I try hard to maintain a very healthy happy baseline mood, but I guess I'd be lying if I wrote that I didn't enjoy doing some of the things I did in the past that were hypomanic/manic fueled. The problem with hypomania and mania is that it's like making a deal with the devil. I did, indeed, have some intensely wonderful times, but I also suffered a lot of consequences. Also, the course of my illness worsened over time. Though I do occasionally have a nice "upswing" as I like to call them, I know that if left unchecked, they will turn ugly.

Having lived through very rough times with my mental illness, I did develop a certain extra compassion for others that I didn't full have in my youth. I also learned patience, humility, and moderation. There is also a pleasure one can derive from feeling fully grounded in life.