Pain is isolating
Out of necessity, we cling to the comfort of our own food
Our own home, our own bed
To cope, protect, avoid, heal, rest, cry
To not spend precious energy on faking wellness
Our pain also necessitates support
As much as we can get
While we let go of relationships
We no longer have the energy to maintain
Nurturing those that support us in return
Remember that sometimes asking for what we need is hard
We will try to remember that we are worth it
Asking for help shows courage not weakness
[“Lonely Iceberg” by Jamie Ashforth: excerpt from Chronic Pain Has Many Faces 2016 Calendar available here]