It is not easy to smile through pain; it is easier to huddle inwards into a self-protective ball with the only external communication being negative. Lack of sleep and physical comfort are not conducive to coping with the stress of chronic pain. For me a few days pain (for I tell myself that is all this will be) may be a necessary evil to make me a better person, a kinder teacher and to make my smile strong enough to emerge through the clouds of pain. Or at least I hope so; from previous experience most negative situations may be pooh at the time but build mental muscles to help us cope in life. Pain, physical, mental and emotional are lessons in improving who we are. So heres to knowing that today may hurt but it will help improve my tomorrows! Even if my toes are slightly chipped I am trying not to let my smile be.
