A new way of looking at things

So all my life i feel like I am supposed to be some how lesser than normal people or capable of less because I am Bipolar and I have Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. Today my boyfriend told me he loved me and my bipolar issues too. Because yes sometimes i struggle and it alters my perception or behavior. My bipolar has made some parts more difficult but after reading a recent post on the forum it reminded me of some things. I used to be a serious addict on a heavy drug. I got myself off and now have been clean going on 3 years 1 month and 20 days. I accomplished that. In that time I have left an abusive relationship, kept strong on my med regime, and I have always had primary custody of my kids. In all that time if I had not been bipolar I don't think I would have had the determination to do all that. Everyone always talks about the downside of a disorder. But I feel like being this way has upsides too.

For example, people with bipolar can be extremely creative. There's many famous people who have suffered through the condition and still accomplished their goals. We have a unique perspective in the world and different perspectives make the world a diverse center of learning if you are open to it. You are more able to empathize with people and more willing to help. I feel like also it helps fuel my person passions. Yes there are lows switching from happy to depressed. Yet, going from depressed to happy, makes me appreciate being happy so much more. Like its a beautiful thing.
I feel like I have wasted years asking why I am this way why me or denying or even ignoring my own condition at a great personal expense. For the first time I finally feel like I am starting to try to take something and make myself better because I can not change the way I am. But I can control my actions and perception.
I am sorry if i went on ranting but I feel a lot better after writing this.
If you read this and I can get you to see the positives no matter you diagnoses then i have accomplished something. Or I can sound like a crazy lady. lol.
Let me know what you think.
Thanks,
Em

Good Morning Em, This is not a vent but a wonderful sharing of many great accomplishments and I found it to be an inspiration so thank you for sharing with all of us. From what I have read here in the forum, I believe you are a kind soul, a wonder, a giver of smiles. You are a remarkable woman.  You are irreplaceable. You are amazing.   Kindly, Kitt    

I don't see bipolar as a strength but rather a catalyst for strength. Notice how people pull together in solidarity in natural disaster like they have been friends for life? Notice how when a government starts abusing human rights, it wakes the conscience of an otherwise complacent, sleeping population? Adversity creates strength but how much we thank adversity for what we can choose to accomplish from it, is a personal choice. Bipolar is an illness that causes great pain and suffering for the person, their loved ones and sometimes the wider community. It takes an irritation to turn an oyster into a pearl. Not all irritated oysters turn into pearls. In the human sense of the analogy it is our choice of whether we use bipolar to polish us up - or let it be an incredibly destructive illness to ourselves and those around us. I don't salute bipolar Em, I salute YOU!