The old path has vanished under my feet and I am in a transitional phase. Previously, I was enjoying good health until the nerve pain in my feet began to spread up until it is now felt in my arms and upper body at night.

I am on a medication that helps the pain, building up to a dose that I can tolerate. Yes, I am going to try acupuncture and supplements as well. I cannot see a neurologist until the end of the month and the acupuncturist I chose is booked solid for the next three weeks. I spoke to him and said I would just wait until I had seen the neuro and then go see him.

In the meantime, my whole system is affected, my stomach bothering me at times and I am definitely emotional about the distress. Why? Because there is no cure, just different ways to try and ease the symptoms.

But this is my new path. The obstacles are the path, as that photo says. I can no longer take good health for granted. I will also need physical therapy for my shoulder pretty soon.

So where does the positive thinking come in? I don’t think it helps one bit. My approach is to study the Tao of surrender, letting myself feel all of the emotions that arise.

Life is complicated. Each one of us is undergoing a unique initiation into how to be one’s own best friend. There was a book written with that title, “How to Be One’s Own Best Friend.” It certainly applies to someone experiencing pain. If you have never had nerve pain, you have no idea how it disrupts your life.

My solution for now, as I said, is to take a drug that helps the nightly onslaught. It seems to be helping a lot. The rest of the day is for pleasure. I am going to “the bazaar” when it opens. I need to get out of the house as much as I can. Maybe I will eat lunch while I am out.

I took a walk in the cool morning air. I will be needing more regular exercise, but one step at a time. One foot in the front of the other. That is my new path as the obstacles are my teachers now.

Vicki Woodyard