I'm Not a Masochist, BUT...
Pain makes me a better version of myself
Good Afternoon!
As the subject line of this email suggests, today’s newsletter is about pain—which is also why it’s an afternoon edition, rather than a morning edition. I hurt my lower back yesterday and took a number of muscle relaxers to help with not vomiting every time I stand up. Needless to say, the muscle relaxers did not help with task scheduling and completion.
With that being said, here’s today’s edition!
Morning Microdose: I’m Not a Masochist, BUT…
Myth of the Day: Pain is weakness leaving the body.
Action Item: Do you consider pain a gift or a curse?
(1) Afternoon Microdose
I’m Not a Masochist, BUT…
I tend to injure myself every three months or so.
Last year was an exception since I tore the meniscus in my right knee in mid-August, had knee surgery in December, followed by three months of physical therapy with the best PT in Los Angeles (shout out 🏃 Ashley in Burbank 🕺).
I’ve discovered that the formula behind my injuries is:
I’m a very active person +
I move quickly +
I get lost in my thoughts and am frequently unfocused on the present moment
That’s what caused yesterday’s lower back injury. I usually pick up heavy dumbells with two hands to move them, but my mind wasn’t present, so I picked up an 85-lb dumbbell with my left hand and pivoted too quickly, awkwardly straining the left side of my body.
I’ll be better in a few days—but presently, the suffering is real. And yet, I don’t mind the pain because it serves four purposes:
Reminds me to be present
Reminds me that I’m not invincible
Reminds me not to fear it
Reminds me that pain and suffering are good reminders 😉
Being present
Being mentally present in life is essential self-care. When you are fully engaged with the present moment, you’re able to savor the small things in life, appreciate your surroundings, and connect more deeply with the people around you.
Additionally, being mentally present can help reduce stress and anxiety, as you are less likely to dwell on the past or worry about the future when you focus on the here and now.
Being vincible (is that a word?)
Ok, ok, I know that’s not a word, but the English language is so f*cking weird (e.g. invalidate/validate, indisposable/disposable, invisible/visible…).
Recognize that you're not invincible in life. Doing so can help you:
Avoid unnecessarily risky behaviors like golfing during a lightning storm, driving without a seatbelt, etc.
Prioritize self-care
Foster humility
Encourage seeking help
No one person has all the answers or can do everything alone. Accepting this fact can push you to seek out support from others when you need it, which can lead to overcoming challenges and achieving your goals more effectively. Be mindful of your limits and take care of yourself. Remember, it's okay to ask for help when you need it.
Being unafraid
Pain is unavoidable in life, but it can be an opportunity for growth and transformation. Embracing pain as a teacher can help you can develop resilience, empathy, and perseverance.
When you experience pain, you have the chance to reflect on what you’re feeling and why you're feeling it. This reflection can help you identify areas of your life that need attention (i.e. red flags). When you go through difficult times, you learn how to cope with adversity and come out stronger on the other side.
Meaning and purpose in pain
I share these insights with you, not as a masochist, but as someone who has found meaning and purpose in his injuries. I encourage you to embrace the present, acknowledge your vulnerability, and view pain as a catalyst for growth.
Remember, you have the power to transform difficult experiences into opportunities for self-improvement. Use that power to transform adversity into your own personal triumphs.
(2) Myth of the Day
Pain is weakness leaving the body.
This quote is often attributed to the US Marine Corps, specifically to their training programs. It’s used to convey the idea that enduring physical pain and pushing through challenging situations can help build mental and physical strength, ultimately eliminating weakness.
As someone who had a debilitating knee injury that required surgery, the quote doesn’t resonate with me. Although not as alpha for a tshirt, it’s more accurate (in my opinion) to say:
Pain is the body’s reminder that something inside you is weak.
In this case, it was my stabilizer muscles and balance in the context of trail running. And that pain was a red flag that I needed support and help from the medical community. Keep this in mind the next time you think about perceived “weakness.” Pushing yourself through pain might not always be the answer.
(3) Action Item
Ask yourself, “Do I consider pain a gift or a curse?” Did you learn anything from the last time you suffered an injury? Or, the last time you went through something emotionally painful?
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