HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Hey, y'all --

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Well, it's New Year's Day, and I'm feeling very optimistic about this coming year. I had a great birthday yesterday, despite having the stomach bug, and I've never had a good birthday before, so I'm looking at it as a sign for good things to come.

Emotionally, I'm feeling very stable, which is great compared to last year at this time (another good sign). Work is going good, and life is great in general. Bill is doing good, and I couldn't ask for a greater supporter, friend, soulmate, or husband. My sons are healthy and (I think) happy.

I know it's going to be a good year. I have to have a positive attitude, because what's the alternative (I don't want to think about that). As people with bipolar disorder, we have to think positive, because thinking negatively can cause us to become depressed, and you know what that leads to... yep -- another depressive episode. And I will avoid that at all costs.

Even my mom, who has bipolar disorder, too, is doing well with hers right now. Many people with the disorder have a hard time at this time of the year because of the holidays and all the stress and anxiety that come with it. Along with (depending on which part of the country you live in) the gloomy weather, which isn't good for those with the disorder.

But still, I think whether you stay stable or not has a lot to do with your attitude. Last year at this time I had a very bad attitude. I think that's why I was so depressed. Having decided to cancel Christmas was a very bad decision (which we do from time to time -- make bad decisions, that is). And I paid for it dearly. Seldom do we get a chance for a "do-over," as my children used to say when they were young.

This year I got a "do-over," and it paid off. I did things so differently, and had a great holiday season. But it took work, and a positive attitude.

So does my bipolar attitude. And that's something I have to work at every single day. It's not all a bed of roses for me, as I'm sure it isn't for you, either. There are times it's hard for us to even get out of bed to face the day, isn't it? But we have to, to take control of our disorder instead of it taking control of us.

And that's the name of the game. WE have to be in control of our bipolar disorder instead of the other way around. And if you're not doing that yet, then make that your New Year's resolution. Plan to make this coming year the time to take the dragon by its tail and learn to take total control and management of your disorder.

If you're not stable now, then plan that this year you will be! Look at me -- last year at this time I wasn't stable, but this year I am. Like I said, it took work, and it wasn't easy. But this year I am much more stable than I was last year. And if I can do it, so can you!

If you're depressed because you didn't have a good holiday season, do something about it. Change your attitude! Don't dwell on the past (even the recent past). You can't do anything to change it. And don't worry about tomorrow, because it isn't here yet. Today is all you've got to work with. And it's up to you whether you make today a good day or a bad day.

Even if it is your chemically affected brain that's got you in the doldrums, you can still do things to make it better. Try to do something you enjoy. Me, I'm not much for doing outdoors things that take a lot of exercise (you might be the opposite) -- I enjoy watching DVD's, reading and doing crossword puzzles. A good chick flick will get me out of a depression most of the time. But if you do like doing things like skiing or snowboarding or just going outside and playing with the kids, then that might do alot to help you with your depression.

I like to watch movies and read because then I get out of my own head (a place I should never go without parental supervision! :)), and it gets me thinking about someone else. But you don't have to watch movies or read to do that. You can do something else. Like talk to someone else, about your problems or theirs. Sometimes listening to someone else's problems makes you feel as if your own aren't so bad after all. And having someone else to talk to about yours can really take a load off your own shoulders. It makes you feel as if you're not so alone after all. If you don't have anyone else to talk to, you can always talk to me! :)

I have this book called "14,000 Things to be Happy About," and it's got so many good suggestions in it. Most of them are the small things in life. If you're depressed, sit down and start making a "Gratitude List." Just start brainstorming all the things you're grateful for in your life -- even the small things. Start by being grateful for the fact that you're alive! Then add the fact that you're not in an episode (that's no small thing!). Then go on from there. Do you have children? Are they healthy? Do you have brothers or sisters? Are they still alive? What about your parents? Your home? A car? Food to eat? There are so many things to be grateful for in this life, that God has given us free of charge! So count your blessings, and pretty soon you'll have a list longer than you'd ever have thought you would.

This is a new year. A brand new start. If last year was a good year for you, then this coming year will be even better! And if last year was a struggle for you, then be optimistic about this coming year -- it's got to be better than last year, right?

Well, here's to wishing all of you a very Happy New Year, and peace and stability in the coming year.

Remember God loves you and so do I,
Michele