Dear Rose # 59- Tired, Old, and in Pain: The Unmasked Reality of Chronic Strain

Rose is an amalgam of us - women in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond who are looking for somewhere they are seen, heard and listened to.

Dear Rose,

I’m lying in bed with a heat pack on each shoulder. I have the beginnings of bursitis in them. I’m just so tired of my painful body.

Earlier today, I was washing my hands and caught sight of my rapidly growing grey roots in the mirror and had a quick thought: “Gosh, you’re looking old, Em.”

This afternoon, I was chatting with some colleagues and said, ”I’m just so exhausted.” I hated how this sounded, but the truth is, right now, I feel tired, old, and in pain. I honestly can’t spin it into a teachable moment or an inspirational quote. I feel tired, old, and in pain.

Pretty soon, the ibuprofen will kick in. I’ll teach a beautiful yoga class, my body will feel alive, and I’ll sleep and wake up refreshed (fingers crossed). But for now, I feel tired, old, and in pain.

Love, Em xx