Being forced to look at life through a peep hole is petrifying, and that is exactly what chronic pain and illness does. It isolates, dominates and threatens the things all human beings hold dear. Chronic pain and illness is a bully with a ravenous appetite for creating mayhem in one’s life. Anguishing physical and emotional pain is often overlooked. After all, “the person doesn’t look sick.” From the outside pain isn’t visible, but from the inside, it is an unwanted intruder to the person experienced it. It is a thief of goals and dreams, finances and socialization. Finding balance and avoiding isolation when struggling with chronic pain is difficult. But, this book bursts from its bindings a metaphor for the reader to break free from the shackles it imposes. The authors expose their readers to infinite possibilities for viewing life through a door wide open to a landscape of honor and hope. Using their expertise as RN, educator, and clinical psychologist, the authors guide their readers through the physical and mental chaos.
Celeste Cooper is a retired RN, educator, paralegal adviser, and caregiver. Her connection to the variety of people, including fellow patients, colleagues, advocates, and readers has allowed her to live out her desire to help others and has shown her to the resilience of humankind. She is a blogger, an advocate, an expert on fibromyalgia at Sharecare, and she participates in the Pain Action Alliance to Implement a National Strategy created to assist in the implementation of the Institute of Medicine report "Relieving Pain in America..." She is lead author of the 434-page book Integrative Therapies for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Myofascial Pain: The Mind-Body Connection, and this Broken Body, Wounded Spirit: Balancing the See-Saw of Chronic Pain series. She lovingly embraces the endless possibilities writing provides.
Co-author Jeff Miller values the opportunity to help his clients living with chronic pain and illness cope. He uses a variety of techniques, proactive gifts, and skills from areas of strength adapted to areas of challenge. Jeff's interest in chronic illness has become a sub-specialty, blending his pragmatic counseling with the individual's spiritual perspective. Jeff's goal for his life/work is to reduce suffering and help others live to their true potential. Jeff's mantra is, "If you want courage as your companion, do it now, do it even though you judge that courage insufficient because it is a diminishing thing, like water held in your palms. You will never be this brave again until the next time you face this. Then you will see (as you have seen) the smallest action is mightier than the noblest intention." He is grateful above all for the trust of thousands of people in pain and for the nourishing unconditional love of his family. Jeff gratefully acknowledges the guidance of many colleagues, especially his first boss who taught him which end of the horse he did not want to be.
