I forgive myself at 15 for crying over an idiot who was never worth my time and energy but he did spark my poetic voice
I forgive myself at 20 for writing more than 50 poems about a 6 week relationship in 2001 but it did make for some hilarious blog content in 2021
I forgive myself at 25 for not fighting harder for my dreams and for swallowing my anger and angst for the comfort of others but that year I became a playwright
I forgive myself at 30 for drowning the writer in me as I lost myself in my roles as wife and mother but that year I launched my blog
I forgive myself at 35 for swallowing a bottle of xanax because I felt like a failure as wife, mother, and worker but the dark poetry from that time is some of my best
I forgive myself at 40 for wanting to die for two weeks in July after being discarded by the “supposed” love of my life but that summer I found the confidence to call myself a writer
las mariposas que siento por ti se convierten en poemas de amor aunque nuestro amor nunca pueda ser y tú perteneces a otra tengo que reconocer que eres el nuevo objeto de mi inspiración que se está volviendo en una obsesión
My emotions cloud and distort my reality anger brings out passive aggressive social media post sadness tells me I’m worthless joy makes everything seem magical numbness makes me want to end it all hyper-sexuality makes me want to fuck almost everyone
My emotions cloud and distort my reality I get paranoid, mad, sad, happy, and horny all in one day My escapes used to be fucking and drinking But I got older and wiser And now I run and I write
My emotions cloud and distort my reality And I learned to regulate and control them I observe, I listen without judgment and I honor my emotions
My emotions cloud and distort my reality but now only for a short time And I’m in control again I’m no longer a mess of destruction and chaos
verte de nuevo enfrente de mi quería hacer una escena y gritarte todas tus verdades hacerte sentir mi dolor pero mi sentido común me interrumpió Cualquier cosa que hiciera o diría en ese momento de ira no importaría no cambiaria lo que pasó o el daño que me hiciste sería mejor alejarme de ti y no darte una onza mas de mi energía
This was my response to prompt #22: Something all people should know
me eating my pizza contemplating making a passive aggressive post
Stop shaming your shadow self trying to constantly shut it down telling yourself it’s not a part of you it’s been there since you were a child acknowledge it, walk with it Let it be seen, let it be heard even if that sometimes looks crazy or weird Let that bitch or asshole out Otherwise it will consume you
This was my response to prompt #17: The best gift you could receive
me annoyed with everything…lol
God grant me serenity and peace I hate it when I’m like this everything annoys the fuck out of me If I have to see another post about healing or trauma or my inner child, I’m throwing my phone out the door it’s not anything or anyone specifically its these horrible mood swings They transform me into a salty bitch who sets fire to everything and everyone with her pen and paper at least now I channel my anger into poetry and prose and no longer self implode when will serenity and peace come to me permanently and not just come to visit me temporarily?
5 Strategies for Self-Improvement When You’ve Been Diagnosed With a Bipolar Disorder by Julia Mitchell
After receiving a bipolar diagnosis, you may be wondering what the best course of action is in order to manage the condition while tending to your daily obligations. How will you cope with your symptoms and lead a fulfilling life? Here are some strategies you should discuss with your healthcare professional:
Stick to Your Treatment Plan
Once you’ve been diagnosed as bipolar, your physician will prescribe medication and put you on a treatment plan. But since there are no one-size-fits-all drugs when it comes to treating this condition, you’ll have to go through a bit of a trial-and-error period before you get on the right dosage. Through it all, try to be patient and persistent. Do not get discouraged, and stick with your treatment plan until you start seeing results. And don’t be afraid to voice your concerns to your doctor if you feel something isn’t working as it should.
Focus On Your Sleep
Lack of sleep and poor sleep quality can exacerbate symptoms for people with bipolar disorder. So strive to stick to a bedtime routine that will promote a restful night. Avoid heavy foods, caffeine, and alcohol too close to bedtime. Try to go to bed at the same time each night; having a relaxing ritual like a soothing bath, a cup of chamomile tea, reading, or meditating can help get you into a more relaxed state. Turn off your screens and smartphone at least 30 minutes before you lie down for the night. And keep the temperature at a comfortable level to help you stay asleep longer.
Work on Your Career Plan
A fulfilling and rewarding career can help keep symptom activators and triggers at bay, and establishing healthy relationships with coworkers and colleagues who share the same passion will help you thrive at your job. If teaching younger generations is your calling, find an accredited online school with competitive rates and check this program that will lead to a bachelor’s education degree. Pursuing a degree online allows you to take classes when it’s most convenient for you and your family, so you can fit them into your busy life without feeling stressed out.
Take Time for Self-Care
Between family and work obligations, you may feel pulled in a multitude of directions. You can start feeling stressed out, angry, and like you’re losing control of your life. And when you suffer from bipolar disorder, you’re either too busy to take time for yourself or too depressed to do anything for yourself. So try to stick to one project at a time, and learn to say no or to delegate to avoid feeling overwhelmed. And when you’re feeling down, make sure to go outside to get some fresh air, meet with some friends, and indulge in things that make you happy.
Start a Side Business
If pursuing a favorite hobby helps you manage your bipolar symptoms, think about ways you can turn this enjoyable pastime into a small business of your own. There are online resources to help you get started, such as LLC formation services which will walk you through all the legal ins and outs of structuring and launching a business. By using such a service, you won’t need to hire a lawyer to get all the tax benefits offered by a limited liability company.
If you’ve been recently diagnosed, ask your therapist for strategies that will make living with bipolar disorder and coping with symptoms easier. Learn to recognize your triggers, take time for self-care, and develop a toolbox of skills and activities to help stabilize your mood.
Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with a bipolar or borderline personality disorder? You’re not alone! Please follow my healing journey at lifeonthebpd.com.
Life on the BPD 
