And once the storm is over you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure, in fact, whether the storm is really over.
But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm you won’t be the same person who walked in.
That’s what the storm’s all about...
-- Haruki Murakami
Many of us who experience migraine again and again think about in in images. This picture captures the calm after the storm. The thunderclouds drift away and calm returns to the inner and outer landscape. It is a time for peace and creativity, regeneration and the search for life's possibilities.
Inevitably, for the episodic migraine sufferer, another storm will approach. The cycle of pain and suffering will repeat itself. The Migraine Independence Program will help you break the pattern of suffering. Rather than applying your mind to thoughts of the storms to come, you will be able to appreciate the calm waters above.
It has been a signature month, one full of joys for my family and me. It has also taught me lessons about dealing with migraines once again.
It began with the announcement from my older son that he was re-marrying. This event, which would mark his rebirth, would take place just outside New York City and within two weeks! We combined the trip from Toronto with a drop-in surprise at my son-in-law's 40th birthday party. It was a memorable weekend.
At the wedding, I abandoned all restraint and got caught up in the feverish dancing. I was determined to celebrate the fact of Richard's transformation into happiness, and I was thrilled that so many other family and friends felt the same about him and his new bride.
As a long-time migraine sufferer, I have a very good idea of my triggers. One of them is avoiding extremes of emotion. (Another is being on an airplane.) At some level, I was aware of these risks when I 'let go' at the wedding. I didn't indulge in forbidden foods or liquor - I did make a deliberate choice, a very human choice, at this life-changing event.
And later in that week, back home, I suffered the consequences. My head and my body had to re-adjust. I accepted the three-day migraine -- it was the quid pro quo for a transcendent evening.
This past weekend there was another celebration - my niece's batmitzvah. The culminating event was a kids' party at a venue featuring loud music and other noises. I wanted to be there to honor her and to be with family members who I don't see often enough. I enjoyed being with them, plus the speeches, plus witnessing the growth of teenagers and young adults who were once babies and children.
I knew the noise would resound with me later on, and sure enough today I had another migraine. I wish that I could enjoy weddings and similar events as much as others, but my noise sensitivity is too great.
This month my headache frequency has been greater than normal, but I made my choices beforehand, and I am at peace with them. Now it is time to re-cultivate that sense of calmness that is my true source of strength.
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