I'm doing GREAT.....probably manic, but who cares? In June, I was in a very dark place. But I've turned it around in July - gym, running, food, sleep, meditation, medication, treatment, driving around with the sunroof down in 95 degree weather, ice cream 5x a week, firm schedule, all positive mojo. I can't remember the last time I had a "who gives a bleep" attitude. After all the battles I've been through, it's fun.

IMHO - BP shouldn't be "hell". Not in my book. I've turned it into a positive, not a crutch. It gives me purpose, humility, and a sense of self. I am who I am. Nothing more, nothing less. Would I be in shape at age 50 if I wasn't BP? Probably not. Would I have quit drinking if I wasn't diagnosed with BP? Probably not. Would I focus on becoming a better person if I wasn't diagnosed with BP? Probably not. Would I drive down my street cranking Van Halen like a daffy teenager? Probably not.

Trust me when I tell you - I was a flaming asshole for 30 years. I don't want to go back there. Not for one minute. I was diagnosed with BP over a year ago. My immediate thought? "I've arrived."

Sure, I'll be back down in the "low" at some point in time, but I'm ready for battle.