How Pain Can Be Accepted With Courage and Determination

by Breanna Gehln, Guest Blogger

My writing program has always had a lot of wonderful writers in it. I feel overjoyed and honored to write along with them. After an info session, I usually have a few writing/sharing sessions each time. During such times, I have witnessed so much great writing and authentic reflections.

Below, is an example of the great writing and sharing that takes place in the Writing Through Chronic Pain Program. I wanted to showcase it on the blog because it is so well written and authentic.

During the last session, I shared a writing prompt with the group. Then I asked the people in the group to write for 20 minutes about the journal prompt (see below), after which time we’d have a sharing session.

Below, I will share what Breanna shared with the group (with her permission).

Thank you Breanna for allowing us to showcase your beautiful writing and heartfelt reflection.

Writing Prompt: What are a few ways you can change your life for the better?

  If I said life was challenging, I‘d be preaching to the choir here. Most of us would agree that times are hard and pain is an annoying enemy to fight. Pain is like a boxer out of your league. He dodges every counter, he takes aim at your weakest points, and he will certainly cheat at every opportunity! Still, I wonder how many people give themselves enough credit for all they’ve accomplished, regardless of their struggles. Even when Pain is chasing you down the street, or finds you at your house, or decides you’ve had enough sleep for today, we’ve learned to look him in the eyes and accept the challenge. 

  Perhaps our annoyance is power as well. After so many years of WHAM! BAP! POW! I’ve grown bored of Pain’s games and learned to accept living with it. I went to university and got a degree regardless of Pain. I started making felted wool and crochet as my counter, and I’ve learned when to tap out and when to fight through. Maybe I dream of a life where things were different, but I’m thankful for what I’ve experienced in life regardless. When Pain is having one of his big-talk, big show moments, I leave the ring and let a new challenger combat him. Pain, this is CBD oil and his good friend Big-Hot Teapot. These are their neighbors, Courage, and Determination. In the last corner is Mr. Persistence and from the sidelines cheer Acceptance and Pride. Perhaps Pain no longer fancies his chances against such a large group, but if he’s going to cheat, then I will too.

~ Breanna Gehl