Living with Pain

I’m in a lot of pain from my accident. Of course, I don’t want to be, but just wishing it away isn’t exactly a plan. When my body hurts, it doesn’t just stop there—my mind gets involved, trying every trick it knows to get rid of it. And if I deny the pain, it’s like I’m starting an argument with my mind:

Mind: Hey, you’re in pain.

Me: Nope, I’m fine.

Mind: Oh, right. Well, a bag of chips would probably make you feel better.

Me: That sounds perfect.

But while I’m eating the chips, my mind circles back (now with a toxic potato chip haze):

Mind: You’re still in pain.

Me: Nope. Don’t know what you’re talking about.

Mind: But your body is signaling pain.

It doesn’t stop there, either. My mind will try another angle. It’ll continue to respond to the pain and as long as I deny it, I take the wrong action. I might lash out at someone or find a numbing distraction, when really, it’s trying to tell me something: Hey, you’re in pain.

Pain is the body’s signal that we need something. If I deny it, I’m using my energy everywhere but where it’s needed. I’m gaslighting myself. Admitting it doesn’t mean I’m stuck in it; it’s what frees up that energy to actually respond—to take the medication, to follow the doctor’s advice, to rest.

It’s not about denying or escaping. It’s about taking one simple, intentional step that’s right for where I am.

ACTION: When pain arises, start by acknowledging it: “This hurts, and I need a moment.” Then, ask yourself, “What do I truly need right now?” Let that small step be one that nurtures, whether it’s resting, taking a breath, or gently moving forward in a way that supports you. Taking mindful, intentional action—even in pain—can ease the mind’s scramble for quick fixes and build resilience in moments that matter.

POST

Giving with Practice

Most religions include service, charity, or acts of giving as part of their core traditions. In Judaism, there’s tzedakah. In Christianity, tithing. In Islam, zakat. Across different belief systems...

Connection with Practice

Religious communities usually come with built-in connection. Weekly gatherings. Holiday meals. People celebrate and grieve together. That was my experience growing up Jewish. I’ve been to Seders...

Notice with Practice

Prayer is a daily ritual for many religions. In Muslim tradition, they pause to pray five times a day. Christians and Jews traditionally say a short prayer before meals. While the words and reasons...

Repeat with Practice

Across many religious traditions, chanting, singing, or repeating phrases has been part of prayer, meditation, or ritual for centuries. But you don’t need to follow a specific belief system to feel...

Rest with Practice

Many major religions set aside time each week for rest: In Judaism, the Sabbath is from Friday evening to Saturday evening. For Christians, Sunday is the traditional day. In Islam, Friday is a day of...

Choose Your battles with Support

I used to think every battle was worth fighting. If something didn’t feel right, I reacted. I spoke up, pushed back, made it known. I thought that was strength. I didn’t want to feel like a...