People with chronic pain confront the inevitable reality of grieving what used to be versus what is , but that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. Lowering standards is necessary so that realistic conditions can be overcome. Staying in bed because one cannot run 5 miles each day any longer is transformed into being grateful for walking a few blocks. Driving long distances is replaced by simply driving to the grocery store.
Loving each moment by being present oriented is valued much more than obsessing constantly about the future.
New sub goals can be created once former ones are met. If a person with chronic pain has lost 5 pounds, then setting another subgoal of 5 more pounds can be attainable. If one is capable of walking a few blocks, then a revised goal can be a half mile. Loving each moment can be amended to loving life.