We’re taught (if not overtly, then certainly by societal messaging) to never share the struggle without the victory. People love a story of overcoming. They love when “the afflicted” deliver their message with a smile and an inspirational-poster-worthy tagline of persistence, determination, and seeing the beauty even through the pain.

But you know what? Sometimes things just fucking suck. Without reason. Without apology or explanation from medicine, psychology, the universe, whatever. Sometimes, pain is just there. And it’s too much to smile through. Sometimes all you have to share is a teeth-gritting grimace.

And that’s fucking okay.