I know what you might be thinking. How can this pain I’m experiencing right now become strength? Pain can feel so dark, overwhelming, and never-ending. Whether it’s a broken heart, the death of a loved one, a diagnosis that takes our breath away, or the weight of a world gone awry, pain is real and it changes us. But that is the key to it all. Pain isn’t the end; it’s our chance to transform like the caterpillar into the butterfly. We can feel trapped by pain and unable to move at all, but given time and support we wiggle our way into a whole new existence. Pain gives us wings and the ability to soar through new situations with a grace we didn’t have before. Our pain makes us unique, beautiful, and blessed with the ability to support others through their own pain until they too have their wings. 

Sarah Deats
Sarah Deats is a Behavioral Health Technician at RI International and the Hope Inc. Stories Inspiration Engineer.