Living life with chronic pain is a constant challenge. I am sure I am not alone in experiencing many moments of feeling overwhelmed, trying to keep my head above the tumultuous water in the sea of uncertainty.

We can either allow ourselves to sink into this churning sea and let the chaos engulf us, or we can keep paddling and try to stay above it all.

When a bad wave hits and the added pain piles on, I have to fight the frightening feeling this may never be over. I often beat myself up for not finding the strength to handle the added challenges with more dignity. This mishmash of emotions bombards me, making the wave even more difficult as I endure the additional pain and the frustration of losing ground in my health.

However, one thing that always helps me resurface is knowing that my children are observing how I handle life. I don’t want to be remembered as feeling sorry for myself. But someone who tried to be accepting and positive, finding beauty in life despite the challenges I face, and pressing forward with purpose and meaning? That is how I want my children to remember me. And that gives me the strength to keep wading along and living the life I was given.

I try to start each day by remembering and honoring the positives I do have in my life, despite living with an incurable condition that often brings difficult, challenging days. We need to express compassion and kindness, and surround ourselves with those who find the good in life. In times of darkness, I remind myself that people of all generations have had to cope with painful chronic conditions—and in spite of everything, many found their peace in life.

May we all find that inner strength to tread the waters of chronic pain, despite our sea of uncertainty!

May life be kind to you…

—by Ellen Lenox Smith

About the Author:

Ellen Lenox Smith has emerged as a leading voice for patients living with pain. Currently, Ellen serves as Co-Director of Medical Cannabis Advocacy for the U.S. Pain Foundation and is a member of its Board of Directors. She is also active with the EDS RI support group.

Prior to patient advocacy, Ellen was a longtime middle school social studies teacher. She has been married for 50 years and is the proud mother of four adult children and grandmother to five grandchildren. She also is the author of two books, an organic gardener, and was previously a master swimmer and high school swim coach.