Pain can be so strange.
I wrote this poem to process a setback I had a few months ago (left ankle discomfort) and the emotional distress that I believed was the contributor. (husband’s cancer diagnosis)
It’s important to know that emotional distress can show up in our physical bodies. Our nervous system is our harm alarm and is always looking out for us. The good news…there is one thing we can control 100%— our thoughts about our pain experience or our circumstances.
Pain is always real no matter what is causing it.
I use to think “I hate this, what did I do wrong!” now I think “I don’t like this discomfort but what can I learn from this?”
What is something you use to think?
Poem of the Day:
RIGHT DIRECTION Pain can come Out of nowhere No fall No injury I’m not even sick Yet my left ankle is throbbing And the output is to limp What was the input What turned up the alarm I didn’t turn funny I didn’t trip My nutrition is great Is it my mind playing tricks? Quick- get me an ice pack And some wine (not really I don’t drink wine) I’ll lie down Retrace my day Why does my ankle have so much to say? Is it really about this afternoon? What the doctor said… This is concerning, a biopsy will be sent My entire body felt cold I froze—could cancer be taking hold? I grabbed my husband's hand As he sat in the bed, pale and weak I kissed his cheek My mind raced with all sorts of terrible thoughts Could that be the reason my left ankle feels like it’s in knots? I’ll take some deep breaths This doesn’t mean death My brain has it wrong My ankle is fine and strong I will not freak out I know what this pain is about I will move my ankle as I read to my son I will get a good night’s sleep An optimistic attitude I will keep Though my nerves are on high alert I have some ways to turn it down What I say and believe about my ankle is more important now— This discomfort is temporary I’m physically fine My nervous system is looking out for me during this time. Pain is so weird So strange at times I woke up the next day Sore but fine— a run will do me some good to clear my mind. Movement I love to decrease the protection and give my body evidence that we are moving in the right direction. —Thank you brain but I've got this
So so much love to you both.
Wow . You are so courageous! I would think, "The ankle hurts, I must not run "
But you power through!
God blessed your family so good
with you.