I recently took part in a writing study on chronic pain. My understanding of this study was that we were supposed to write about our chronic pain experience from a compassionate perspective. It seemed that the hope was that by taking the time to reflect kindly on our symptoms, it might reduce our pain and change our thoughts about our pain.
Unfortunately for me, I realized writing directly about my pain can actually make me feel worse. I prefer to write more indirectly – what things help me, goals I have, and more random thoughts, than writing directly about all the losses associated with my pain. It is important that when I dive deeply into more of the emotional pain, that I find ways to bring myself out of the emotions. Perhaps this is why I appreciate reality humor. It is a way of looking directly at something, yet finding the humor in it, even if the humor seems rather dark.
Writing a blog about pain, has a way of connecting me with others in similar situations. It is more than just writing about my pain. I love hearing the stories, the thoughts, and emotions of other people. It brings my own truth to light, in a way I might not normally see it. I come away from writing on a blog feeling lighter, freer and with more hope. Perhaps the key is taking the words and using it as a bridge with others. When I write to myself, it is still valuable, but can leave me feeling more alone. When I share my words in the cyber world, I find other fellow bloggers who join with me in our cyber community of pain with hope. Thank you all for making my days a little brighter.
Chronic Pain Journals 