Two comments by a friend recently which nailed me

First, that I'm good off the start but over time will flame out. I've known that is true for me but it is still a harsh reality to know others can see it so easily. One of my life motto's is "I was built for sprints but God has called me to run marathons."

Second, I don't handle pain well. This one I would not have been able to articulate. Since it was said to me how I cope and how I've coped my entire life is very much in my face. I seek to solve my pain quickly, but when it is prolonged I seek to numb myself. Numb myself emotional, but especially of hope. Trying to keep that flame alive in the midst of pain is difficult.