I'm not my diagnosis. I don't say, "I AM bipolar." I say, " I HAVE bipolar. Big difference. I am not my illness, though it defines much of what I do, I am much more than that.

It took me 8 years and 10 different pdocs, lots of going off meds only to get sick and give in to the meds again. All of this until one day, I just accepted it. I think acceptance of anything I perceive to be negative is difficult. Acceptance does not mean I have to like it, but just to accept that it is real.

Also there is still a huge stigma concerning mental illness. Especially in the south! But the more advocates and education we can offer, the less the stigma.

Once I let go and accepted things, I felt a peaceful feeling and I felt light as a spring breeze.