Pain Is Exhausting.

Three years ago, just before the COVID-19 Shelter-in-Place order, I chipped two teeth. They finally started bothering me the past few months, and I sought out a dentist. The teeth were fixed a week ago. But this episode reminded me how exhausting chronic pain can be.

Pain Is Exhausting.

Anyone who has had chronic pain – be it migraine, dental, spine, hip, knee, or foot – knows how just being in pain is a test of endurance. Anyone who has dealt with internal pain over time knows how it saps one’s energy.

Pain Is Exhausting.

Anyone who has lost a loved one and felt that empty space knows how the grief drains one’s strength. Grief is a kind of pain.

Pain Is Exhausting.

People enduring abusive relationships, people kept from expressing who they are, people forced to bear children for which they are not ready know the feeling of carrying a burden that grows progressively heavier.

Pain Is Exhausting.

People recovering from addiction know how withdrawal challenges one’s vitality.

Pain Is Exhausting.

Sometimes we see someone visibly struggling with pain. Sometimes the crosses people bear are invisible. We may never know the pain and exhaustion another person feels. Be gentle with each other.

Pain Is Exhausting.

Blessings, Cindi

---

This article is from The Window newsletter, May 2023