I live in California so I know a thing or two about saccharin and woo-woo,…
Pain in the Neck!
September 8, 2022
Apparently, I have an extra set of tiny ribs sticking out of the side of my neck. I find this fun fact somewhat disgusting. Creepy. I kinda wanna hurl a little when I think about it.
I found out about these dangly little nubs because I had my neck x-rayed to discover why I’ve been in so much pain. After about 2 hours of being vertical, I have to lie flat on my back with an ice pack and Lamaz-style breathing to chase the pain away. The timing is ridiculous. I have THINGS TO DO people! Important things that mean the world to me! Like writing this blog for My Happier Mind.
My doc says that I may need to get an epidural to ease the pain. An EPIDURAL? Like what you get in childbirth? Honey, I’ve been there done that with the birth my two boys! I mean, seriously, my kids have JUST LEFT. I am just starting my new life without them at home. Are you trying to tell me that the beginning of every new life, even a symbolic beginning of a recent empty-nesting mom, requires lots of pain and an EPIDURAL?????!!!
What the What???!!!!! Is the universe trying to tell me something? Is there a Cue Card for this?
Louise Hay, author and motivational speaker, believed that physical pain was a manifestation of negative emotional patterns. I find this approach both magical and questionable. Both helpful and infuriating. I looked up what Pain in the Neck means according to her and it’s got to do with inflexibility. Not seeing another person’s point of view. Really????!!!! I don’t know about that…..
I guess here’s what I do know:
- There’s a solution even though I may not have hit upon it yet.
- There are people who are qualified to help and want to help me overcome this pain.
- I am not alone. Other people have suffered pinched nerves, bulging discs. Even one out of every 200 people has dangly nubby ribs sticking out of the side of their neck! No, not alone.
And these things give me comfort even in the midst of anguish.
I say all this to remind myself and others that the same goes for mental pain – for hopelessness, confusion, fear, sadness, grief, panic…..
- There’s a solution even though you may not have hit upon it yet.
- There are people who are qualified to help and want to help you overcome this pain.
- You are not alone. Other people have suffered something similar, not matter how odd/freaky/scared you may feel. No, not alone.
Reach out.
Sending love,
Anh