Pain. It's what's on my mind this morning.

Not because I'm hurting. I'm not. Really, I'm not.

I am, instead, wanting to express my appreciation for pain.

Because, really, for a certain range of outcomes, pain is freakin' awesome.

Pain helps you establish limits. What better way to know when to stop than to have an emotionally or physically evocative reminder to do so?

Pain is a sign of loss. The loss of inhibitions. The loss of restraint. The loss of things that weighed you down. Loss, too, can be great.

Pain reminds you of the value of joy. What sweetness can we have in joy if there wasn't something to contrast?

I am through running from pain.

I no longer avoid; I embrace.

Bring on the pain, for only then can I know that I am living a life worth living.