NaoSky, thanks so much for sharing your interesting story and how you've come to understand, and in some way appreciate your unique experience, and your mom's.

I guess in one way I wonder what my life would have been like, if I never had bipolar disorder. And yet, I'm so grateful for my experiences, and where I am today. There are indeed many things I wouldn't have done or seen without the disorder. I honestly can't imagine that I would have seen much more without it. I guess. In any case, though I have experienced losses and great pain, as a result, so have I experienced extreme pleasures. The mere experiences of them have helped me grow in ways that many others do not. I suppose part of it is me, not just my bipolar disorder. Yes, me, as well. I am not the disorder, but the disorder made me see and feel things I might not have, otherwise.

I often say that the journey of recovery and discovery I've been through has made me wiser than ever. Also, one must develop the capability to see the positives over the negatives, in the end. You can determine your own final perspective. Not everyone has that ability, or at least learned it. Not everyone can put the negative parts of the past in the past, where they belong. Those who never forgive, themselves and others, do themselves great harm.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) mastery, is an excellent means of improving perspective. That is what it is all about. Modifying (or fighting) negative cognitive disortions. Transforming the negative to positive.