Recently, I was asked to visit a person who, according to my source, was laying in bed for days at a time feeling depressed. Hopefully, the fact that I could do the same thing because of all my challenges, but I don't, would provide this person with the miracle healing they needed to get moving. I agreed, feeling in my heart that this person would need more than I could give, but visited any way.
        I was welcomed by an apparently 'normal' person. They spoke intelligently, seemed to maintain good personal hygiene, the apartment was clean and orderly. It was a comfortable visit with a 'nice guy'. As we discussed our lives and circumstances, there was one short statement that I heard many times; "I can't".
        Me: Have you tried this?
        Them: I can't because...
        Me: Have you considered that?
        Them: I can't because...
This person does have some physical challenges, but, has all the medical support at their disposal. They are receiving medications for their depression and pain. They are getting counseling. The only piece missing is an "I'll  try".
        With one small 'I'LL TRY', this person's world could start to change. All the positive sayings, slogans and people in the world will not make that change; it's up to each one of us to do it for ourselves. Depression, the blues, melancholy; all these can be improved by an 'I'll try'.

        Our 3.5 year old grandson spent the weekend in our home. It is just amazing to watch his  body work. He never thinks how to move or concerns himself  with balance; he just goes and everything works as it was designed. How awesome are bodies are!
        Even when we have challenges due to a physical problem, we have the ability to compensate for loss or changes. Couple that with desire, determination and perseverance, our body / brain combination can accomplish great things. 
        In spite of loss, difficulty and challenge, we have been blessed to have such a great Creator design our bodies. Remember to say thank you [sorry, still in grandpa mode; say please and thank you].

        I have had a number of discussions recently with people about chronic pain. Now, I realize that part of this is due to the age of my peer group [50+]. That itself sends up the first flag. As we age, those gremlins work their way in and begin to hammer, drill, poke and  prod. Lots of parts just start to hurt. Probably due in part to how poorly we treated ourselves when it didn't matter; partly due to our bodies deteriorating due to age.
        We know it's gonna happen. So, the second flag raised is what to do about it? We know that prescription pain drugs are given out like jelly beans at Easter. Do people realize that they just mask the pain and do nothing to get to the cause? Of course, for many of these chronic pain ailments, there is no fix. If that's the case, dosage of the medication is important. If you have serious pain and take enough medication to feel no pain, you're probably drooling on your toes and can't remember your name. These drugs should be used at a level where you have pain but can still function, [take the edge off].
        True, intense chronic pain does push people to do anything to feel better. Surgery, drugs, pain programs, chiropractors, acupuncture, electrical stimulation, aromatherapy, ice packs, heat wraps, etc. My first experience with chronic pain was during a discussion with a co-worker. Her husband committed suicide because he couldn't take it any longer. That seemed extreme until I experienced true, intense chronic pain. I understood after that.