It’s pretty natural to feel annoyed at the things that limit us. I’m sure that everyone is familiar with the frustration (whether temporary or more long-term) of a painful part of the body that keeps us from doing what we love, or simply saps the zest out of life by aching at us all the damn time. Right?

These feelings of annoyance and frustration can be a problem, though, particularly when your pain condition is chronic. Not only can they set a grumpy tone to your days, but if you happen to habitually tighten up instead of relaxing into the pain, you might even be making yourself hurt worse!

So, whenever I find myself making that well-worn journey down the “stupid neck, why does it have to hurt again, I was just trying to do (whatever it is)” I try hard to stop a moment and change that inner dialogue a little. I try to find compassion for my ailing body, which after all, is doing its best for me. I try to be a friend to my body, even–or especially–when it is in pain. I don’t always succeed, of course. But it’s worth the effort.