Sometimes pain drives us to hide
from experiences that present possibilities for more pain
And other times, it helps steel our will
Stake a claim on creating a new vessel to
Live in.
Like a hermit crab, maybe it’s time to climb into a
New shell
Maybe forge one from fire;
My shell is changing
My flesh has reduced and my muscles are rising
Some of this is the consequence of sadness or
feelings of worry and despair, combined with work and determination after long pauses
I plan on making feelings of worry, fear, and despair my allies.
Even if empathic, they can be useful.
It occurred to me today that I don’t need to be useful to the world.
But that I would stake my claim of my place in this world by virtue of the fact that I AM living.
I will let pain drive me to new discoveries,
Relationships, and acceptance.
I will allow this transformation.
Fiesta Estrellas 
I admire your courage and openness in facing your pain and health challenges Ka. May you find some peace and healing.
Thank you, Brad! Sometimes the only choice we have is to literally go along with it and create a new form to live in.
Surrender is extremely painful, but is also a sacred and powerful space of transformation. I can feel a sense of strength and resilience rise in you through these words Ka! Your ancestors would be proud of you. You def have the courage to transform and heal 🙏🏻💚💕
You are an amazingly courageous lady and you will forge strength from this.
Allowance is a brave place to be, all the best!✌
Your writing is stunning, your journey so courageous and beautiful in all its tenderness. Much Love to you my friend, you have been in my thoughts 💛
I believe you are on the brink of something powerful here. The paradoxical making friends with your feelings of worry, fear, and despair, and acceptance will move your forward in the healing process. I remember having a chronic pain issue that I read had no cure. It was after I accepted the situation and sent love, love, and more love to that part of my body, that I got better. Sending warm thoughts and healing energy to you. ❤
A powerful poem, Ka. Pain offers an opportunity for growth on some level. If we can’t avoid it, then we can learn from it and hopefully come out stronger on the other side. ❤
Your lines here remind me of how we often try to resist change because of the discomfort accompanying it. Your words ring deep, Ka. Lovely.