The Pursuit of Painlessness

Maybe you've been there: you hear a friend say, "I had the worst headache last night and I thought of you...I don't know how you do it." On the one hand you're grateful someone has walked in your shoes for a few hours. But then there's that sense of envy because you know their experience had a beginning, a middle, and an end. Where's our end?

If you're like me there never really is one. There's a lessening of pain for which I'm always grateful. But there is never a true end to it. So how does one go on, with a positive outlook, when they're faced with pain every day?

It isn't easy. You almost have to adopt a Pollyanna approach - finding the good in life, no matter the hardships. But thankfully there's something called empathy that sees you through. A friend, family member or co-worker can have sympathy for your situation, but it will always take someone who's truly been there to reassure you that you're going to be alright. They keep you going.

Sharing my experience with others, and learning from others who have been there inspires me to face every challenge life brings. And counting my blessings puts things in perspective. No matter how much I hurt, I know there's someone out there dealing with worse. Having a great sense of humor also helps. The ability to laugh at myself and my situation not only sees me through difficult times, it actually eases my pain.

Finding a hobby or something you're passionate about helps pass the time as well as get your mind off pain. I know people in pain who write, garden, volunteer, teach, sing, paint, create jewelery, show horses, etc. For some faith gets them through, for others it's music.

In the pursuit of painlessness I've learned the best thing is to stop pursuing. If I'm always striving to get to that place I'll miss out on the life that is happening right now.
Migraine