Pain is inevitable; how we handle it is optional. Emotional pain often leads to negative thoughts, and along with it, negative actions. We often turn to coping mechanisms to suppress the feelings; however, we can only suppress for some time before it manifests itself into something that we don’t want, and it keeps spiraling downward from there. From my observations, most people don’t hit rock bottom. Instead, they reach a certain depth, then coast from that point on. They settle into a mode of being that disallows them the joy of life. Bitterness sets in, and they keep viewing life through that lens.
If pain is inevitable, then how can we use it to turn to improve our lives rather than drive us downward? Pain used correctly can lead us to great heights and do remarkable things. Think about the parent that lost a child due to drunk driving, then creates an organization to influence laws. What about the person that loses a loved one to a disease, then works towards raising awareness and funds to fight it? There are countless examples that can be found.
Pain used correctly can be the fuel that you need to turn things around. It’s for you to decide how you will use it.