if you need encouragement

[RubyShooz]

Last night I was having a pity party for myself because of my bipolar.  I tried to think positive thoughts to help me see things in a more positive frame of mind and to calm my anxiety.  Perhaps some of these ideas will help you to feel better also.

- first, I AM NOT bp.  I HAVE bp.  There is a difference.  I am more than just bp, it is simply a disorder that I have, like any other disease.  You, too -- remind yourself that you are worthy of love and respect and you are a beautiful human being with much to offer the world.  BP is just a part of you, but there are other wonderful parts of your being.

- I used to journal only when I was feeling bad.  Then I started journaling when I was having a good day, writing down all the things I feel good about myself and my life.  Then when you feel bad, read the good stuff you wrote down -- it helps make me feel better.

- Do something good for other people.  Such as, a random act of kindness to a stranger (even a cheery Hello to someone you see on the street).  Visit an elderly neighbor.  Pick some wildflowers or buy an inexpensive bunch of carnations -- take them to a nursing home and with the staff's permission, give a flower to some of the residents and even to the nurses -- I have done this and the light in their eyes and their happiness at such a simple gesture really made me feel so good!

- Go to the dollar store and buy some packs of kids party favors or some small stuffed animals or some balloons --  take them to a local hospital pediatric ward, and with the staff's permission, distribute the toys to some of the children patients.  What a joy that would be for them and for you!

- If you can't do any of the above because you are in your shell and unable to leave the house -- perhaps you can call or email a friend or relative you haven't seen in a while, just to say hi.  Send some cards or notes to our servicemen and women overseas (you can get an address for "any serviceman or woman" from the internet or your local postmaster).  Even turn on the TV and watch a kid's show or cartoon -- if it's funny, laugh out loud.  Or just SING yourself a happy song.  Relax in a warm bath.  Eat some chocolate.  Whatever makes you feel GOOD!

I hope some of these suggestions will help you, as they have helped me to get over the rough times.  And know that all your friends on this forum love you -- we are all in this together, and we do understand.
Hugs,
Ruby

[Cori205]

Thanks so much! It is the little things that get me through the day sometimes.

I agree, bp is just a part of you. It is a disease-just like cancer, there is no cure, but we can beat it and live normal lives just like everyone else.

[ccurci]

I have to agree.
last month i re- joined our gym. i was always going to do this but my husband was against this idea because we have a bowflex, and i treadmill (which i gave to a family member. the bowflex was a gift in which i will keep. I explained to him that going to the gym was a way out of the house. socializing but leaving the social part back at the gym :)
we all have the pity parties (even if you are not bp)
camille

[determined2beatit]

Great ideas!! I love them! I will be taking your suggestions as I too have pity party's for myself! The positive spin really helps....Thank You!
Linda