Find a place inside where there’s joy, and the joy will burn out the pain.
Joseph Campbell
This is what I did the day before surgery. I curled up in bed, wishing for the impossible–that I didn’t have to surrender my body to the scalpel, that I could avoid pain, and I didn’t have to start on this path to healing. For a while, I let my mind spool through the useless cycle of “why me?” and “what did I do to deserve this?” And then, I decided to get out of bed and find joy. I still had many hours left in the day. How should I fill the hours? What would make me happy? Perhaps I could “store away” these moments of happiness and think of them in the days ahead.
Here’s what I did:
Eating Tom Yum soup at Chili Duck
Walking up the main staircase at the Boston Public Library
Visiting Sacco and Vanzetti at the Rare Books and Manuscripts Archive
Sitting in the sun in Copley Square
Enjoying a slice of chocolate cake at Papa Razzi, Newbury Street
Guess what? It worked.
I invite you to share moments of inspiration, joy, and insight that came to you during difficult times. In the weeks and months ahead I will post these “flashes” as I embark on a quest for healing. This may seem contradictory–to find happiness in adversity, but I believe that in moments of darkness we can find wisdom, understanding and opportunities for growth, which can give us great joy. William Shakespeare says it best:
“Sweet are the uses of adversity which, like the toad, ugly and venomous, wears yet a precious jewel in his head.”—William Shakespeare
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Categories: Sweet Adversity
P.A. Moed 
I hope you are well on the path down healing by now! This is great advice.
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Hi Angeline! Thanks so much! I’ve just started on the road to recovery, but it feels good to have the surgery behind me. I’m glad my advice was helpful!
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That’s my girl! Always digging down deep to find the courage to face adversity, and make chocolate pudding of it! Love you dear friend! I know and feel your pain, but you will prevail! Susan xoxo
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Hi Susan! I have learned so much from you, dear friend.
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p.s.
Love all the photos too!
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A are a very strong women and your photos are absolutely lovely. That chocolate cake looks very good
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Thanks so much, Rosa! The chocolate cake WAS delicious. I enjoyed every bite! As for being strong, I am trying my best. Thanks again!
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You have no choice but to succeed – defeat is not an option. You’re doing great.
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Spoken like a true warrior! I’m learning so much from you. Thanks for everything–your encouragement, advice, and support!
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