Good Days and Bad Days

It’s easy to fall into the habit of labeling our days as either “good” or “bad” based on whether we experience a flare or heightened sensations. We might even track them, fixating on the number of good versus bad days as a measure of our overall well-being. But when we label a day as “bad,” we unintentionally reinforce the idea that pain equals danger, fueling the pain fear cycle. This mindset can also cause us to overlook or dismiss anything positive that might happen during the day.

Pain does not have to define the quality of our day. In fact, can you recall a time when you had a meaningful or enjoyable experience even though pain was present? Chances are, yes. When we choose to participate in activities despite discomfort and shift our focus to what we enjoy about the experience, we teach our brain that we are safe. This approach can reduce the emotional burden of pain, create moments of joy, and foster a sense of empowerment.

So the next time you feel the urge to cancel an activity due to your symptoms, ask yourself:

What if I did it anyway?
What choice aligns more with my values?
Is it possible to enjoy myself, even with some discomfort?

This may feel challenging at first, but the outcome might surprise you. Many people find their pain fades into the background when they’re engaged in something meaningful, while others notice that even if pain is still present, they’re glad they participated. Each time you move forward with something you love, you build evidence that pain doesn’t have to control your life and that you're capable of doing more in the future.

JOURNAL PROMPT

Can you think of a time you had fun despite the pain?

What is one thing you can say yes to that you would normally let the pain be an excuse to not go?

Good Days and Bad Days.

Good Days and Bad Days