acute pain with every movement I take. So now, my empathy for others has grown considerably as I deal with this. In the past few days, my docs have been calling it lots of things and experimenting with different medicines. Still here, smiling, but stuck in bed. I need help to move! This is messing with my head because I am the athletic type who does hot yoga for an hour and a half a day, lifts weights, and hikes regularly! Plus I coach others physically, mentally, and nutritionally for wellness and personal development. I eat anti-inflammatory foods, stay away from all grains and sugars, and get only nutrient dense, clean proteins and fats. How could this happen to me? Why, God? Why Universe? I feel like a failure, I wonder when I will feel some relief, and help others again. Yet, I am certain there are lessons in compassion and empathy here. I'm seeking them with vigor as I attempt to heal.
So how am I coping? I write down 3 positive affirmations that I want to see appear in my life as if they are already happening. I write these down daily and read them aloud throughout the day. I meditate for a few minutes here and there. I ask for help and share my story. I don't want to follow those who have hurt themselves on purpose. I want to rise up and heal myself and aid others in their paths. I light candles, and essential oils diffuse throughout my home. I pray and know that I am not alone. Neither are you.
I have to take my own research, advice, and writing that I so passionately share with you all in my books as medicine for myself. Otherwise I would be a fraud. It does not mean that I have not cried like a baby these past few days, but I have not kept my pain and suffering inside, like a dark secret.
Please tell me if you are in pain so I can add you to my prayer list. Please tell me how you manage the physical and mental stresses associated with chronic physical pain. Please sign up on my contact form so I may reach you with my free content and workshops. The links to my YouTube videos are on the top left side of every page.
Blessings,
KJ Landis
I was born with a spinal condition where one bone is out of place. Over the years it has hurt off and on in my lower back when the bone touches nerves. Recently the padding on each side of the vertebrae has slipped out, causing severe and acute pain with every movement I take. So now, my empathy for others has grown considerably as I deal with this. In the past few days, my docs have been calling it lots of things and experimenting with different medicines. Still here, smiling, but stuck in bed. I need help to move! This is messing with my head because I am the athletic type who does hot yoga for an hour and a half a day, lifts weights, and hikes regularly! Plus I coach others physically, mentally, and nutritionally for wellness and personal development. I eat anti-inflammatory foods, stay away from all grains and sugars, and get only nutrient dense, clean proteins and fats. How could this happen to me? Why, God? Why Universe? I feel like a failure, I wonder when I will feel some relief, and help others again. Yet, I am certain there are lessons in compassion and empathy here. I'm seeking them with vigor as I attempt to heal.
So how am I coping? I write down 3 positive affirmations that I want to see appear in my life as if they are already happening. I write these down daily and read them aloud throughout the day. I meditate for a few minutes here and there. I ask for help and share my story. I don't want to follow those who have hurt themselves on purpose. I want to rise up and heal myself and aid others in their paths. I light candles, and essential oils diffuse throughout my home. I pray and know that I am not alone. Neither are you.
I have to take my own research, advice, and writing that I so passionately share with you all in my books as medicine for myself. Otherwise I would be a fraud. It does not mean that I have not cried like a baby these past few days, but I have not kept my pain and suffering inside, like a dark secret.
Please tell me if you are in pain so I can add you to my prayer list. Please tell me how you manage the physical and mental stresses associated with chronic physical pain. Please sign up on my contact form so I may reach you with my free content and workshops. The links to my YouTube videos are on the top left side of every page.
Blessings,
KJ Landis
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