Distracting Ourselves From the Pain

I love to read anyway, so now I read whenever I can. On nights I can't sleep at all, I will read all night. Reading has always been an escape for me even as a teenager. I also love cross-stitching, and decrotive painting. When it's really bad and I'm having break through pain, I have to read. It's the only thing I can get lost in.

Awesome input Karen!!  You are so right, just because we live with pain doesn't mean our lives still can't have passion and richness.  I hope others will contribute to the question I posted.  The more we dialogue, the more we realize that there IS hope.  Life is a gift to be cherished and spent with purpose.  Saraboo

I love to hike. No matter how bad the pain is that day. I focus on every step of the trail, nearby plants and wildlife.I forget to think about the pain. Its way back in my mind.........so far back its forgoten even for a short time.

I have found, too, that sometimes, stopping and just counting to ten can distract me just enough to get me past that one bad moment.  I just realized, when I was reading your post, that I, too, leave the TV on when I am lying in bed.  I never realized why I did it, just that I did.  Thanks for pointing that out to me Karen.    I also know, from experience, that just moving keeps some of the pain at bay, for me.  My fibro is so bad some days, it hurts to even try to get out of bed, but I know that once I get moving, life will get better.  Somedays, better than others, but still better than staying in bed.

May all who read this, find some sort of distraction that works for them, to make life a little bit lighter.

The very best is through roleplaying games with my life partner, Sam. Most people have heard of Dungeons & Dragons, and that's similar to what we play, but we don't really use any dice or figures or books any more. It's just the two of us and our imaginations, creating stories. That's the furthest I'm able to get from the pain, ever.

He works, and of course, we can't play all the time, even when he isn't working. So I also read a lot of fiction. I've started reading more ebooks lately, and love how easily I can carry around lots and lots of books in my PDA without the least bit of strain.

I watch some television, far more than I used to, although not on an actual TV as we don't bother with cable. There's just not near enough of the shows I love the most, because they go and cancel them (like Firefly). Still, between Castle, Lie to Me, NCIS, The Mentalist, Criminal Minds, and Numb3rs, it's a distraction for a few hours a week.

Love this one....

I seem to be my own worst enemy on occasion. With thoughs of 'what's the point?' 'I'll just ruin it for the rest of the family' stinking thinking like that. These thoughts usually occur when an outdoor adventure is planned. Just getting beyond the negativity and doing it helps me. I am always glad I at least made the effort.

My new favorite thing to do is search this site!! I am forever greatful to all in the community.

I,too, enjoy reading and am a t.v. junkie.

One of my greatest joys are my dogs, though. Something about animals and how much they unconditionally give. There was a time, not so long ago, when I had a decent period in my illness and was able to start a dog obedience business. Although short lived, due to inability to commit to clients. I still have a German Shepherd breeder that I work with and this gives me such joy.

When all else fails, helping another, as Karen mentioned. Anything that gets me outside of myself offers me the chance to, if at least for a brief time, forget myself and my own pain.

Loads of great new suggestions.

Light and Laughter,Kerri

I have always been interested in genealogy.  Since I now live in chronic pain, I can use my laptop in my most comfortable chair where I don't have to subject myself to more pain.  It usually takes me getting involved with the mystery of locating the relatives, and time passes and my pain seems to pass as I get involved in finding the answers.  On the few days that I am able to get out during the year , my husband will take me to the library or court house.  I do have to take extra pain meds to be able to make the trip.  I locate extra information to help between my trips and I also subscribe to several on-line genealogy groups that help people as well as sites that house records.  I don't spend money on anything else so I don't feel guilty on the small amount that I spend for my memberships and many are free sites as well.  I get a sense of accomplishment of getting past " brick walls" within my family.  I've also done work for friends as well, and this makes me feel that I'm not completely useless.  It helps to keep my brain active.  Many times I have " foggy days", but I try and just do simple things on those days. I can try and just record information that I've researched. I also do Bible study, and it helps to keep me encouraged sometimes when the depression seems so overwhelming.

I turn to my camera to take me away from the pain.  It helps me see outside the prison of pain and see the world around me is so alive, beautiful and precious.  It reinds me to stop and smell the roses so to speak.  I carry my camera ith me everywhere I go and it helps me stay sane.  It's my best friend and companion without fail.  It never judges or turns me aside when I need a little solitude and serenity.  I get lost in it like falling thru the lens into another reality where pain doesn't rule all.  It's like Alice down the rabbit hole.  It helps me feel capable and improves my self-worth when life has thrown into my path a daily struggle of pain, hopelessness and helplessness.  When all else devalues me it builds me up and reminds me that while it will never go away and life has gotten unbearable there is still beauty and life to be had.