Pain

I wrote this after watching “The Adam Project” last year. The pain we carry holds us down. An anchor in the ocean preventing us from moving forward. Roots and vines that twist around us. For what? The pain serves as a memory at times reminding us of the beauty we lost and at times reminding us of what we needed but never received. Often it isn’t until we are older that we become aware of the pain. Aware of the people who let us down, the failures, the hurts. Aware of the holes in our hearts or the aches in our bones.

But the pain, with its bruises and its scars is also a reminder of where we have been. A testament to the path we traveled and how far we have come along in our journey called life. It is a transcript of all we have experienced—the highs, the lows, the joys and the sadness. We cry when we love, we cry when we grieve, we cry when we are overcome with emotion..or exhaustion. The tears fall when we think there is nothing left.

But fear not, shedding the tears, the pain, the memories are all part of the process of cleansing our spirits so we may move forward, a bit lighter, a bit freer and a bit more encouraged. The depth of our pain helps us understand the magnitude of our joy and the vastness of our soul. The pain helps us connect with others in their hardship. It bonds us to each other. All the phenomenal movies show people coming together in the face of adversity, whether it be the Titanic or Armageddon or Avengers: Endgame. Adversity unites us all and allows us to bear witness to the greatness of humanity, the kindness of humanity and the love of humanity.

So be not afraid of the pain. Do not fear the tears, the ache in your chest. Embrace them, for it is then that our heart breaks open and allows the light to shine. The light that connects each and every one of us.