I have been thinking of a new slogan: "Empowerplus. Putting the fun back in bipolar." Somehow, I don't think that is the image Truehope is looking for. But seriously, bipolar is a lot more fun these days. These days I've been grateful for my bipolar mind.
Spring is usually a good time for me anyways. Physically, things are still challenging, even though the protracted withdrawal is pretty minimal now. I was in poor shape before I started Empowerplus, and 10 months of sitting on the sofa has not helped. Mentally, though, there has been steady improvement.
Well, I have been saying that my mind has been clear since the fall, which is true, I do not think I am any sharper now than I was in November. The difference has been in my level of engagement. I am out taking pictures again, this forsythia is just one example of all the hopeful spring photos I've been taking. I've signed up for a couple of art classes and I actually went, which is a major breakthrough. I have a superabundance of project ideas, although I have been a little scattered about which one to actually focus on first.
And two days ago I was positively bathing in happy brain chemicals, without any of the usual drawbacks of hypomania like sleeplessness or irritation. So we'll see how it goes.
I've been taking care of business, too. I finally went to the doctor and had my blood test done. I get the results next week. It will be very interesting to see where my thyroid and blood sugar levels are. My weight is exactly the same since Christmas, so no more weight loss, but no gain either.
My biggest problem has been overdoing it. I feel good, do a bunch of stuff, and then I am wiped out for a couple of days. But I think that is just the process of getting my strength back. Things are certainly looking up!