Is Pain a Friend or an Enemy?
Yes. It can be neither or both — but pain in many forms just is.
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Our health, wellness, and wellbeing break down into four elements. Physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. When any one of these is off, we become unwell and usually have a health issue or two to deal with.
Likewise, on all levels — pain is applicable. When you experience pain, it impacts you in many different ways. And like health, it can be physical, mental, emotional, spiritual — or all of the above.
Pain, to some, is a sign that we’re alive. It is a feeling on whatever level that makes a statement. And that isn’t always negative.
But that doesn’t mean we don’t question if pain is a friend or an enemy. And like the concepts of good and evil, pain usually just is.
Like it or not, this is part of the human experience. And we all will have that experience from time to time.
Today I hurt physically
I have a recurrent issue around my left shoulder blade that will cause me a lot of physical pain. It bothered me for some time about 6 months ago — then went away completely. But it returned 2 weeks ago. It radiates around my shoulder, arm, and neck. Further, it’s been impacting my sleep. Getting comfortable has been challenging.
Then — just to add insult to injury, this morning I woke up to a charley-horse in my left calf. I tried to stretch it out — but this time, something popped — and now I’m very, very sore.
This is why pain is on my mind today. Because I hurt physically and am not a fan. Also — I don’t like popping Ibuprofen pills like Tic-Tacs. (Mind you — I only take 400mg at a time).
I’m no stranger to pain. But it was too easy — as I stood in the shower, letting the hot water run along my achy shoulder and sore leg — to wonder if pain is a friend or an enemy.
Sometimes pain tells you to stop before you overdo it. And other times, it comes as a sign that it’s too late and you are injured. Like most things — physical pain is a matter of perspective.
Likewise — intangible/invisible pain can be just as unpleasant.
