PSS Global Community Update and way overdue...

Happy to share some current #PSS global community stats:

159 different countries all over the world and 50/52 USA states represented on this global blog
3500+ connections on LinkedIn Profile
1600+ professional members on LinkedIn Group
12,000+ followers on main twitter @painspeaks

9600+ followers on Google+

2500+ followers on Instagram
3000+ likes on PSS facebook page
3 blogs followed by over 100,000 pain brothers and pain sisters worldwide

Lots of changes with social media over the last few years and we have continued to grow despite learning curve for many worldwide. We grow stronger together as we unite and our community grows daily.

My family responsibilities have been great over the last 2 years and so my online work has taken a backseat. I am excited about where we go from here. My book is still in the process and has proven to be a catalyst for lots of personal growth which is never simple or easy, however way worth it.

Most of you know I have a hubby and 2 kids. Jason and I celebrated 22 years of marriage on Valentine's Day 2015 right before he required emergency gall bladder removal surgery. This had me as caregiver for several months in the Spring.  Our daughter graduated from college in May and got married in October while our son is enjoying 10th grade, learning to drive and to play the piano. Our 2 fur babies are keeping us busy with itchy skin that requires bathing often and daily coconut oil added to their food. Age brought moodiness for our 13 year old Daisy and teenage angst to our 9 year old Zippy Boy.

I have found writing to be like giving birth = long, slow, and very painful emotionally which meant physical pain for me. This led to me fighting isolation as I'm learning to Painspeak so I can be an example for all of you.

Our 24/7 secret support family on facebook has decreased in size as my spotty participation made some question my commitment. However, I always intended for #PSS to NOT need me, but instead be available for everyone all the time including me as I need support just like all of you. Remember: I originally started PSS because I was seeking others who understood pain and illness. You all know that loneliness happens in a houseful of people who love you if you are the only one who understands and lives with pain and/or illness or a combo of both.

Our families, friends, colleagues, husbands, wives, children and parents ONLY understand what you tell them. If you don't painspeak and figure out what you need, the people in your lives will never get it on their own. Not pulling a Debbie Downer just stating the truth. As you sort your needs, your joy in life will expand and spread to the people who mean the most. Hope can grow anywhere, but you have to plant the seeds and water them daily with your efforts.

and Pain! 

Blessings take on many forms and my hope is that you are looking for miracles everywhere. When you look, you find them. Notice nature and how she is fine without human assistance. Know that you have everything you need in your life. I have found all of these to lead to unexpected blessings: my  disability, my pain, my chronic conditions and anything negative. It is a matter of how you face your obstacles and challenges. Just KNOW we all have them. You are not cursed as I thought I was for several years due to my being age 24 when disability came knocking on me and my family. Isolation is part of pain and illness, but they don't have to paralyze you with fear and suck the joy from you and your family IF you can find others who get it. 

That's where PSS comes in. We are here 24/7 as soon as you login to your computer. You never have to be alone anywhere as PSS went mobile January 2015. Just reach out and grab our support. Some just read posts to know they are not alone and get helpful advice from others worldwide. Others login and post once a year, some every few months, and others enjoy daily posting that lets them share and chat with others who get it. Pain Brothers and Pain Sisters are waiting for you now. They are ready to support  you and you need only to click on your laptop or home computer or cellular phone or tablet or other mobile device to connect anytime you need us and our support. 

God Bless each and every Pain Brother and Pain Sister worldwide! Sending love and hugs out to all of you and wishing you and your families all the best in 2016. May your symptoms and pain always be manageable and KNOW that #PSS aka Pain Sufferers Speak's global community of resources will always be available 24/7 to support you with unconditional love without judgment and without criticism. We have been here non-stop since July 28, 2010 and spread the word as we will never stop welcoming all people of all ages into our ever growing Pain Family. 

Happy New Year's Eve 2016! 

Love Always,

Liz Hall

Founder #PSS

TIP OF THE DAY #7 and #8 Plus The Philosophy behind Pain Sufferers Speak

TIP OF THE DAY #7 When your self esteem is strong, then you will not doubt yourself or let others tell you how to feel. Its easy to boost your self esteem. 

I never thought it was easy until I read it in a book and tried it myself. I have been using the technique all week as I faced so many blows to my self esteem. Go to a quiet place, close your eyes and get comfortable in a chair, on the floor, in bed or wherever you are most comfortable. Focus on relaxing from head to toe while you take slow deep breaths allowing extra oxygen to reach every cell of your body. Imagine the stress and tension leaving your body. Then start saying out loud or in your mind one sentence that helps you feel good. Here are some suggestions: I love myself and I am worth reaching all my fitness or life goals. OR I am awesome and I love myself. OR I choose only love and positive things and positive people in my life. OR whatever sentence makes you feel good. Repeat your sentence over and over again while keeping your eyes closed and your body relaxed. If you do this once per day for 5-10 minutes, you will see changes in your perspective and an increase in your self esteem. Its a simple form of meditation and its been taught so many times over thousands of years in cultures all over the world. The language may be different, but basic goal is the same. We are so fast paced now with technology, its easy to lose sight of taking care of ourselves. Everyone can boost their own health by boosting their self esteem, self confidence and self respect. Try It for a week or several times in one day and you will notice the positive change!
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TIP OF THE DAY #8 Do not get into the nasty war of comparing abuse or pain! 

Everyone's pain is felt only by them, and the pain level they feel is coming from their perspective. Even if someone explains with words how they feel, unless you are in their body at the exact moment of their pain--you will never know how they feel and how bad the pain is for them. No one wins and both people increase their pain due to stress. Try to avoid anything or anyone who causes you stress or pain. Its your choice who and what you let into your life. Make a wise choice!
_________________________________

My philosophy is that all parts of Pain Sufferers Speak's global community provides FREE INFO to everyone, and each of you decides for yourselves (along with your trusted healthcare providers and family) what is best for you and your unique circumstances. ANY POST on Twitter, Facebook, or any other platform across the web is NEVER strategically placed, nor should it be considered to have my endorsement, approval or implied consent in any way. I do not earn money from you clicking my ads and I do not use product placement or any other hidden agendas. 

My goal and the foundation of Pain Sufferers Speak is to be sure no one ever has to be alone with their pain. My deep desire is for everyone to express their pain in a healthy way through painspeaking and journaling. I want to provide each person on the planet not just Pain Sufferers Speak's Community resources, but loads of other resources and locations for you to find "Safe Havens" to communicate all types of pain for all age groups.

I practice unconditional love with no judgment and no criticism plus respect for all religions every day of my life and these are also the founding principles of all parts of PSS. 

Other blogs, websites, and other random resources I choose will ALWAYS be listed and promoted which equals FREE advertising for your businesses, companies, organizations, associations, etc. I provide this service in order to encourage everyone to find their favorite place. If you don't choose to join Pain Sufferers Speak's community, I'm not upset at all as long as you find another way to make the healthiest choice for your overall health--Communicate your pain!! Get the negativity of pain out of you through spoken words, poetry, journaling, join a support group, and find others who share your pain so you don't feel alone. 

I support ALL worthy causes worldwide not through funds I can't afford to pay, but instead through promoting awareness and advocacy to everyone.

There will NEVER be a charge to join any part of Pain Sufferers Speak's Community, because I believe all this information, awareness, advocacy and all these resources NEED to be available to everyone all the time. Through sharing, we can all be wiser, healthier and more able to cope with life's challenges.
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The #1 goal of Pain Sufferers Speak is --YOU never have to be alone in pain! There is an entire global community who are waiting to support you through the good days and bad ones with unconditional love and No judgement. Each part of PSS has different benefits and here are just 2 examples. Do you need 24/7 support? Request to join Pain Sufferers Speak's Support family Facebook Group where 800+ Pain Brothers and Pain Sisters fully understand what it means to live with pain and illness. Do you own a business or run a website? Join Pain Sufferers Speak's LinkedIn Open Networking group where you can make 520+ professional connections and promote your business, your causes and your passions every day. With 4 support groups, 3 blogs, and availability on all major social networks across the internet, there truly is something for everyone.
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Choose how you want to connect to one or all parts of Pain Sufferers Speak's FREE global community and its founder, Liz Hall aka Painspeaks. 
Click Here--> xeeme.com/LizHall/ 

Written by: Liz Hall  
5/10/2013

Happiness, Peace and Joy You Will Find

The law of attraction does not care
What ever you’re thinking will take you there
It does not matter who you are
Or what ever state you’re in
You have the power in you,
And this is where you begin
Think of a memory that makes you feel great
Now hold it right there till you’re fixed in that state
This blocks out any negative woe
You do have the power to just let it go
Feeling grateful is a great place to be
It’s that sparkling feeling inside of thee
When you’re grateful you’re thinking in a positive way
It keeps you on track of your habit per say
When you can conquer your state of mind
Happiness, peace, and joy you will find!!!
****************
Love Simone
From the group "Great People"
****************
Shared by Jacqueline Lamoureux on
Pain Sufferers Speak's Support Family
Group on Facebook

I Am An African

I am an African
Not because I was born there
But because my heart beats with Africa’s
I am an African
Not because my skin is black
But because my mind is engaged by Africa
I am an African
Not because I live on its soil
But because my soul is at home in Africa
***
When Africa weeps for her children
My cheeks are stained with tears
When Africa honours her elders
My head is bowed in respect
When Africa mourns for her victims
My hands are joined in prayer
When Africa celebrates her triumphs
My feet are alive with dancing
***
I am an African
For her blue skies take my breath away
And my hope for the future is bright
I am an African
For her people greet me as family
And teach me the meaning of community
I am an African
For her wildness quenches my spirit
And brings me closer to the source of life
***
When the music of Africa beats in the wind
My blood pulses to its rhythm
And I become the essence of sound
When the colours of Africa dazzle in the sun
My senses drink in its rainbow
And I become the palette of nature
When the stories of Africa echo round the fire
My feet walk in its pathways
And I become the footprints of history
***
I am an African
Because she is the cradle of our birth
And nurtures an ancient wisdom
I am an African
Because she lives in the world’s shadow
And bursts with a radiant luminosity
I am an African
Because she is the land of tomorrow
And I recognise her gifts as sacred
***By: Wayne Visser

The Family That Prays Together, Stays Together

Let's rally together
In good times,
And in stormy weather,
Let's rally together!

Let's continue to rejoice
When things are at their peak,
Or though the way be bleak,
Let's continue to rejoice!

Let's sing His song
When all doth roll along,
E'en when we feel we've lost our song,
Let's sing His song!

Let's pray and pray more
When there be an open door,
And when we feel we cannot anymore,
Let's pray and pray more!

Let's honour our king
In everything!
For "He" is the "One"
From whom all things come!

************************

We have had a Sioux Indian Prayer, a Buddhist Healing Prayer and so I thought this was a great addition to our Prayers from all over the Globe!

 

Thank you Elaine Walker for posting this beautiful prayer!

 

Remember: Pain Sufferers Speak's Global Community respects all religions, faiths, and beliefs. We accept everyone for exactly who they are and we love all our Pain Brothers and Pain Sisters all over the world!! Wishing you all many blessings and sending each of you love and hugs! Liz : )

Resource Links For All Types of Pain

Resource Links For People in Pain
http://www.ampainsoc.org/people/

Thank you for visiting the American Pain Society web site. APS is a multidisciplinary scientific and professional society. Because of legal restrictions and financial liabilities, APS is not able to offer individual consultations or medical advice. However, you may be interested in reading the position statements found in our Advocacy and Policy Section. You may also look for APS web site content information of interest to you by using our web site search feature.

To meet the information needs of the general public and especially for people in pain, APS has assisted in the launching and development of the American Pain Foundation, a nonprofit information resource and patient advocacy organization serving people with pain. The Foundation's mission is to improve the quality of life of people with pain by providing practical information for patients, raising public awareness and understanding of pain, and advocating against barriers to effective treatment.

Most painful conditions can be treated and we hope you will find successful treatment options and compassionate care for your own situation.

Organizations That Can Help

American Pain Foundation

http://www.painfoundation.org/
The American Pain Foundation web site is an online resource for people with pain, their families, friends, caregivers and the general public. This site is devoted to patient information and advocacy, and provides many links to additional resources.

National Pain Foundation

http://www.nationalpainfoundation.org/
Treatment Options, Personal Pain Inventory, Personal Pain Journal, Links, Education, Support, etc.

Arthritis Foundation

http://www.arthritis.org/

Pain Center
http://www.arthritis.org/conditions/pain_center/default.asp

51 Ways to be Good to your joints: Relieve Stress and Pain
http://www.arthritis.org/conditions/51_ways/relieve_stress.asp
Back Pain
http://www.arthritis.org/conditions/DiseaseCenter/bank_pain.asp
American Cancer Society

http://www.cancer.org/

Pain Control: A Guide for People with Cancer and Their Families
 http://www.cancer.org/docroot/MIT/ content/MIT_7_2x_Pain_Control_
A_Guide_for_People_with_Cancer_and_Their_Families.asp

Myths and Misconceptions About Pain Control
 http://www.cancer.org/docroot/NWS/content/
NWS_2_1x_Myths_and_Misconceptions_About_Pain_Control.asp

American Chronic Pain Association

http://www.theacpa.org/

American Council for Headache Education

http://www.achenet.org/

Cancer Care

http://cancercare.org/

Chronic Pain Outreach Center, Inc

www.painconnection.org
A resource for people with chronic pain, their families and health care providers

The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization

http://www.nhpco.org/templates/1/homepage.cfm

The Mayday Pain Project

http://www.painandhealth.org/

The Vulvar Pain Foundation

http://www.vulvarpainfoundation.org/

National Fibromyalgia Association

http://fmaware.org/

National Headache Foundation

http://www.headaches.org/

The TMJ Association

http://www.tmj.org/


Information from the National Institutes of Health

National Institute on Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/

NINDS Chronic Pain Information Page
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorders/chronic_pain.htm

Amid Ongoing Controversy, Researchers Find Opiates Relieve Chronic Pain From Nervous System Damage
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/news_and_events/news_article_chronic_pain_opioids.htm

NINDS Peripheral Neuropathy Information Page
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorders/peripheralneuropathy_doc.htm

NINDS Trigeminal Neuralgia Information Page
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorders/trigemin_doc.htm

NINDS Central Pain Syndrome Information Page
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorders/centpain_doc.htm
NINDS Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Information Page
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorders/reflex_sympathetic_dystrophy.htm

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy/Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Fact Sheet
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/pubs/rsds_fact_sheet.htm

NINDS Shingles Information Page
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorders/shingles_doc.htm

Shingles: Hope Through Research
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/pubs/shingles.htm

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)

http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)
http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/HealthInformation/DiseasesAndConditions/TMDTMJ/default.htm

Pain (oral, facial)
http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/HealthInformation/DiseasesAndConditions/PainOralFacial.htm

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

http://www.niams.nih.gov/index.htm

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

http://www.nci.nih.gov/

Panel Calls for Greater Attention to Cancer Patients' Pain, Depression, and Fatigue
http://www.cancer.gov/newscenter/symptommgmt

Understanding Cancer Pain
http://www.nci.nih.gov/cancerinfo/understanding-cancer-pain

Pain Control: A Guide for People with Cancer and Their Families
http://www.nci.nih.gov/cancerinfo/paincontrol

Substance Abuse Issues In Cancer
http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/pdq/supportivecare/substanceabuse/Patient

Pain (PDQ®)
http://www.nci.nih.gov/cancerinfo/pdq/supportivecare/pain

What You Need To Know About™ Cancer - An Overview
http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/wyntk/overview

Cancer Facts - Cancer: Questions and Answers
http://cis.nci.nih.gov/fact/pdfdraft/6_sites/fs6_7.pdf

National Institutes Of Health State-Of-The-Science Statement - Symptom Management in Cancer: Pain, Depression and Fatigue (FINAL STATEMENT October 26, 2002)
http://consensus.nih.gov/2002/2002CancerPainDepressionFatiguesos022html.htm

Know Your Options: Understanding Treatment Choices for Prostate Cancer - Pain Management
http://www.cancer.gov/CancerInformation/understanding-prostate-cancer-treatment/page8

Found this List of Links and Many More Resources at the American Pain Society and here is their website:
http://www.ampainsoc.org/people/

Hope this provides everyone with many options for help, information, and support as you journey through life with pain and illness. Sending love, gentle hugs, and many blessings to all my Pain Brothers and Pain Sisters all over the world!!

Liz : )

Pain Sufferers Speak Global Community Update

Most of you know I host Twitter chats each night at 10pmCST as @painspeaks. I have taken off some time from chats to enjoy celebrating my 2 graduates--my daughter from High School, and my son from elementary school (5th grade). We will have lots of family in town for all the festivities this week and throughout this weekend. No worries though--I will be back for nightly Twitter chats on Sunday May 29th at 10pmCST. I am spending my off time this week moving the last 14 existing Showcases into the Community Page so everyone has access to all the FREE info on many health conditions, illnesses, and disabilities. Glad to announce that I have already moved 28/42 Showcase topics! Come check out all the FREE info and introduce yourself so your connections can start with others who share your illness, disease, condition, or disability. If you are a business, organization, or group, BE SURE to post on each Showcase topic that fits that way others can benefit from your product, service, or resource. Pain Sufferers Speak is all about HELPING YOU MAKE CONNECTIONS & SHARING FREE INFO.

Once all 42 Showcases are moved then I will begin webresearching the other 32 topics that have been suggested. The growth in our community has been amazing since beginning Twiiter on March 10, 2011. Facebook deciding to change the groups format had us banning together to save the group + added lots of unexpected work time needed to move all the Showcases that were no longer easily accessible. So glad to have the groups format updated now, the Showcases will all be moved by week's end, and this particular growing pain will be behind us.

Be sure to check out our Exclusive "Members Only" part of Pain Sufferers Speak's global community! Our community began with this facebook group last July 2010. Since the discussion board was eliminated for groups, moving the Showcases to the facebook Community Page was required. The Community Page will remain OPEN TO THE PUBLIC and ALL Showcases are in the discussions tab for everyone's benefit. With membership to our Exclusive Facebook Group, you must agree to follow our "Golden Rule" of "no judgment and no criticism" and promise to report anyone who breaks the "Golden Rule". I want this to be an exclusively safe place for all Pain Sufferers to feel at home & loved 100% of the time. Our group practices unconditional love and support for all. Sound good to you? Recommend our exclusive group to all of your friends & neighbors who just might need our community more than you know. Remember: Pain is isolating and many suffer in silence without telling their family and friends the whole story. I know this for a fact because even this social butterfly found hermitville a haven for 18 months. Our Exclusive Group is the world's haven for all Pain Sufferers Who Speak!

For the Exclusive Pain Sufferers Speak Group CLICK HERE
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_142242355793657

For the Pain Sufferers Speak Community Page CLICK HERE
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pain-Sufferers-Speak/112276272164064

Back to the moving project now. Enjoy your week and Congratulations to all the other graduates out there!!

Liz : )

Pain Stories Encouraged--Let's Fill The Walls on the Facebook Group & Page!!

Post your story of pain as a comment or status on both walls of the FB Group & Page, or start a discussion thread anytime. Feel free to start a diary or journal of your journey with pain in the discussions tab. I want to encourage any form of healthy communication of any type of pain--emotional, spiritual, physical or any combination of pain. Post both here on the Community Page and on the Group.
Go to the discussions tab on either the Group or Page and click on "Start a New Topic", title your post, write your story and publish. Its that easy. You will be amazed at how good it feels to share plus you may help someone else feel less alone in their pain.  I want each of you to find at least one person who gets where you are coming from, not out of sympathy, but because they have been through what you are going through. You can't find those connections unless you share your story or come forward in a way that feels right for you.  Introduce yourself in a reply on any Showcase topic you wish (there are 42 to choose from)--one or all--its your choice.  Anyone can join the FB Group by clicking "Join", and become a fan by clicking "Like" on the Community Fan Page. Lots of options and ways to share.

Start Today!!

Facebook Group Link
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=142242355793657

Facebook Community Fan Page Link
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pain-Sufferers-Speak/112276272164064

No limits.

Have a meaningful Wednesday!!

Liz : )

Speaking of Pain

Hope this update finds you positive and ready to face your life's challenges one by one. Remember its not complaining to speak about your journey with pain--Instead view it as an opportunity to help someone else through what may be the hardest thing they have ever faced in their lifetime--Pain, sufferering, illness, isolation, depression, worry, fear, etc. All humans experience and have to deal with pain. Our bodies manifest our pain as stress which causes the same chemical response in everyone from babies to senior citzens. We encourage our children to tell someone why they are sorry and communicate their physical symptoms to us. As adults, we receive unhealthy encouragement to suppress, hide, and be silent about our pains and complaints. Its a scientific fact that sharing and communicating about anything negative in your life is the best thing for you and your body. Its surprising how many of us are willing to post our complaints on our facebook wall, but we won't discuss them openly with friends and family even when we feel safe to do so. Pain Sufferers Speak was started to help others through sharing. Sharing your story, your links, your opinions, and your knowledge with the group is the only way we can develop and grow together as a community. Its my passion to connect people so that we can bolster each other in an abundantly forgiving and safe environment. No one will critcise you or judge you, because that will get them band from the group permanently. So feel free to say what you think and feel, share your stories, advice, what works for you, what doesn't work for you, what excercises or diet has helped you, etc. The more we give to our community the better we all will be served by it. The Showcases (available on the group only) are each specific to a particular condition, disease, syndrome, or other topic for discussion. I designed it this way so we have a collective knowledge base organized by topic. One stop shopping... if you will. Introduce yourself, tell what you feel comfortable with about your story, and see what responses you get. I am looking forward to reading your posts, continuing to do webresearch daily, answering questions or finding someone for you that can answer your questions, and generally enjoying our unique community filled with people who get it and aren't afraid to speak about the commonly dreaded subject of pain. Its normal to feel all alone in your pain, because truly the only way for someone else to completely understand how you feel is for that person to be INSIDE your body at the precise moment of your pain. However, if you can find someone else that has your condition, your symptoms, your diagnosis....than they get where you are coming from. Through shared experiences we can help each other cope with the hard stuff life throws at all of us. It is my wish that these connections happen for you on Pain Sufferers Speak. If you have a suggestion for a Showcase, send me a message or suggest it on the wall of the group or community fan page. In order to experience the maximum benefits of our community, Join the facebook group & community fan page, follow this blog, and follow us on Twitter as @painspeaks. Talk to you soon and have a wonderful Friday and weekend!!

Liz : )