Bonnie Lester, MA

Your journey to pain relief begins here!

If you are living with chronic pain you are not alone. There are approximately sixty plus million people in America challenged and overwhelmed by chronic pain.

Whether you’re seeking information, coping techniques, or simply an individual who understands your experience, you’ve come to the right place.

I’m committed to empowering you on your path to a better quality of life. Let’s embark on this journey together to help you find relief from pain.

My Story

Bonnie Lester’s unique blend of degrees in health sciences, counseling, and cultural education, coupled with her personal triumph over a neurological pain syndrome, has bestowed upon her a deep understanding of how to inspire chronic pain sufferers to practice self-care. 

Post graduate certificates:

  • Advanced Training in Biopsycosocial Chronic Pain Rehabilitation
  • Advanced Cognitive Behavior Therapy
  • The Science of Well-Being
  • Critical Incident Debriefing to prevent PTSD
  • Plant Based Nutrition

Welcome to "The Unwinding Pain Chronicles" Newsletter!

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My book, Unwinding Pain, is now available

If you join Goodreads, on August 6 you'll be able to enter a contest to receive a free version of my book. Even if you don't win or don't even read it, just entering the contest will help get the word out about the new hope that is available to pain sufferers.

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Unwinding Pain by Bonnie   Lester

Unwinding Pain

by Bonnie Lester

Giveaway ends September 05, 2024.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway
Personal Consultation / Pain Coaching / Webinars

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Pain Awareness Month Tip #12: Declutter Your Space

For those living with chronic pain, creating a calm and organized environment can have a surprisingly powerful impact on pain management and overall well-being.

Why Decluttering Matters for Chronic Pain:
1. Stress Reduction: A tidy space can lower stress levels, which often exacerbate pain.
2. Improved Safety: Reducing clutter minimizes trip hazards, crucial for those with limited mobility.
3. Energy Conservation: An organized space means less energy spent searching for items.
4. Better Sleep: A clutter-free bedroom can promote better sleep quality, essential for pain management.
5. Mental Clarity: A clean environment can help reduce mental overwhelm, allowing better focus on pain management strategies.
6. Sense of Control: Organizing your space can provide a sense of control that chronic pain often diminishes.

Tips for Decluttering with Chronic Pain:
• Start small: Focus on one area at a time to avoid being overwhelmed.
• Use the “15-minute rule”: Declutter in short bursts to conserve energy.
• Create easy-access zones for frequently used items.
• Consider ergonomic storage solutions to reduce strain.
• Ask for help if needed – don’t push beyond your limits.
• Maintain your space with regular, small tidying sessions.

Remember, the goal is to create a space that supports your well-being, not perfection. You can find more tips like this in “Unwinding Pain.”📗
#PainAwarenessMonth #DeclutterForHealth #ChronicPainManagement #OrganizedLiving
Honoring Heroes - 9/11 Through a Police Chaplain’s Eyes 

Twenty-three years ago today, while serving as a police chaplain in San Ramon, California, our department received a call that would forever change our community and the nation. We were summoned to the home of Tom Burnett, whose wife had just received a heart-wrenching call from her husband aboard the hijacked Flight 93. 

Tom Burnett was one of the heroic passengers who, along with fellow patriots, made the ultimate sacrifice in the fields of Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Their brave actions likely saved countless lives and became a symbol of American courage in the face of unthinkable adversity. 

As a police chaplain, I witnessed firsthand the profound and lasting impact of this tragic day on our officers and our community. The events of 9/11 not only shook our nation but also highlighted the unwavering dedication and bravery of our first responders. 

On this day of remembrance, I urge everyone to include first responders in your prayers and thoughts. These man and women stand ready to face danger and tragedy, not just on days of national crisis, but every day. Their commitment to protecting and serving often comes at a great personal cost. 

Let us honor the memory of all those we lost on 9/11, including heroes like Tom Burnett, by supporting and appreciating our first responders. In times of tragedy and in times of peace these individuals embody the resilience and strength of our communities. May we never forget the sacrifices made on that fateful day, and may we always remember the ongoing service of those who run towards danger to keep us safe. 🙏🇺🇸 #firstresponders
Pain Awareness Month Tip #11: Discover the Importance of Having Purpose in Your Life

Finding and nurturing a sense of purpose can be a powerful tool in managing chronic pain. Cultivating purpose can significantly impact your pain management journey: 

Here are simple steps you can take to focus on purpose in your life:
1. Identify Your Values: Reflect on what matters most to you. Is it creativity, helping others, learning, or something else?
2. Set Meaningful Goals: Based on your values, set small, achievable goals that align with your purpose. This could be volunteering once a week, starting a blog, or learning a new skill.
3. Engage in Purposeful Activities: Regularly participate in activities that give you a sense of meaning. This could be mentoring, creating art, or contributing to a cause you care about.
4. Practice Gratitude: Keep a daily gratitude journal to focus on positive aspects of your life, enhancing your sense of purpose and well-being.
5. Connect with Others: Build relationships with people who share your values and interests. Social connections can reinforce your sense of purpose and provide support.
6. Adapt Your Purpose: As your circumstances change, be open to adapting how you express your purpose. There are many ways to live a meaningful life while managing pain.

Remember: Having a sense of purpose can increase pain tolerance, reduce depression, and improve overall quality of life. It provides a reason to keep moving forward despite challenges. By focusing on what gives your life meaning, you can shift attention away from pain and towards fulfilling experiences and goals.

You can find more tips like this in, “Unwinding Pain,” available now in print and audible book versions.📗🎧#nationpainawarenessmonth #painmanagement #mindfuliving #holisticliving #selfcare
From Pain to Page: A Journey of Resilience 

When I sit signing copies of my new pain management book, I can’t help but marvel at the journey that brought me to this moment. For 26 years, I couldn’t use my dominant hand - the very hand I’m using to autograph a book. Each signature I place in a book isn’t just my name; it’s a testament to the perseverance I discuss in the pages of my book.

I never thought I’d regain the use of this hand, let alone use it to autograph my own book. Yet now I am able to carefully craft each letter. It feels surreal and deeply poignant. My recovery journey has come full circle, from patient to author, from struggle to triumph.

To my readers: know that when I write about hope and resilience in the face of chronic pain, these aren’t just words on a page. They’re the story of my life, signed with the very hand I thought I’d lost forever.✍️📗🌈#chronicpainwarrior #authorjourney #painmanagement #resilience #handrecovery #booksigning #hopeheals #crps #youcandoit #nevergiveup
Pain Awareness Month Tip #10: Embrace Expressive Arts🎭👩‍🎨

Exploring expressive arts like visual art and music can be a powerful tool for those living with chronic pain. These creative outlets offer unique benefits that go beyond mere distraction.

Why Expressive Arts Matter for Chronic Pain:
1. Emotional Release: Art and music provide outlets for expressing feelings that may be difficult to verbalize.
2. Pain Distraction: Engaging in creative activities can shift focus away from pain sensations.
3. Stress Reduction: Creating or experiencing art and music can lower stress hormones, potentially reducing pain intensity.
4. Neuroplasticity: Artistic activities can help rewire pain pathways in the brain over time.
5. Self-Discovery: Expressive arts can lead to insights about your pain experience and coping mechanisms.
6. Sense of Control: Creating art gives a sense of control that chronic pain often diminishes.

Ways to Explore Expressive Arts:
• Try simple drawing or painting, even if you’re not “artistic”
• Listen to or create music that resonates with your emotions
• Explore coloring books designed for adults
• Write poetry or stories about your experiences
• Try dance or movement therapy within your physical limits
• Engage in music therapy sessions
Remember, the goal is expression, not perfection. Let your creativity flow freely.You can read more tips like this in Unwinding Pain.
#PainAwarenessMonth #ArtTherapy #MusicTherapy #ChronicPainManagement
“Unwinding Pain” is doing great! 📗

Thank you to everyone who has purchased my book! It’s only been out for 6 days! If you haven’t purchased it yet, check it out and learn affordable and accessible ways to feel better now.#affordable #feelbetter #chronicpain #crps #badback #fibromyalgia #stroke #spoonie #holistichealing #somatichealing #neuroplasticity

Disclosure

The information provided on this website and through our pain coaching services is for general information purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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