I have been talking about “Pain for Purpose” for years with clients, friends and family. What I mean by “Pain for Purpose” is what have they learned and what “miracles” have occurred. Currently, I am asking myself and others about Pain for Purpose experiences as we go through this unprecedented lifetime occurrence of dealing with the coronavirus.
I have pointed out that miracles aren’t necessarily what we have read in the Bible or seen on TV; rather, miracles are everyday experiences seen differently … and they can happen in big as well as very small ways.
I would like to share what I deem a Pain for Purpose miracle. Yesterday, while talking to my 86-year-old mom and soon-to-be 90-year-old dad, they affirmed they are staying home, which is truly a very painful change for them. They are extremely active, exercising, playing bridge, Mah-jongg, going out to dinner with friends and participating in dance classes during the week. But the miracle, in my expert opinion, is the fact that they told me yesterday they are cleaning out their home that has been cluttered with 48 years of stuff – and I mean stuff that was accumulated not only by themselves, but their four adult children, 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Now if that isn’t a downright earth-shattering, sea-parting, freaking “Pain for Purpose” miracle,” I don’t know what is! Just saying.
However, on a serious note, I would like people to start sharing with me their “Pain for Purpose” experiences, because learning lessons from pain is an empowering move. It is our way of changing negative, fear-based thinking of uncertainty and feeling out of control towards what we can control, which is how we choose to see and perceive our experiences.
By shifting our thinking into a love-based direction of non-judgment, empathy and kindness, we alleviate our fears, take back our power and choose intentionally our thoughts, words and actions that make us feel better as a whole.
We are going through some heart-wrenching yet heartwarming times. Let’s start sharing our stories of love, appreciation and gratitude, because it will create a positive ripple effect worldwide. Who is with me?!?
At Sound Mind Therapy, our counseling services are focused on three tenets: Support, Education and…
Have you seen psychology terms pop up in your social media feed, or noticed friends…
Studies show that mental health continues to worsen among all age groups, and it’s not just…
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year…” we hear again and again during the…
Many of us are on edge because of coronavirus and the ongoing uncertainty and disruption…
The holidays are just around the corner, which means it’s time to finalize plans with…