by Don Laird, NCC, LPC
Life begins on the other side of despair.
~ Jean Paul Sartre
Suffering is a part of life. Sometimes it is a light rain, other times it is a sudden storm. Whether it comes through loss, illness, anxiety, or burnout, it can leave us feeling broken, frustrated, and lost. But there is hope – wellness is waiting on the other side of suffering.
Wellness doesn’t mean the absence of pain. It means learning to create a deeper relationship with ourselves because of it. It is not putting a positive spin on things, it is acknowledging that life is full of paradoxes. When we move through suffering, rather than around it, we often discover strength we didn’t know we had. We learn to listen more closely to our needs, our bodies, and our hearts.
Peace begins by coming home to the present moment, choosing to be on the path of the here and now rather than lost in regret (the past) or worry (the future). It means showing yourself the same grace and kindness you would offer to a friend, especially on the days when life feels out of reach.
It might begin with something small: a moment of mindful breathing or the courage to ask for help. Over time, those small acts build a foundation of healing and can lead to flourishing. Slowly, we begin to feel whole, not because we’ve eliminated the suffering, but because we’ve integrated it as a part of life itself.
Wellness isn’t a destination. It’s a practice. And sometimes, it’s only in the aftermath of the storm that we find the clarity, softness, and resilience that define true well-being. The journey is rarely easy, but it’s always worth it.
