A word that comes up for many people is gratitude. Gratitude can change you and your experience of pain. I’ve seen this happen with the chronic pain patients I’ve worked with. They embrace their situation and give thanks for the opportunity to realize what is important in their lives. Being grateful opens you up to grace or being in a state of grace. Gratitude also allows you to recognize that there is goodness in your life and that this goodness is often due to the actions of others — friends, family, doctors and their staff.

The word “grace” is often used as a divine expression — for example, the grace of God. Grace is also an elegance of action, such as walking with grace. And it can mean that we are a part of something deep and powerful and sustaining. Gratitude is a catalyst, then grace responds.