Buttercup: You mock my pain.
Westley: Life is pain, Highness. Anyone who says differently is selling something.

(I’m betting I just made you smile.)

Wise words from the cult classic, The Princess Bride. Pain bombards us. Americans, who believe living a pain-free life is a unalienable right, struggle with accepting this truth. We rush to medicine at the first twinge, fearful it will grow into something worse. We pamper and pad our children, often giving them the wrong idea that pain can be averted; and neglecting the powerful lesson that pain can make you stronger, tougher and more resilient. Pain-killing drugs are platitudinal with everyday use, warping what is bearable with fear and dulled confusion.

“In this world, you will have pain.” Jesus said before embracing mental and physical abuse. “But, be of good cheer, because I have overcome the world!”

Miracle Max: …and thank you so much for bringing up such a painful subject. While you’re at it, why don’t you give me a nice paper cut and pour lemon juice on it? We’re closed.