There was a time when whenever I had any aches or pains in my body, I would go take some ibuprofen. I’m hesitant to do that now because I know that’s not the only solution, and it’s not good for your body to take a lot of ibuprofen. One time I dislocated my thumb during a football game in college and the doctor gave me an injection to make it numb. I was back in the game like nothing happened. My thumb was wrapped up, but it was still in a precarious position, so once that numbing wore off, I was in even more pain. I caused even more damaged by continuing to play as if nothing was wrong with my thumb. I would have played differently and protected my thumb differently if I could’ve felt the pain.
Sometimes it’s good to embrace the pain. Pain can often be a signal that something is not right, and it can help us to identify and address the underlying issue. In medicine, pain can be an important indicator of a patient’s condition, and it can help doctors to diagnose and treat the problem. In real life, pain can also help us to learn from our mistakes, make adjustments, and develop resilience. While pain can be difficult to endure, it can ultimately lead to personal growth and a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
We can’t always resort to drugs to get over the pain. Whether it’s over-the-counter drugs, prescription, or street drugs. Maybe you don’t use drugs to get over the pain and have some other type of vice, like food, sex, alcohol, anything. Those things may feel helpful in the moment, but when that numbness wears off, you might have done even more damage, and be in even more pain, like how my thumb was.
Embrace the pain. Feel it. Learn from it. Adjust, and grow.
FLY, BLACK BOY 