My BP Magazine blog: I am not a SCROOGE!

Do you read BP Magazine? I love it.  I write a blog weekly-  this week I wrote about the holidays- it’s very apropos as the holiday coaching call is tomorrow. Here is the first part of the blog and then a like to the actual site. I heartily recommend a subscription to the magazine.  It’s not only a great resource- it’s also a great tool for a management plan.

My blog:

I heard a man say this at a coffee shop yesterday:

I can’t stand the holidays. Every year we are forced to eat so much food. When did everything become about candy and buying things? I’m not going to sit in a hot room and eat from a big turkey.

That’s funny! Unfortunately, holidays have often been my nemesis. I find them stressful and filled with pressure of what a person should and shouldn’t [ Read More ]

Bipolar Disorder and Travel – 3 tips for the holiday weekend

Three Travel Tips for the Holiday Weekend

It’s a three day weekend here in the states. Many people are traveling out of town or have events on the weekend.  On the other hand, there are those who are lonely and wish they had something planned.  Holidays can be tough for both sides. If I’m manic, I’ll just go have a blast no matter where I am. I’d walk up to strangers and she what they’re doing. If I’m depressed, all I can think about is that other people have a lot more fun than I do. They go to picnics and see people and throw Frisbees and have a wonderful time. I’m sure I’m missing out.

Of course this is a great illustration that my moods are not my own- and that I need to get focused and create my own moods. I do this by planning ahead.

Here are some tips:

[ Read More ]

Bipolar Disorder and Travel

Why is it so hard to just do a one hour presentation?

I am going to the Oregon coast tomorrow to talk with law enforcement agents about bipolar disorder. I have always wanted to do this- so it should be exciting right? Well, if you have bipolar disorder you know that the one hour presentation is not the problem-  it’s the stress of thinking about all of the planning that has to go into it! I have to meet a friend who is driving me to the coast. This means I have to get there at a specific time. What if I can’t sleep? In fact, I know I will not be able to get to sleep on my own.  When should I take my Ativan? Will I get enough sleep as I tend to wake up too early when I travel.

Where are my books? Do I have copies in my car? No. That [ Read More ]

Hello from the Alamo!

Well, I knew that San Antonio, Texas would be fun, but I had no idea it would be so beautiful! My friend and I walked all day and went to the Alamo this afternoon. I was not sick today!!! I am thankful for that. I guess this is the first day in a very long time where I just had fun – without worries.  It is possible. When I get a glimpse of how life can be when I’m well, it makes me want to work that much harder to make it happen more often.

I hope y0u’re doing well. The holiday were really tough for me- but they are now finished.

It’s a new year! 

If you’re depressed right now, I have a lot of tips under the depression category to your right. This can be such a tough time of year. Suicide peaks at this time- so we all have to be careful. [ Read More ]

bipolar disorder and travel

wow.  I always write about preparing for travel way ahead of time in order not to get sick on a trip. Well, I did what I could and have still had a tough time. Not bad though! I’m visiting a very good friend in Texas. Her family is so stable and happy. It makes me see that I need more stability in my life in Portland. Things are so different back home. My family is often unhappy and it’s stressful. I do what I can, but I’m still around it because I love them! Also, I realize I am alone too much. Being around people helps me- so what can I do to be around more people? It’s a constant struggle as I can’t work in an office setting! I am going to create a plan for this in the next few weeks.

And finally, how can I get my sleep regulated when I am [ Read More ]

I’m taking a trip to the east coast……

Well! I never thought I would be so well that I could just get ready and get on a plane to Texas without stress! But it’s happening. I leave tomorrow morning for San Antonio where I will see a dear friend and her three kids for New Year’s Eve! As you know, I wrote a lot about having plans for holidays this year- and I did it!

Then I go to Jacksonville, Florida to see another dear friend. I will work on a proposal for my new book while she is working. We will then have fun on the weekends. I have to rent a car and get around by myself.  I have done all of my own packing and I am actually getting through today without stress- I have to be at the airport at 4AM tomorrow!

Why am I telling you all of this mundane stuff?  Because just a few years ago none [ Read More ]

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