Pain is a struggle
And a hard reality for many
Physical, mental, or emotional, there is no discrimination
At one time or another,
it affects every one one of us
But sometimes,
what hurts us more than the pain itself
Is knowing that the pain has changed us in some way,
or in many ways
Having to compensate for loss of function
Having to admit you aren't as capable as you once were, and then
learning to accept
those unexpected limitations
Learning to cope in ways you are unfamiliar
Dealing with the critical eyes of onlookers
Or the insensitive words
from mouths of others
Combating self-deprecating thoughts
or low self-esteem
Weathering raw or unpredictable emotions
Knowing that you just don't feel
like yourself anymore
Yes, pain can be so much more than
just something that hurts
Sometimes the worst part is,
not that its effects go unnoticed
But that they often go unnoticed by those that love us the most
December 1, 2021
(Image credit to rightful owner)
©katlady_t
K