✨ How We Carry Pain: A Waiting Room Observation

A Reflection from the Front Desk

Yesterday at work, I found myself looking a little closer than usual—really seeing the women who came through our clinic.

Some were my age, maybe a bit younger.

And yet… many looked worn down.

Tired in the eyes. Weary in the body. Silent in the spirit.

Others—some well into their 70s or even 80s—had this radiance about them. Smooth skin. Calm energy. Beautiful presence. Poised. Still proud of who they are, even in discomfort. I couldn’t help but wonder:

What made the difference?

They were all there to see Dr. D or Dr. O—so every single one of them was living with pain.

Physical pain.

And possibly emotional pain, too.

But the way they carried it—that’s what struck me.

🌿 Pain Is Universal—But How We Carry It Is Not

Some of these women had clearly been through so much. You could see it in their posture, their eyes, even in the way they sighed when they sat down. But others had learned to carry their pain differently—not with shame or defeat, but with quiet strength.

And I realized: our pain doesn’t define us—but it does leave footprints.

In our faces.

In our movements.

In the energy we give off, even when we say nothing at all.

🧠 The Nervous System Doesn’t Lie

Working in a spine clinic, I’ve learned just how much the nervous system affects everything—from mobility and digestion to how we age. Chronic stress can wear a person down long before time does. When you carry fear, grief, or resentment for too long… it shows up on the outside.

But so does peace.

The women who walked in glowing—despite their diagnoses—may have found something others hadn’t:

A spiritual practice A deep breath ritual Laughter Grace Or simply, the wisdom of letting go

I don’t know their stories… but I could feel the difference.

💛 So I Ask…

How do you carry your pain?

Do you allow it to shape you… or do you shape around it?

Do you silence your glow, or do you still let yourself shine—softly, bravely, imperfectly?

Aging and illness may not be a choice.

But how we show up in the midst of it—that often is.

Yesterday reminded me that beauty is more than skin deep.

It’s peace-deep.

And every now and then, I’m blessed to witness it walk through our doors.

Be Good To Yourself At

All Stages of Life