Dancing with Bipolar Disorder

I have bipolar disorder. There I’ve said it. I’m done caring if people know about it. It’s not who I am but it is part of my kind of complicated and interesting life.

Writing about my adventures with bipolar disorder helps me. Perhaps it can also serve to illuminate mental health and maybe, just maybe, someone can take hope in the fact they are not alone.

Friday night I went to dinner with a work friend and was telling her a little bit about my life. She said something like “that’s really hard.” I just said “well it’s my normal. It just is.” I then went on to tell her that if not for my relationship with God I would be dead right now.

People who have bipolar disorder don’t have the plague. They are moms, dad’s, kids, the next door neighbor, a lady at church, your teacher. Used to be called manic depression it still carries such a stigma. Why if you are made differently than others do you have to battle stigma?

I am a woman, a mother, a professional, a Christian, a sister, a daughter, a PERSON.

Yes I struggle in ways that you might not imagine and I can’t fully describe but it’s just a part of the whole, certainly not the defining part.

Fearfully and wonderfully made

My favorite Bible Verse. Do I totally appreciate the way I’m made? It’s a journey and I’m further toward that than I used to be for sure.

I do long for Heaven when I will no longer be stuck inside this broken body. Until then I dance and sometimes cry through this crazy life I have having bipolar disorder!

Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Catch Phrase: NOT the game!

Every time I drop off my children I say to them “this is the day The Lord has made-let us rejoice and be glad in it!” They used to roll their eyes but now I catch them smiling.

it’s our thing

During the school year they get two verses. The second is

do your work heartily as unto The Lord

One way to establish great family tradition and bring Faith into their daily world.

Try out some phrases or verses with your kids today!

Fate of Americans in Iran Continues

I’m thankful that I live in a country where I can openly worship in my faith without fear of retribution or even death like many Christians across the globe.

You’d have to be living under a rock if you haven’t heard of religious atrocities being committed against Americans in Iran in the last two years. Fate of Americans in Iran Worsens

Free from imprisonment for my faith.
On the Fourth of July and thanksgiving every red blooded American usually states how thankful they are. Today be thankful that you can openly practice your faith, whatever that is, in our country.

Image courtesy of Michael Elliott / FreeDigitalPhotos.net