Mental illness robs us of our youth, abilities, and happiness. I understand your feelings. I don't miss anything but revel in my experiences. My past is not a tragedy, but lessons to be learned. I am more compassionate, kinder, and wiser because of my illness. I would not trade my life for anybody else's. I am who I am because of my past and present. I have no regrets. Our illness is not our fault. We should not wish life could have been different if we had not been ill. How do you know this? I don't. I accept my fate and am defiant about overcoming obstacles and fighting until the bloody end. How about you?