Just for a moment; imagine suffering with pain on a daily basis. What is it like? How does it make an individual feel?



Pain can give ALL of us a negative attitude, many times mixed with other emotions: depression, anxiety, anger, frustration. Those who do not suffer from Chronic Pain can easily look back over times in which they had acute pain from a fall, a cut, (even paper cuts hurt quite a bit!), a stubbed toe, or a finger caught in a door being closed; and remember the stabbing feeling of the pain, along with the emotions felt in that moment.


Those who have felt the anger and despair of being in pain, even those whose pain resolves, will tend to lean toward looking at the negative of this experience. It is not easy, nor does it feel natural, to be happy and feel 'up', when pain is involved.


Three days ago, on a very high pain day, I was thinking about what I couldn't do; walk my dog, do the wash loads, clean up the kitchen, and all the other 'normal' things that those without pain can do so easily after a day at work, and especially on a day off.


I realized I was thinking in an "I can't" attitude. Yet what was I to feel so grateful for when all I could do was sit against the heating pad? Sit, and not be able to feel very grateful for the pain I have been given.


When I examined the depth of my tears in that moment, I saw so much inside them.


I saw my son. My handsome, funny, intelligent, empathetic, quick-witted, lovable son. I saw gratitude then. I saw that my attitude of what I don't have, can't do, or was unable to involve myself in, was completely unnecessary.


I HAVE! I CAN! I AM ABLE! I have an Attitude of Gratitude when I look at the people in my life that have impacted me in a positive way. When I realize what I have in my jewel of a son. In my best friend. In my siblings. In the people I have met through this blog.


Being in pain is not something that is easily dealt with. Yet I can, will, and do have 'The Gratitude Attitude'. No, I am not grateful for my pain. I am in no way happy that I was in an accident that has started a life of Chronic Pain. I don't understand why my Spinal Cord is getting impeded by my own bones. But if I think about that, if I think LIKE that, there is no room for Gratitude.


I choose to begin working the 'Gratitude Attitude'.


All I need to do, is focus on the wonderful people in my life. However close, however far away, these people can become part of my daily thinking in a positive way; actually helping me to achieve the type of thinking I need to practice. Especially when I really hurt!


I'd love to hear what YOUR 'Gratitude Attitude' is.....What do you think about? What are YOU grateful for??? There is so, so much if you thoroughly examine your life. We pain sufferers have much to be grateful for; even though our lives are extremely hard and a huge daily struggle. Just try it out.


The 'Gratitude Attitude' can, and will change your outlook on your life.

http://shaunaslifeinpain.blogspot.com