Why Pain is Good

The Catalyst for Growth and Appreciation

Saloni Bhatia
ILLUMINATION
4 min readOct 16, 2023

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Photo by Giulia Bertelli on Unsplash

Have you ever wondered why we feel pain, something we usually want to avoid? It’s a bit of a mystery, isn’t it? This got me thinking about a special incident with my grandma. My grandma had diabetes, and when she went to see the doctor, he told her something really important. He said, “Don’t walk without shoes!” It might sound a bit strange, but it’s because it keeps her safe. He explained,

“ Due to a condition called diabetic neuropathy, which reduces sensation in the feet, individuals with diabetes might not feel pain or notice injuries as promptly as those without the condition. This lack of pain awareness could potentially lead to them unknowingly sustaining injuries or wounds, which could result in severe consequences. “

The doctor’s counsel served as a stark reminder of how crucial it is to be able to feel pain.

You know, we usually think of pain as something bad, but it’s actually like a helpful alarm in our bodies. It’s a way our body tells us, “Hey, pay attention!”. Let me share some real stories and thoughts about how pain can actually be a big teacher and inspire gratitude for the simple joys of life.

The Wake-Up Call

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Let me tell you about something that happened to me. I used to work really hard in IT, giving it my all. Then, one day, my hands and arms started hurting a lot and feeling all tingly. It was like my body was telling me, “Hey, you need some help!” Turns out, I had something called cervical neck strain. That was a big signal for me to take a step back and think about what’s really important. It made me realize how crucial it is to take care of my posture while working. This experience was like a strong push towards finding balance and feeling content.

Gratitude Amidst Adversity

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Another compelling facet of pain is its ability to illuminate the beauty of ordinary, pain-free existence. I really love being able to talk and express myself. But there was a time when I got laryngitis, and it took away my voice for a while. It made me realize how much I missed being able to communicate easily. Suddenly, talking became this special thing I really cherished. This experience taught me to appreciate the simple gift of speech. It was like a gentle nudge, reminding me that the everyday things we take for granted are actually super important and precious.

The Impermanence of Pain

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I want to tell you about a tough time I went through. There was this period where I felt really worried and anxious, and it felt like it would never end. But you know what? With time, things started to get better. Even the most intense feelings of anxiety slowly started to fade away. This experience taught me to really value those moments when I felt happy and peaceful. It was like a big reminder that tough times and emotional pain don’t last forever. Brighter days are ahead, no matter how tough things seem at the moment.

Fear and Pain as Compasses

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Fear and pain, though daunting adversaries, serve as invaluable guides in navigating the complex terrain of life. You see, I really don’t like the idea of being stuck in a job that doesn’t make me happy. So, I’ve actually changed jobs three times in a single year! That fear of feeling stuck motivated me to carefully think through my options, plan my career moves, and adjust my strategies. This healthy dose of fear acted as a compass, steering me towards informed decisions and ultimately, success. Pain, in this context, becomes a teacher, imparting the wisdom that taking calculated risks and displaying persistence are fundamental in achieving career progression and fulfillment.

Conclusion

Pain is not something to be scared of, but rather, it’s like a messenger that brings opportunities for growth and understanding. In my own life, I’ve seen how pain can be a real game-changer.

It’s like a wake-up call from being too comfortable, making me appreciate even the simple, everyday things. And you know what else? It’s a reminder that tough times don’t last forever. When we embrace fear and pain as natural parts of life, they can actually be super powerful motivators for becoming our best selves.

If we try to ignore or run from pain, we might end up missing out on some really valuable lessons. So, let’s welcome it as a way to shake things up and make our lives even richer and more meaningful. Embracing pain might just open up doors we never even knew were there!

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Saloni Bhatia
ILLUMINATION

A software developer passionate about React Native, JS, and personal development.