Pain is purposeful! So, there’s no reason to try to ignore it or run from it. In fact, when we understand pain, it often carries learning opportunities that will last a life time. It teaches us that we have the power of choice. And this power of choice enables us to accomplish things that may have seemed to be impossible. 

Pain leads to a meaningful life that forces us to grow stronger, so it should not be surprising that pain and growth are related. And even more important, as we transcend our personal limits, our thoughts form a process of mastery of self over our depth of understanding and insight. In this manner, as we learn to convert the pain into depth and insight, we become the determining factor in our success. And in this amazing process, pain helps us to define ourselves in a manner that makes it possible for us to discover that we are capable of managing things in a way that may have been beyond our previous hopes and dreams.  

Literally, pain teaches us that since we have the power of choice, we can accomplish the challenges of life that may have seemed to have been beyond our abilities. We get to decide to stay the course, or change it, simply because we want the confidence that goes with making new choices.  

Pain further enables us to define ourselves in ways that lead to insights and dreams that previously may have seemed to be impossible. Pain forces us to refine and strengthen our commitment to our journey. It prepares us for something greater.

Pain can lead to affecting our lives in ways that were beyond our full understanding, which results in preparing us to rise above our fears and uncertainties.  

The message of these lessons seems to be clear, for our abilities affect not only our own personal lives, but they directly impact our capacity to develop empathy and sensitivity. 

Pain prepares us to develop in all areas of life, but especially in the areas of empathy, and compassion for those around us.  

And finally, the all-inclusive message of pain for each of us is very simple. Be fearless! Face your fears, and grow beyond them.    

John Waterbury is a retired Clinical Mental Health Counselor who has lived in Utah since 1984 when he moved to Bountiful with his wife and four children. Since then, he has written a weekly column for several years for the Davis County Clipper titled “The Dear John Letters” which was also used throughout the intermountain West focusing on addiction and mental health problems. This new column will focus on mental health and life management issues.