The only thing that I have done of any value in my life is become a mother to my four children. I didn't know about my bipolar diagnosis or the family history on both sides of the family for undiagnosed bipolar.
My children give me meaning and purpose and a reason to get it together and be stable. Of the four two have been diagnosed with mood disorders. Of all of the things we humans can have wrong with us this isn't the worst. Knowing from a young age it's something to be on the lookout for and getting them help early means they will have it all under control long before I did. They will know when depression hits what it is and why and what to do to get help. They will know the same about hypomania or mania. They will never not have someone to talk to about everything they are feeling because I can definitely relate.
We live a little more intensely and get life on a deeper level, I believe. It's just who we are.