I made a very beneficial discovery recently.  I had been suffering for a while from pain in my neck.  I knew it was due to stress, but I began to notice that it hurt especially bad when I would lean on my elbow on the desk at work.  This was something I was doing unconsciously.  Since then I have been paying attention and catching myself so I could stop propping on my elbow.  Guess what!  The pain is greatly reduced and near gone.

This reminded me of a similar situation in the past.  I was trying to recall how I had injured my left ankle because it hurt badly to stand on it.  One day as I was driving, I felt the sharp pain.  That is when I realized that I was turning my foot in an awkward position when I drove.  I stopped doing that and the pain ended.

I have been causing my own pain!

Then I started wondering what other unnecessary pain I may be causing for myself.  Am I allowing myself to think about things that cause pain?  Am I giving in to situations I could prevent without realizing it?  Am I “wearing my feelings on my shoulder” so they can be easily hurt?  Am I overreacting to the actions of others?

I encourage you to take an honest look at yourself.  Where are you hurting?  Is it possible that your behavior is causing this pain?  If so, make the necessary changes now so you can live! . . . your life to the fullest.