Living with Bipolar Disorder Today

Hey, y'all --

I've been thinking about my bipolar disorder and how I have to live with it today. I may not like to do the things I have to do to be stable, but I sure do cherish stability itself.

There was a time when I went from episode to episode (I'm a rapid cycler), and didn't even realize how unmanageable my life was. I mean, half the time I was out of my mind, so how could I know?

I accepted the abnormal as normal, and that was my life. And a strange life it was! It took a long time to truly understand the effect that bipolar disorder had had on my past.

Living with bipolar disorder today means making concessions. I have to do things I don't like. But the trade-off is that if I do them, I get to hold onto my stability (and my sanity). So that makes it worth it all.

I have a much better life now than I used to have. It's great not to be in a battle with bipolar disorder any more. As long as I am stable, I am in control of it, and not fighting it.

I've learned to accept my disorder and work within the confines of it. And I don't mind that. It's much better than the alternative!

For example, I know I absolutely cannot work outside the home any more. It's just too stressful for me, and triggers me into a bipolar episode. But instead, I work from home writing for www.bipolarcentral.com, enjoying all the advantages of having a home-based business.

Living with bipolar disorder today means that I keep an attitude of gratitude. I have learned how to appreciate the smaller things. And to take each day as it comes. I accept things as they are now, instead of how I would like them to be.

Living with bipolar disorder today means that I am balanced - physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I am more serene and appreciate my stability (and my daily life) more. I also appreciate the people in it.

I know I hate taking medication every day, but if the trade-off is the way I am living with bipolar disorder today, then it's worth every pill.

What about you? What is living with bipolar disorder like for you today?

Wishing you peace and stability,

Remember God loves you and so do I,
Michele