Being able to walk pain-free is a blessing.
Being able to walk without showing pain is a skill.
– Kylie McPherson

A happy life is not one devoid of pain, as pain is inevitable. Pain is part of the many strings that make up life; so rejecting pain is rejecting life itself. Pain could arise from the many vicissitudes of life such as joblessness, poor finances, job loss, childlessness, sickness, chronic disease, toxic relationships, and other unpalatable conditions.

Many persons experience varying degrees of pain. Pain as a result of severe medical conditions or a long-standing ailment that gets worse over time instills great fear in the persons affected. When pain becomes persistent, it is capable of causing distress (mental or physical) and an impairment. This could affect one’s relationships, finances, and even the quality of life one lives. So, what should one do during the moments of pain? Should you feel sad always, wear a long face, be aggressive, be pessimistic, or be optimistic; believing that you can still live life in the most meaningful way, and make your mark despite the pains? 

Recently, the world went into shock at the death of Chadwick Boseman- a phenomenal American actor best known for his super heroic character as King T’challa in ‘Black Panther’. In 2016, he was diagnosed with a stage three colon cancer which he kept secret from the public, till his death. However, between 2016 and the time of his death in 2020, he starred in three movies- ‘Black Panther’, ’21 Bridges’ and ‘Da 5 Bloods’ which is yet to be released. His display of his characters in these movies was flawless. It is amazing how he showed great strength in blessing the world with his gift despite the pains he was going through. He did not allow his pain to becloud his future. He continued to be involved in charitable works that made impactful contribution to humanity, particularly the black race. He was able to influence his world even within the short time he spent on earth.

Pain is usually not appreciated, but it is an absolute necessity. Pain is a sure way to discover how strong you really are. Experiencing pain births patience, endurance, and perseverance even in the most difficult conditions. Pain matures you and enables you to see the world differently. It reminds you of the more important things of life- God, family, love and hope.

Soaring beyond your pains imply that there is a hero in you, but you must dig deep to discover where your strength lies. You have the mental capacity to embrace your pain, learn from it, and turn it into a golden opportunity to impact lives. A bright future is ahead of you, and you can walk through it even in that painful and discomfiting condition. You can soar beyond your pain. 

Barr. Emem Onyejelam