When I was eighteen, I was involved in a horrific automobile accident where I lost my right arm above the elbow, fractured both legs in multiple locations, and so forth. The ER staff claimed I lost between six and seven pints of blood. When I woke up several days later in intensive care, I was thrilled to be alive. Oh sure, I was in three-point traction with several IV's dripping unknown liquids into my veins, EKG leads in various colors hooked up the a continuous monitor, and my right arm was still gone, and yet I was overjoyed. The staff just figured that it was the high dose of morphine sulfate that was responsible for my good spirits, but I was conscious throughout the entire accident, and I remember my last words before passing out; "Please God forgive me for all my sins and allow me into Your kingdom."

Thus, I value every day of my life no matter what difficulties or suffering I am asked to endure.

So, in 2001, when I was diagnosed with type I rapid-cycling bipolar disorder, I didn't think "Poor me - my life is forever ruined." Rather, I wondered how my condition might be of service to others. Currently, I'm very much involved in "sensitizing" our Colorado state laws (criminal and civil) to meet the needs of those with severe mental illnesses.

And I researched bipolar disorder to the point that I can teach "the professionals" a thing or two. For example, I was thrilled to learn that we experience the full spectrum of emotions, whereas "normal" people only experience a narrow window of emotions (no wonder a few of my poems were published). Also, those with bipolar disorder tend to have above-average to very high intelligence and are extraordinarily sensitive. We tend to be more creative, more artistic, in spite of the fact that "the normies" consider us to be a pain in the behind.

Think of your bipolar disorder as a challenge: are you tuff enuff to deal with it? Can you use the positive aspects of your condition to the your advantage and those of others?

Sure, being bipolar isn't any bed of roses. I lost two marriages, countless jobs, suffered several arrests, and alienated ex-friends and relatives because of the symptoms of this illness - but I chose to dwell on the positive rather than the negative.

If we think bad thoughts, then bad things will follow, but if we think positive thoughts, good things will follow. Not always - but remember it's a rule in criminal law that "the thought proceeds the action."

I LOVE YOU ALL!