One of my favourite quotes has, for many years, been “pain is inevitable, misery is optional”. It acknowledges that life has pain in it.

Pain that comes from broken relationships, hurtful words, honest mistakes – poor judgement. Sometimes hurt is delivered into our world by people who, for whatever reason, have thrown daggers!

The quote points us, me, to consider what we do with our pain. To hold on to it and to dwell on it is dangerous. In fact I would suggest it is self-destructive. Inner pain leads to resentment which leads to anger which leads to bitterness.

Bitterness leads to a hardened heart.

Freedom from misery leads to health.

What do you have?