When Pain 💥 Becomes My Plus-One

Chronic pain is the plus-one in my life that I never invited but somehow can’t get rid of. Mine shows up in ways that shift from day to day, sometimes quiet in the corner and sometimes front and center, stealing the whole show. Regardless of the type, one thing is the same: it is exhausting.

It isn’t just the pain itself — though that’s bad enough — it’s the way it drains me. A shower can feel like I climbed Everest. Making a meal? That’s an Olympic event. By the end of the day, I’m not just tired; I’m wiped out in a way that goes deeper than words.

And yet, no two days are the same. Some mornings I wake up and think, “Okay, I can work with this.” Other mornings, my body smirks and says, “Not today, sweetheart.” That unpredictability is brutal — but it also means there’s always a chance tomorrow will be different.

That’s the piece I hang onto: tomorrow could bring less pain, more movement, a breath that feels a little lighter. When I get those moments, I appreciate them fiercely. They aren’t perfect, but they remind me that even in the mess, there are sparks of relief worth noticing.

Chronic pain has taught me a lot about grit. It doesn’t mean I’m weak; if anything, it means I’m stubborn, strong, and maybe a little sassy — because I refuse to let pain be the only voice in the room.