The Key to Recovery: Spinal fusion, knee surgery, or otherwise

I’m laid up recovering from knee surgery (see previous post) and thinking about the recovery process. Acute pain (from something like, oh let’s say, recent surgery) is much different than chronic pain. I’m probably preaching to the choir there.

But screaming out to me through my percocet-induced haze comes a commonality. The mindset you need if you hope to truly live, grow, spread love and compassion to others, make the world a better place, whatever…

Gratitude

I find that when I approach my pain, whether physical or emotional, new or old, from a place of thankfulness, the burden doesn’t seem so heavy.

What the hell am I talking about?

To truly know happiness, we must know suffering. So thank the suffering for providing a basis for happiness.

Then, when the urge to fight the pain or run away from it is (mostly) replaced with gratitude and acceptance, we can become aware of the other things going on in our lives. The good people that make up our world. The beautiful mountains that remind us of perspective. The cute puppy that shows the true meaning of unconditional love. We make room for the good stuff.

Of course, all this ~~crap~~ insight is easier said than done, right? Everyday is a struggle. Just know you are not alone. You are inherently good and worthy of love. And be thankful for your experiences, even if you must label them “good” or “bad.”

So…
Thank you. Thank you for reading. Thank you for caring. And thank you for letting me help you (I’m going to pretend that I have. Just roll with it.).

"Get Well" flowers from my office. Yay!

Tarah Neujahr Bryan

I'm from Montana and despite living in six different states, Montana is still my heart's home. I have passion for many things in life, including my beautiful daughter and son, my amazing husband, Nebraska Football, playing softball, healthcare policy, aviation, running, yoga, reading, outdoor life, animals, hiking, sports, and so much more. It's always growing and changing. I have a BA in History, with a minor in Sociology from Montana State- Billings and an MA in Journalism and Mass Communications (specialization in Marketing, Communications, and Advertising) from the University of Nebraska.

Next Yoga for Spinal Fusion Pain (or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Pain) PART ONE »

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View Comments

Bob Phillips says:

September 29, 2013 at 5:35 pm

Percocet: BAH. Ain't nothin' like the good old days of morphine.

Be thoroughly well, pain free and full of hell and hot air ASAP.
;-)