I loved this statement: "My pain level stays high; however I still find ways to volunteer, do hobbies, and visit with friends without complaining about my pain."

Here is a little anecdote about how well it can work. Last week, we made side trips on our journey between Texas and Minnesota. First we visited a cousin who is old enough that her kids are in AARP. She recently lost her husband, still lives in her own beautiful home, is recovering from surgery, but still insisted we stay with her. We talked into the night about her husband's death & final illness, of course, but then ranged on to family, hobbies, travel - just a lovely visit. The next morning, we found it almost impossible to leave. She still has 3 distinct groups with whom she socializes regularly, in addition to her family. The only negative was her announcement that we will need to visit her in future, as she will no longer be making the drive, by herself, the 1200 miles to see us! We left feeling uplifted.

We then proceeded to an open house at an art & craft gallery in a small city in Nebraska. The honoree was a dear friend and our winter next door neighbor who decided that she would try something new this summer - she is displaying her paintings and teaching at the gallery - a lifelong dream. She is living in her travel trailer at the local campground. B... studied art in college, then lived the life of a wife, mom, farmer and greenhouse owner. She returned to her painterly roots after her husband died suddenly 10 years ago. She has studied hard, taught, and helped run a local art league and gallery near our winter home in Texas.

At the open house, along with B's extended family (aged 14 to 80+) were a number of local artists nearer our age. The older group "took over" a large table in the front of the gallery to chat, and my husband and I joined them. I expected to leave quickly, when the conversation turned to aches and pains. Wow, was I wrong! Each talked about his or her artistic interests, then local revitalization of the town, national politics, personal stories...

At the end of the evening, as we were helping close up, B told us most of those we visited with had serious medical problems, which they "treat" by being immersed in life. And the gallery owner lives with serious chronic pain & heart issues. (Our friend & my husband do as well.) Yet health issues and pain never came up! What a blessing.

On the way home, we talked about how uplifting the trip had been. We even made a side trip on the way home that in the past we would have passed up, saying "Maybe next time." For the first time in several trips, we arrived home energized by our travel instead of drained. We even unpacked and put nearly everything away instead of stepping around it for several days!

Over the past 2 years, I went through pain management therapy for multiple issues. I got off the couch and returned (ever so slowly) to regular, but modified, exercise and to my hobbies.
I still live with pain, some days are just awful, but overall I can say that, for me, attitude is everything.

I understand that not everyone can have the same experience, but here is a challenge for this week. Turn off the TV or radio, step away from the internet and find something - art, music, a hobby, a book - for even a few minutes a day - to forget about your pain & truly enjoy life. You may be amazed at how powerful the mind can be!

If you try this, let us know how it works for you/
.
Sue

@gcranor Congratulations on having such a positive outlook, and volunteering! I love that you say, "you find ways" to volunteer. That tells me it may not be easy, but you use moderation and modification to have your best outcome. Distraction is such a powerful tool. Don't you find it rewarding to help out?

And I have to touch on the fact that you also said, "without complaining about pain". That's a HUGE step in the right direction. Check the pain talk and pain behaviors at the door and free yourself to live a more deserving life. Kudos to you!

A wise man once told me:
"Identify self as human with interests and values,
not plagued by health issues."

Thanks for sharing how you cope with multiple chronic problems. You've motivated me today!

ME TOO WE GOT TO DO FOR US AND STAY POSITIVE Barb I no family left so its me on my own at 77 hectic but faith and hobbies and special people in your lide seem no one wants to help much unless its a arm and leg $$$ take care Barb