7 Important Words When You Have Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a constant condition; sharp or dull sensations of discomfort accompany most of our days and nights, whether throughout the body or in one particular place. But sometimes, we have a really tough day or night (or both). Our pain gets worse to the point where it takes over our thoughts and makes it impossible to get comfortable. Our sleep is disrupted, and during daytime, although we might have the best intentions, we cannot do anything enjoyable, let alone productive. The slippery slope down to depression or anxiety can be like a sheet of ice, allowing us no place to get our foot, to stop the downward trajectory of our inner emotions. But, words are powerful, and especially so when we feel we have few tools to lift us up. Here are some words that, when focused on, repeated, and spoken can help us punctuate our really tough days and nights with encouragement and hope.

Love

The most powerful emotion, when we dwell on those whom we love, who fill our lives with laughter, support, grace and humor, we can immediately feel our hearts lifted up. We can crowd out the darker feelings that cloud our ability to see beyond the immediacy of our pain. And we can take great energy and comfort from the goodwill of others. Moreover, as we reflect on this one, short but profound word, we also bring ourselves closer to God, who is all love and who loves each of us completely and unconditionally. Focus on great love, and the thought of pain will diminish. Dream. Pain can make it difficult and, yes, sometimes impossible to sleep. But we can still dream! When we let our creative energies focus on a particular dream, one that brings us images of beauty, comfort, rest, and healing, we can help our battered emotions rejuvenate. A dream kept foremost also can bring us hope as we endure tough days and nights; by engaging with our forward-looking selves, we gain insight into life beyond our immediate suffering, and are better able to endure knowing we have dreams to look forward to.