Overcoming Chronic Pain

I have chronic back pain but I am determined to not let it have me anymore. I injured myself for than 4 years ago (hard to believe it was that long ago!) and ever since, my life has changed.

I went through the usual treatments and when none were successful, I relented and had a less-invasive back surgery that just about promised to be my miracle cure.

It failed.

All I wanted was to wake up in the morning and not be in pain. Chronic pain can make your life miserable and cause you anxiety, depression and stress.

I don't want to live this way anymore. I have had it and I am fighting back. Being a web content writer I have "met" many writers who also live with chronic pain. Their attitude towards their pain is inspiring to me. Some people are dealing with far worse conditions than I am. When I hear them living their lives happily in spite of their conditions, it not only makes me feel like a whiney baby but it makes my inner voice say "suck it up!".

Attitude IS everything!!!!

Change your attitude towards the challenges that are weighing you down. Your life will change. It is up to you. You can allow chronic pain to run your life or you can choose to live in spite of it. Life is short. I don't want to miss a thing!

Worrying Doesn't Change Anything

Worrying doesn't change anything, yet many of us get caught up in "what if's". This can spiral into anxiety that can cause insomnia and stress.

Once you get into a negative pattern like this, it can be hard to pull yourself out of it. Depression may soon follow.

There is a better way.

No, I do not mean a pharmaceutical fix either. Often this can cause more problems. (side effects,avoidance of issues)

Attitude is everything. If you can see the changes that inevitably happen in life as opportunities for growth instead of personal attacks on your happiness, you may be able to move forward instead of being stuck in the past or present.

Not convinced? Try this. Allow yourself a 15 minute pity party. Cry. Break things. If absolutely necessary unload your troubles on a good friend (CAUTION: do this too often and you will be seen as an emotional vampire)
and then when the 15 minutes are up- MOVE ON!

That's right. Just let go of it. Focus on the positive. Even in the midst of great tragedy there is something positive to be found.

Look at the Japanese. Their country suffered a catastrophic earthquake, quickly followed by a tsunami, followed by a very real threat of several nuclear plants melting down.

Are they going crazy stealing from each other? NO
Are they panicking? NO

They are showing resiliance under the greatest possible natural disasters. We can all learn a lesson from them. Their will and grace is admirable. How does an entire country exhibit such strength? I don't know. I know few Americans would behave the same way.

So...if you are someone who finds themselves stressed out by life, decide to put an end to worry.  You can avoid sinking into depression and you may even see your life change in a positive way.

The Power of Positive Thinking

Image via Wikipedia

Staying positive in a negative world is a challenge. You have the power to react in any way you choose. If you do not believe that you can overcome all the "bad" things that seem to keep coming at you, I am telling you that you can.

Here is a little experiment. I only ask that you try it for one day. Just one.

Wake up tomorrow morning and tell yourself that it is going to be a good day. Repeat in your head or outloud, "good things are going to happen today". As you go through your day, keep repeating this - NO MATTER WHAT - it will take effort but do it.

When you are in bed that evening, reflect on how your day was. I will bet it made a difference. Bad things still might happen but how you see them will change. Eventually, positive situations, people and events will be drawn to you.