The pain is different. Pain doesn't know what distance is. The pain comes in waves, paroxysms, sudden revelations that cut your knees, take away your sight, and disturb the flow of your days.

The pain is different. Pain doesn't know what distance is. The pain comes in waves, paroxysms, sudden revelations that cut your knees, take away your sight, and disturb the flow of your days.

📖 Joan Didion

🌍 American  |  👨‍💼 Author

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This quote captures the unpredictable and all-consuming nature of pain, highlighting how emotional or physical suffering transcends physical boundaries such as distance. The metaphor of pain coming in waves and paroxysms resonates deeply because it reflects the natural ebb and flow of distress—moments where pain intensifies suddenly and then diminishes, only to return unexpectedly. The imagery of pain 'cutting knees' and 'taking away sight' illustrates the profound impact suffering can have, temporarily blinding us to hope or normalcy. Such experiences echo the universal truth that pain, especially emotional pain like grief or heartbreak, often strikes without warning and can feel overwhelming, disrupting everyday routines and inner balance. This emphasizes that pain is not linear or predictable; it is powerful and can surprise us at any moment. Recognizing this may not diminish the suffering but offers an understanding that pain, in its raw form, is an intrinsic part of human vulnerability and growth. It urges us to accept the instability of our emotional landscape and find resilience even when our perception and footing are compromised. It also reminds us of the importance of patience and compassion—for ourselves and others—when navigating these tumultuous waves of suffering. Ultimately, this quote underscores the resilience required to endure the unpredictable storms of pain, suggesting that even in the darkest moments, the experience itself affirms our profound connection to life's emotional depths.

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July 19, 2025

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