WHERE AM I NOW?

Bipolar has not affected my life very much over the past few weeks. I have had my good days and my bad days but the good ones far outweigh the bad ones. I feel like I have a handle on things, I'm taking time for myself, and I am getting a few things organized. I have enjoyed cooking and I have taken the time to make some jelly/jam. I am not focused on myself and my problems but I'm trying to help others out. That's the best way to feel uplifted. Find someone else who has a need and talk to them, spend some time with them, or encourage them. It will help your attitude. It did min.

FOCUSED

Keeping focused seems to be a problem I have. Many days it is a struggle to just work through basic things. I decided to set goals and work to achieving them. With the help of two friends I feel that I can make it. So many times in the past I had to draw from my inner being and go alone. When no one supports you or people feel wrapped up in their own world, the bipolar person goes into depression (or at least I do).

The sun helps my attitude and although many other people are struggling with cold and snowy weather here in Arkansas the weather has been pleasant. Temps in the mid-50's and 60's. Yesterday was cold—about 30 degrees—but the sun shining made things brighter. I want to turn around my feelings and dreams this year and shove the bipolar feelings into the background. I won't be able to do it everyday simply because part of the disease is always there. But committing to finding myself, the real me that has stayed in the background, will bring the real me back to where I felt better and more in touch with life itself.

STARTING THE NEW YEAR

I can happily say that I survived the Christmas "rush" but only because I decided to do only what was important. I kept things simple and had more than one chance to catch up on my rest. My medication stayed level and only a few times did I have to increase the dosage for one or two days. (My doctor has taught me how to do this but if you aren't given any direction in this area, please don't make any changes without your doctor's approval)

Now that I am back home it seems a little harder to stay motivated but I am not going to let simple things get me down. My mood is better when the sun is shining but I can accomplish just as much when the day is gloomy. My attitude is within my mind and I can choose to keep a positive outlook.