Bipolar made me learn to be more aware of myself and my moods, and how I relate to others. It also made me take responsibility for myself to a degree that I think few people do nowadays.

I chose not to hide the fact that I'm bipolar -- and this was 22 years ago -- so I had the opportunity to educate coworkers and friends about this illness. I made some good friends and I think the openness I chose was a gift. Hard, but a gift.

I never blamed things on being bipolar.... I chose to take responsibility for all behavior, good and bad, that happened as a result of the mood swings. The good moments are true blessings, and the bad -- well, I try to learn something from them.