Life of Pi is one of my favorite books. It wasn’t just the story and the message. When I picked it up initially, I almost put it down because it wasn’t holding my interest. But I persisted. Several people I really trusted had recommended it. And my reward for staying with it was great. Yann Martel delivered big.
So I knew when I saw Ang Lee’s name attached to the film it had a really good shot at being magnificent. I wasn’t disappointed. Just beautiful in scope and message.
With all that has gone on this year and also pondering a piece I’d read in The New York Times Magazine about a little girl who literally feels no pain, a column formed. What a joy to write it.
Today’s Game Plan: What You Can Learn from Pain
I came across your column and agree. I haven’t seen the Pi movie, however, your comment about the “gift of pain” resonates with me. I had chronic migraine. The headaches really slowed me down. Forced me to do only truly-important things. I’ve had to miss some family dinners, parties, kid’s concerts, wall-painting, door-scrubbing, gift exchanges, etc. I simply couldn’t do them because I was overwhelmed with PAIN. The pain helped me in the long run. I still get migraine, much less however, but it’s when I begin to over-do it again. This “thorn-in-my-side pain”, is like my set-point. I can only do so much, and that’s fine with me. Pain and all. Life is more full, much more peaceful, and more enjoyable for me. I’m better at interacting with other people as I’m not a stressed-out, over-scheduled, busy “mess”. They receive less material gifts from me and when they come over to our home, it’s not as pretty as I’d like it to be, but that’s just fine. I think we all prefer it that way. Thank you, pain.~Michele
Michele, I love this story! What a message. And I’m so glad you were open to receiving it.
Thank you for sharing and taking the time to write.
Nancy
I guess I should also add, that I’ve learned to delegate things too. So, even though others in my life do more than they previously did as far as chores go, they’re fine and we’re all happier. It’s all good, pain and all!
Great column!
~Michele
The story just gets better and better 🙂
Nancy