[Moreta]

I learned a pretty cool way to help me live the life I imagine. I'm not at all my goals yet but I'm getting there.

At my retreat this summer, I had a guidance session and the guy suggested I make a picture slide show of what I want to do with my life, things that I'm doing now, and comforting things. I started doing this recently and it has helped with my goals and dreams. The only things I haven't accomplished are getting into an art exhibit and starting on my master of arts in counseling, so I can become an art counselor. These things will happen in due time I'm sure.

For instance I have pictures of people throwing clay on pottery wheels, because I want to focus on pottery for art therapy. I have pictures of the mountains too because that's where I'm most relaxed, and I want to start hiking again. Hopefully in the spring. I also have pictures of my husband and my animals because they give me the most joy. I even have pics of my own art work.

More people are buying my art work now and I'm getting good reviews, so I'm going to try to branch out a bit and go downtown one day and see if my art work is good enough for a gallery. People are buying my jewelry too, so I feel good about that too.

I don't really feel disabled like my pdoc says I am, but I know I can't work a 40 hr a week job, like I was. I like doing the art because I can work on it whenever I feel like and there's no deadlines. I'm just doing it for myself. Without working, I've gotten so much better.

[Unrigged64072835]

I feel the same way when I did a "soul collage" for a women's retreat a few years ago. I still have the collages framed near my computer. It gives me something to meditate on. They're basically a question on one side pertaining to my life, and a mixed media collage on the other side.

One thing that I'm reminded of when I think of getting a regular job is am I going to be able to perform it when I'm not feeling well, like in a serious depression or when I'm hypomanic and scatterbrained. I also need to develop new skills, since my previous job was highly specialized and I can't do that anymore.

[BipolaRNurse]

Originally Posted by Fharraige

One thing that I'm reminded of when I think of getting a regular job is am I going to be able to perform it when I'm not feeling well, like in a serious depression or when I'm hypomanic and scatterbrained. I also need to develop new skills, since my previous job was highly specialized and I can't do that anymore.

It's the same with me. I'm stable and have been for some time, but it's because my lifestyle is a low-stress kind. If I had to work as a nurse again or work a 40-hour week, I'd be a hot mess. I hate that, but it's the truth and I'm better off not trying to push my limits.

Great idea! I hope you're able to get into a gallery that would be awesome.

[Moogieotter]

Thanks Mo. Did you guys know that Mo makes exquisite custom jewelry on the cheap? It's true.

what a nice suggestion.

i'd try it, but their's just 1 thing... trying to figure out what i do want to do with my life. *sighs*

i'm certainly not the person i thought i was, and the stuff i had in mind when i was a kid seems to painful to even think about

[Christopher1990]

I have to think about this.. But, what I try to imagine is nowhere near how I'm living now. I imagine a life doing a job that I love, and making enough money I can be content, and even comfortable with. I want to finish my B.A. and maybe even play basketball for the team. I picture a woman I can be in a healthy relationship with. Right now, I don't want kids. I picture an apartment, a dog. Living in a warmer climate. Really, just being as happy as I can be with little stress. And the biggest one, being stable! lol And maybe med-free..

Very not like this.

[raspberrytorte]

I don't know anymore.