When Pain Is Real — and Peace Is Chosen

The pain is real.

I don’t deny it. I don’t minimize it. My body lets me know what it’s carrying — clearly and often.

But what I’m learning… slowly, intentionally… is that I don’t have to live inside the pain all day.

Somewhere along the way, I realized I could still claim a good day — not because the pain disappeared, but because I found moments that made me smile. Small ones. Quiet ones. Real ones.

That’s probably why I love the experience of a hot cup of coffee so much.

The warmth in my hands.

That first deep breath.

That moment where I close my eyes — just for a second — and let my spirit soften.

No fixing.

No forcing.

Just being.

Coffee doesn’t take the pain away… but it gives me peace. And peace shifts my focus. It reminds me that even on achy days, there are moments worth claiming.

And sometimes, that’s enough to call it a good day.