“Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” Victor Frankl
I lie on the bed, a dog at my head, another dog lies in the door.
Although I have pain, I have company again; there’s also a cat on the floor.
It’s as if they know I don’t feel well; they want to comfort me and make me feel better. I do feel comfort when I am not left alone with my pain. It helps to feel the softness of my dog’s fur and hear his gentle breathing and remember that I am not alone. When alone with the pain it is easy for your suffering to grow. Remember that while others can’t eliminate your pain, they can help mitigate your suffering.
We all experience different types of pain and pain of varying degrees. Our attitude enables us to search for tools that might pull us away from the suffering. Resiliency tools such as knowing your own self worth, letting go, remembering that things aren’t permanent, being mindful and grateful, using our strengths and always remaining hopeful can help mitigate the suffering. It is our power to choose tools that help us respond to suffering. Today I am recognizing that I am not alone.