When I think about the different angles of chronic pain, then write about them, it is easy to allow my facial expression to change-and it isn't handsome. A lot like the face of a Giant Groper fish. Google this fish-you'll see what I mean. It is a short step from being thankful for my blessings to being overcome by the long term effects of chronically painful conditions.  

It helps me to make lists of what is good and not-so-good in my life. There is a trap with this.  It is not unusual for the Good List to be shorter than the Not-So-Good List. Especially if pain is intense and chronic.  Entries in my Good List are there by weight of value and importance. Not by the length of the list. This list will always show more people than places or possessions.  My Not-So-Good List will always show all the causes and results of my pain and suffering.  And precious little else.  

I am not making light of my health issues, nor of anyone else's. I just find by spending time being thankful for my Good List, somehow I receive a quiet dignity to help me cope with what is on my Not-So-Good list. Perhaps it's because I can only focus on one thing at a time.  Even in the middle of my chronic pain, when I give time to my Good List, I can't focus on the other one.  I wonder if this works for anyone else.