The first day she posted to the Wellness Almanac instagram account, Shannon Story showed up early, pre-coffee, no make-up and promised she was going to keep it real and filter-free. And she delivered. The next day, she shared that, for 12 years, she has suffered from chronic pain. When she showed up like this, she gave permission for a lot of people in this community who have been suffering stoically, in silence, to say, me too! At least, they did share that with her, directly, personally. I wonder how many burdens we are carrying, alone, and how much lighter they could be if we were bold enough to share? I am so appreciative of Shannon. Also: coveting her t-shirt.

I often wake up in the morning and tell myself “This is the first day of the rest of my life”. For me, it signifies that today is a clean slate, where anything is possible and I have learned from my mistakes and failures and I can move on. Today, I felt this mantra more than ever.
For the last 12 years I have suffered from chronic pain. I went from a healthy, fit, adventurous young woman to, well, not quite that. Some days I feel like my old self and other days, I can’t get out of bed. I have had multiple surgeries, spent months in bed, tried every treatment available including some pretty wacky ones and yet the pain sticks to my body like cement.
Today, I started a six week long program at the Complex Pain Clinic at St. Paul’s Hospital. I have waited years to finally get in. For the next six weeks, I will have a team of doctors, psychologists, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists teaching me mechanisms to deal with the pain for the rest of my life. The interesting thing about pain, is that it doesn’t come from the injured part of your body. It comes from your brain. Your brain is trying to protect you and keep you alive. But for some people like me, it’s working way too hard and sabotaging my life.
The goal of this program is to provide me with the tools to manage the pain through things like mediation, mindful movement, energy management and tricking your brain out of feeling pain.
I’m feeling hopeful and nervous and excited. Please keep your fingers(and toes)crossed for me and I wish each and every one of you a pain free day!