Tag: mental health
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The Reality Of Bipolar: Obsessive Self-Care
There’s an ugly side to bipolar disorder. Well — actually a lot of ugly sides. But today I’m diving into the ugliness of obsessive and nearly compulsive self-care. It looks like tightly controlling my sleep schedule, practically forcing myself to take daily meds (I even have a friend who keeps me accountable — I love…
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You Are Who You Say You Are: On Negative Self-Talk
“You are what you eat.” Maybe you’ve heard this saying growing up. Maybe your mom used to say, “If you eat too much chocolate, you’ll become chocolate!” Well lately I’ve been thinking — what if I am who I say I am? What if I am the words I call myself, the thoughts I think…
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Simply Giving: On Thanks Among Sorrow
I’ve felt true and utter pain before. When I was diagnosed with bipolar; when I faced devastating depression; when I went through a breakup; etc., etc. I have felt that sorrow, felt that longing for healing and hope. But let me tell you something: it is possible to simply give thanks even when we hurt,…
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Savor: On Seasons Of Life
Seasons are weird. And I’m not talking fall, winter, spring, and summer — although, those can be weird, too. I’m talking the seasons of life: ever-changing, the ebbs and flows, the beginnings and ends of eras. This season for me has been mostly sweet with a touch of longing. This season has been marked with…
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28 Years Of Life! On Easing, Leaning, & Clinging
I’m 28 years young. Emphasis on the young — because I don’t want to acknowledge, nor embrace, the fact that 30-years is only two years away. I turned my young 28 on August 31. The past weekend I spent in Austin with close friends and family, bopping around and having a blast. This morning I…
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From Strength To Strength: On Springs In The Valley
A few mornings ago, I read an encouraging Bible verse: As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools. Psalm 84:6; ESV Right before this verse, the people “they” refers to are ones whose strength is in God. After Verse 6, it mentions they…
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Boundaries: What They Are & How To Set Them
Last week I talked about boundaries. And while I’m glad I opened up and shared, I didn’t even consider — what if my reader doesn’t know much about boundaries? What if they don’t even know what they are? If you aren’t familiar with boundaries, it’s nothing to be ashamed of. One of my very first…
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Lately: Updates On Life, Love, & In-Between Moments
Life has been good and sweet lately. But it’s also been emotional and hard. It’s been a little good here, a little sad there, a little up here, and a little down there. I’m constantly learning and re-learning that the intermingling between joy and sorrow isn’t a bad thing, but a common trait of life.…
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Living With & Loving Someone With Mental Illness
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. I’m so delighted that 1) this month exists and 2) I have yet another reason to share mental health journey with you. As someone who’s lived with bipolar for over half a decade (six years, to be exact), I have grown passionate about discussing mental illness, encouraging those who…
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6 Years Of Bipolar: On Gratitude
I was diagnosed with bipolar six year ago. And what a wild ride it has been! Since my diagnosis, I’ve worked in the PR, legal, and climbing industries. I’ve moved several times — including in, out, and back into my parents (currently I’m on my own). I’ve become a plant mom, dog mom, and car…
Words By Mae 