I had some pain recently. Nothing crazy, don’t get worried. As I dealt with it I told myself I have three options:

1. Tough it out and be macho.

2. Cry about it.

3. Embrace it. See it as a friction for something better.

I chose option 3, and it was a great choice.

Keeping the thought “eventually, it will all be over” was a remarkably calming tonic. I even focused on the pain and tried to imagine what might be causing it. I looked for words to describe it — that was fun. In a way, I danced with it.

Perspective.