Today I saw a bumper sticker on the back of a car that read, “Life is Good.” I thought about that today, and you know, life can still be good even if you have bipolar disorder, because life is what you make it.
If you have a bad attitude, chances are your life isn’t going to be all diamonds and roses. However, if you have a positive attitude, IN SPITE OF the fact that you have bipolar disorder, you will most likely have a good life.
I’ve been having problems with one of my medications lately (not doing its job), so I’ve been experiencing some loss of sleep, and I’m being extra careful because I know that lack of sleep can be a trigger to a manic episode for me.
Does that mean that life isn’t good because I’ve got BP? NO. It just means I have a temporary problem that needs to be solved. Needless to say, I called my psychiatrist’s office for help, because I know this isn’t something I can handle by myself. There was a time when I self-medicated my bipolar symptoms with drugs and alcohol, but I’m not that person any more. Today I ask for help when I need it.
Life is still good, even though I have bipolar disorder.
Last night I got a call that a friend of mine from high school (actually, we go all the way back to elementary school) who lives in Atlanta was going to be here in my area for the day today, so hubby and I met him for lunch.
We had such a good time – over 2 hours passed before anyone even looked at the time! It was a very pleasant lunch, and I had so much fun reminiscing with Paul!
It was on the way home that I saw that bumper sticker that said, “Life is Good,” and I thought about how good my life really is (compared to my past, as some of you know).
I have a wonderfully supportive, giving, and loving husband, who really helps me to stay stable. He also has bipolar disorder, so he can relate to the down days I get sometimes, and can also give me a reality check when I get a little manicky.
I have a beautiful home that I live in, with lots of pictures of family on top of the TV. I am surrounded by the things I love, and feel so comfy and cozy when I’m home.
I have two parents who are still living and active, and healthy, and I get to go visit them in Florida a few times a year. And, of course, I talk to my mom pretty much every day (free long distance is great, isn’t it?)!
I have a great (second-hand) car that runs and has nothing wrong with it (yes!) and gets me where I need to go.
I have such a good dog, too. Princess is great for petting and stroking when I’m feeling down. It’s also nice to be needed. I love that expression, “Someday I hope to be the person that my dog already thinks I am.”
I have 3 great sons (19 going on 20. 25. and 27), and they bring such joy to my life. I am so proud of them.
I have friends, like the one from high school that we had lunch with today, and I always know they are only a prayer away if I need them.
I have a blessed, blessed relationship with Jesus that carries me through even the hardest times in my life, in the ups and downs of living with something like bipolar disorder.
And I have a job that I love (I can’t believe I get paid for this) writing for www.bipolarcentral.com. I get to work from home, so there is no real stress. And the extra money helps supplement my Disability checks, so we are ok financially. I may not have everything I want, but I do always have what I need (had to learn that one the hard way).
So there it is, folks! All the makings of a good life, tied up with a bow of happiness. IN SPITE OF having bipolar disorder, I am happy. So for those of you who are struggling, please don’t give up hope. This life could be yours, too. Because life really is good, even if you have bipolar disorder.
Wishing you peace and stability,
Remember God loves you and so do I,
Michele
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