“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat,known suffering,known struggle,known loss,and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation,sensitivity and an understanding of life that fills them with compassions,gentleness,and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.” —Elisabeth Kubler Ross
 Most people I know with bipolar disorder have OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) symptoms. They are normal. It’s hard to get OCD thoughts to stop- but I do have a trick. If I’m obsessing about a person and the person’s name is going over and over in my head or something the person said is looping in my head- I just say to myself- “This will be over soon Julie. This isn’t forever. It’s the bipolar. Learn from this Julie and keep away from the trigger so it doesn’t happen again.” Sometimes this is easier than fighting and answering the thoughts themselves. Julie
The colors are so beautiful you want to take a picture of everything. Your desire to be social goes through the roof. People look so interesting and it’s very easy to say hi and start a conversation. Sexual thoughts increase and you often act on them. You want to buy nice clothes,or a car or a new dishwashe. It feels like a good idea to buy all new furniture for your room. It’s easy to clean your house. You blow off work to go to a bar. You buy a ticket to Vegas because it’s such a good deal! You get mad when your friends and family tell you to calm down. Alcohol tastes really good. It’s very easy to write lists like this one and write books and get to all of your email while watching football all day Sunday. Julie 
Hello Everyone, This is Sheri Joi, host for ’Your Best Holidays Ever’coaching call. It was a great success. I learn from Julie every time we have a call. I could tell she was surprised to hear that I have also struggled with depression and loneliness on the holidays- even though I have a large,happy family. It’s all relative. I’m using her tips this year and have planned for all of the days that are special for me. Here is one of Julie’s main points: How to deal with loneliness during New Years Eve! Julie: One of the main problems we face is loneliness during specific days such as New Years Eve. I’m a big believer in planning ahead in order to prevent depression. If you don’t have plans for a day that’s important to you, there is still plenty of time! Is there a particular day that is hard for you? I find New Year’s Eve especially hard simply because I’m single (by choice,but it still feels lonely at this time of the year!) and we all know we have to kiss someone sexy and wonderful at midnight! Of course I am being silly here, but the media creates expectations that can’t always be fulfilled! This year I have plans ready for the 31st. I worked it out two months ago. Yes,I really do plan ahead. What are your options for the last day of the year? 1. Visit Meetin.org or MeetUp.com to find some fun stuff to do. There are also activities and group events listed at Craigslist.org. 2. Create your own experience. Talk with people now and get something set up. Where will you meet? Where do you want to be at midnight? Maybe it’s at home watching TV with a friend. Maybe it’s going to a party or a club? It’s up to you. Do you want to have a party and invite people? 3. Call around and volunteer. This can start know. I know that it’s a particularly tough time for foster kids,for example. Create what YOU want. Make this year special! **Back to you Sheri Joi Thanks Julie. I always love your tips. Here is a question for the audience. Did you know that Julie struggles with depression almost every day? I’ve seen how planning ahead helps her manage bipolar disorder. I’m so proud of her. I’ve been through my holiday depression- and I agree with Julie. It’s up to us to make the holidays special. Julie will offer many more holiday tips on the blog. Those who listened live to the holiday call will receive a gift from Julie next week. If you missed the call, listening information will be on the blog in the next few days next week. Make sure you check the blog next week to download the file. Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow! I will be with my family and Julie is watching football at a bar. Sheri Joi ?
Bipolar Happens:35 Tips and Tricks to Manage Bipolar Disorder is a top ten book on the Kindle! That’s exciting. I went to the Kindle store to see how Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder and Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder were doing on the site. These books are in the top ten ranking- and then I saw that Bipolar Happens is up there as well. Fantastic! Bipolar Happens! is an enjoyable book about a serious topic. Guess what- it’s only $.99 Yes, I think this is a great deal and a good way to get helpful information about bipolar disorder at minimum cost. Bipolar Happens! was my first book. I knew I wanted to talk about how I manage the illness,but I also wanted to tell stories about how it affects my life daily. There are stories about anger, manic spending, anxiety at a baseball game and what it feels like to be psychotic! It’s a book that family members love too. I love it myself. It’s hopeful. Click here to go to amazon.com. You can read part of the book and then add it to your Kindle. Wow,$.99! Julie PS:If you’re new to my work, this is a great way to experience my writing style and the quality of my information. If you like it, you can come back for more!
Closed call: Thanks to all who joined in on the call. If you were not able to listen,the recording will be available soon. Those who listened live will receive a special gift regarding travel and bipolar disorder. I hope you can join us next time if you missed the call. Listening live is fun and who knows what will happen after the call! The call is closed,but you can read about the topic below. Free Call:Your Best Holiday Season Ever:Tips and Strategies to Avoid Stress and Create Joy this Holiday Season! I’m excited to announce the second free bipolarhappens.com coaching call. Tuesday, November 22nd at 5:30 PST. (The first call, Bipolar Disorder 101 was a great hit with over 100 participants.) More about Call #2 The holidays get to me every year. Maybe it’s because I have an idea of how they should be and when they are not, depression can be a result. I don’t want this to happen to anyone this year! We all have to watch for mania as well. Oh, and then there is the irritation….. This free coaching call is filled with the tips and strategies I know work- because I use them every year and my holiday blues don’t take over my life. I’m excited to share them with you. In fact, I’m excited about my holidays this year! I’ve planned way,way ahead. I have a goal for myself and I have a goal for you: A positive holiday experience starting from today all the way until the new year. Here are a few of the results you can expect from the call. These are pretty strong claims,but why not reach for the top! 1. You will not be lonely. 2. Your money will be managed. 3. You will have somewhere to go. 4. You will learn to say no when needed. 5. You will examine what holidays really mean to you, so that you can decided what kind of holidays you want. And so much more. This call will also have tips for family members. You are part of bipolar disorder as well! Join host Sheri Joi and myself for a lively coaching call that combines stories, interviews and strategies that work. Guaranteed. ‘See’ you there! Julie | |
| The health information contained herein is provided for general education purposes only. | |
