I was having a chat with my mum late last night. About everything, about nothing. I'd been feeling a bit unhappy, partially for no reason at all, partially because I was dying of what I think is food poisoning, and partially because of what's been happening the last few months.

I didn't really say much, actually. I just listened. And thought. I was tired, I had been crying, so to be honest, I don't remember much of what she said. But I do remember one thing very clearly. "Everyone suffers," she said. "No one can escape it. The best we can do is to accept it, and try our best to deal with the pain."


She's right, of course. Even the happiest, most joy-filled person suffers. No matter how simple, peaceful or blessed a life is, there will still be some form of suffering. There's no way to escape it, no way to prevent it. And if we try to battle it, it only hurts more. It may seem weak, it may seem like giving in, but it's better to accept it, and try to live with it, and to understand that at some point, the suffering will have to end.

If I'm totally honest with myself, I'll see that really, my life doesn't have that much suffering. I have a pretty nice life; a roof over my head, clothes to wear, food to eat, friends to talk to and a family who loves me. Yes, there are some pretty unpleasant moments. But they end. They always do.