I really miss that laser focus; it was a defining characteristic for years. I used to be able to sit for hour upon hour working on projects. I could leave for school or work early in the morning and be busy throughout the day then come home and study, write, read, or practice until I went to sleep later that night. I could do this for weeks, even months. It was kind of an intoxicating and joyous experience for me.

Then there is the social aspect fostered by my hypomania; it was very easy for me to talk with people and make friends; not all the time, but very frequently.

I was a work hard, play hard type of guy.

I suppose hypomania(and depression) wasn't debilitating for me between the end of high school and my mid-twenties. Then I hit 25-26 and the rapid-cycling and/or mixed episodes took control and ended my life as I knew it.

Like you, I am hyper-concerned about mood changes, even if they're healthy or relatively minor.