No Pain No Gain

As I almost felt sorry for myself yesterday, back pain not having fully subsided, I had an epiphany. I was much more mobile than the day before (improvement) after a stretching session at the gym but I still had a few pangs of bitch ass pain electrify me when I sat for too long or got up too quickly. But then I started thinking about how I know it will get better and pass, it has to. Furthermore, what could better prepare me for what lies ahead (weighing 1000 lbs, labor, sleep deprivation) than some pain along the way? Who was I kidding when I thought I could casually pack on 20-30 lbs (so far..) in a few months and not have my reconstructed spine fight back? Well, then I went to see 127 Hours with my family and it gave me more perspective. My pain is nothing compared to what a human can endure. When I woke up at 5:55am with a violent charley horse, I did not feel sorry for myself or violent, I felt okay because my back is better. It is not normal, but better, and I am confident that in a few days I will be able to not have my back at the forefront of my thoughts.