I have an old friend who is making daily visits now. After two back surgeries and two new hips, Gabby, my chronic pain pal, is waking me up each morning and sometimes following me to work.
Back in an earlier day, chronic pain controlled much of my life. I’d try to hide from it or pretend it wasn’t there. I’d get depressed or anxious just thinking about all my pain. I felt sorry for myself.
Then Steve Hayes, a friend and gifted researcher, shared his work called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I didn’t understand everything Steve was talking about, but I think he advised me to quit hiding out from my pain and incorporate it into my daily life.
I called my pain Gabby. I took him for walks. I told him he wasn’t as tough as he claimed to be. I even made fun of Gabby when no one was watching. My life got better, even with Gabby tagging along.
Then, thanks to some gifted surgeons, Gabby took off for a while.
Gabby must have missed me, because he’s returned.
However, this time I’m ready for him. Just last night, I told Gabby he can never take a front row seat. He’s lost his clout as far as I’m concerned.