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]