Ask A Bipolar The Interview

As promised, today’s blog features a special guest.  I’d like to introduce my good friend Marybeth, author of the fabulous blog Desperately Searching For My Inner Mary Poppins and co-founder of the new website, Ask A Bipolar. Without further ado, I present the interview.

Hello Marybeth!  You and I are friends and know each other, but will you please share a little about yourself with my readers?

I am a mother of three suffering from bipolar disorder while trying to raise a bipolar son. I LOVE to write, read, sing and run.  

Today we are are here to discuss your new website, Ask A Bipolar.  Can you share the definition of bipolar disorder for those who do not already know?

A mood disorder sometimes called manic-depressive illness or manic-depression that characteristically involves cycles of depression and elation or mania. Sometimes the mood switches from high to low and back again are dramatic and rapid, but more often they are gradual and slow, and intervals of normal mood may occur between the high (manic) and low (depressive) phases of the condition. The symptoms of both the depressive and manic cycles may be severe and often lead to impaired functioning 

You have a co-founder, Erika, for this website.  Can you tell us how you two came up with the idea to start Ask A Bipolar and why you both felt drawn to do so?

A friend of mine posted a blog about her son's rage. Erika commented on it with a detailed account of how it actually felt to rage. The response she got was amazing. Everyone was so excited to have someone who'd actually experienced this describe it in such detail that they felt like they could finally understand what was going on. It gave me an idea. Why not have an actual website where people could go to ask questions to someone who's been there and can answer it from a first person experience. I passed the idea past Erika and she was all about it! 

What can people expect from your website?

It's a place where people who are suffering from or know someone who is suffering from bipolar disorder can come and ask questions and get answers from someone who's been there, not just a professional. Sometimes we just need to hear those little words, "I get what you're going through." 

What are some challenges you have had to overcome due to your bipolar illness?  

Before I was diagnosed I had many financial troubles, a hard time maintaining relationships and large bouts of depression. It made for a very difficult road through young adulthood. Now it's just a matter of making it through the ups and downs without upsetting those around me, which I'd like to think I've become quite decent at. 

Your son is affected by a mood disorder as well.  Do you feel that your experiences have better equipped you to help him through his struggles?

Absolutely. It's so nice to understand what he's going through and be able to express this to my husband or just tell my son that, yeah, I've been there too. I can spot his moods easily and have a good idea what triggered them and why, thus it's easier for me to bring him out of them, or at the very least talk him through it. 

If someone is concerned that they, or a family member, might be suffering from Bipolar Disorder, what should their first steps be?  Who should they contact?

If someone is concerned that they might have Bipolar Disorder I highly recommend they seek professional help sooner than later. If you are concerned someone you know may be Bipolar I would do what you can to either get them to, or convince them to, go to a doctor as soon as possible. 

Thank you for being here today Marybeth!  

If you have any questions, or just want to check it out, please visit Marybeth’s website Ask A Bipolar!  


Happy Friday everyone & enjoy your weekend!!!

Emotional Draino

This past week, I decided to embrace my inner Smurfette.  A few electric blue streaks graced my hair after the encouragement of my husband, my boys, and my good friend & hairstylist, E.  We were certain my Mom would get a little shock, and possibly a chuckle, out of my bold statement, but she wasn't phased.

Sometimes we feel like taking actions that are not in our typical motions.  Whether it's a blue streak in our blonde hair, stepping out of a shy quiet mode and into the spotlight, writing an amazing novel,  starting a business, or doing just about anything that changes our lives.  Stepping out of that comfort zone and into an extraordinary experience is often a release.

Expression, defined in multiple ways, is gift.  No matter what form it takes, it is a blessing and a freedom that we possess.  Can you imagine how different our lives would be if we didn't seize the opportunity to physically or verbally proclaim who we are or how we feel inside?  We'd all be in desperate need of Emotional Draino.


Emotional Draino, for those days when your life is stuck and your troubles are beginning to overflow due to the emotional backup in the plumbing of your heart.

How do you express yourself?  Everyone has those bad days and needs a little stress relief.  What is your equivalent to Emotional Draino?  Is it exercise, a good cry, a good talk, a distracting book or movie, writing, music, or something completely different?  

***

A crafty blog post coming soon!

A Crumpled Daily Check List

A scavenger hunt in the woods, hot summer sun, cool pool time, 5 smiling kids and 1 adorable baby, 2 awesome grandmas (and a even a grandpa for part of the time), & 3 happy moms.  That is a pretty simple and accurate description of my last Friday afternoon.  What does it all add up to?  A fun & sweet memory to cherish for years!

Ask most people in my family, and they will tell you that I don't often take time to slow down and relax.  I always have a project to occupy my time and something cooking on the back burner as well.  Lists are required to keep my mind organized as I'm constantly going and doing what I can for those around me.  Type A you ask?  Yeah, you could say that.  This is just how I was made.

In the last 2 weeks I've had a few days that allowed me to just let go.  A handful of family members and friends have helped me to relax and not think about what's next on my to do list.  My kids are probably the most responsible in this area.

When I slow down, I realize how quickly my boys are growing.  The summer days are fading at a rate that make me want to reach for the pause button on life's remote.  There are moments that I want to pull my hair out and have some quiet time, but mostly I just know I'm going to be in for some tears when September rolls around.

Guilt finds me when I'm not attempting to keep up with the daily check list, but I realize that's not always what's most important.  If I don't stop to appreciate the beauty in life, those feelings will find me later in the years.

As I look out past my deck, I notice freshly fallen raindrops, caught by rich green leaves, sparkling like tiny rhinestones in the sunshine.  Before long, this will no longer be visible.  Rain will evaporate or roll off the green foliage to soak into the ground below.  Had I not taken the time to look at what was right in front of me, I would have missed it all.

Don't miss out on all the simple joys in life.  Whether it's board games with the kids, singing silly songs, or dancing around the living room, take a day off and enjoy every second.

What have you done or experienced lately that qualifies as a simple joy?  Do you stop to smell the roses often or struggle with taking the extra time?  Who or what helps you to slow down and relax?

*****

Nostalgia Meets Modern Day

My mind has travelled over various topics for today, but it keeps coming back to the day I spent with my family yesterday.  It was a wonderful day overall and I just feel like sharing some of it with you.  The events really began on Saturday however, so I'll begin there.

We have a finished daylight basement.  Beyond a laundry room, hallway, and "boiler" room, we have a large open room with an attached 3/4 bathroom.  This room has housed out of state visitors and other family guests.  In the past, I've had a scrapbooking day or two in this space as well.  My sewing and craft area has also occupied a small portion of the room at one time.  With the recent changes in our lives, we decided to rearrange and clean up the area once again.  We have a lovely curtain that will section off the smaller side of the room for our visiting guests, and the larger portion of the room will become my Stampin' Up workshop and class space.  Saturday, we began the process of letting go of unused items to make a little extra room.

Sunday afternoon gave us the opportunity to drive to my Aunt D's home and deliver the previously mentioned items for an upcoming barn sale.  Aunt D lives in my great-grandparents old homestead and the barn is perfect for an event like this.  There is also magic surrounding every part of the land and space where two of the most endearing people in my life once lived.  In my childhood days, there weren't many places that I loved more than my great-grandparent's.  

My boys enjoyed giving Aunt D's ducks a shower and then ran wild for a little bit.  Then C, Aunt D, and I unloaded the car before admiring the restored barn. We all marveled at the garden, Uncle R is a green thumb.  Afterwards, M picked raspberries with Aunt D, while O mostly enjoyed running around the wide open spaces.  Seeing my boys enjoying the place that I did as a kid, not to mention the previous generation of my Mom & Aunt D, was such a wonderful feeling.  I can imagine my great-grandparents were smiling down on them and loving them just as much as they did every child that was a part of their lives.  

Our day was not yet over, so we traveled to visit Grandma (my Mom) quickly, before heading over to my older brother's home.  He had been working on a dog haven for his beautiful German Shepard, but took a break to visit with his only nephews and amazing sister & brother-in-law (not to toot our own horns or anything).  The boys had a blast with Uncle M & Aunt S!  They went for a short hike and enjoyed all of the nature that surrounds the home.  Later they moved inside to play a round of Lego Batman while the adults talked on the deck overlooking the river.  We enjoyed good conversation and a lot of laughter.  Then we stopped to see my Mom for hugs and I love you's before we headed home.  The evening ended all too quickly.

Among all the bitter sweetness we face in our lives, moments with family (and true friends) who loves you is priceless.  When others turn away or stomp on your heart, it's these precious people who will be there to pick you up and help put you back together.  Even the memories of loved ones who have gone on before us help to heal our spirits.  

Who in your life has supported you through the rough spots?  Who has given more than they have taken?  Who on this earth can you count on the most?  Who are you grateful for today?

<3 Extra love goes out to my family today!  I appreciate and am grateful for you! <3

Better Than Me and You

In today's society, many of us feel as though we are being judged.  There seems to be an unspoken, although sometimes it's verbalized, competition that surrounds us.  At times it's self inflicted, while in other circumstances, the message is clearly conveyed by another party.  Jealousy and doubt can creep in all too quickly.

What makes a person feel as though they are better (or less) than someone else?  Is it a status held in a high level career or a birthright and namesake?  Could the superiority come from wealth, a fancy car, or towering mansion?  Do we receive special "gold stars" for our extensive education, religious views, or being a famous celebrity?  Maybe you can hold your head high above the rest because you live a lifestyle without children, or maybe because you have one child or multiple children?  Are you simply more handsome than every person you meet or incredibly beautiful?  It's amazing how many reasons you can have for treating others as though they are beneath you.

A person's spirit is fragile.  It can be crushed when any of these instances of snobbery happen in life.  How do we turn this never ending issue around?  To start, I recommend sincere kindness.  A compliment or boost of encouragement goes a long way, especially during a bad day.  Walk a mile in someone else's shoes.  Have compassion for others.  Be a true friend.  Show someone you believe in them.

Everyone is special in their own way.  Each of us has a gift, or more than one.  Embrace yours.  Don't let others get the best of you and bring you down.

"Before God we are all equally wise- and equally foolish." - Albert Einstein

For every reader:  Have you ever made someone feel less than who and what they are?  Have you felt unworthy yourself (self inflicted or otherwise)?  Have you given someone, or has anyone given you, a much needed boost of encouragement?  Give someone a confidence boost over the weekend.    Share you encouragement stories. 

Everything Is Going Swimmingly

Can you believe that the dreaded first day of the traditional work week has arrived once again?  Yes, it is Monday already.  Surprise!  My day started off swimmingly!  Yes, it's 100% true.  You see, this morning was my sons' last  swimming lesson for the Summer.  Sitting beside the pool and baking in the heat for the past two weeks while my boy swam, left me feeling a bit jealous.  Thankfully, after today's final lesson I was able to join my boys for the open swim pool party!  Nice warm pool water on a sunny summer day felt amazing.  

As our swimming lessons come to a close, I am amazed at how far my boys have come in such a short amount of time.  M removed himself from the steps after 2 days of fear induced sitting.  His instructor was able to bring him out into the water a number of times during those first couple of days, but he was terrified to do much else.  Today, he didn't want to get out of the pool!  He may not be ready to lose the swim training device and kick board, but the tears and nerves have certainly left him.  

O was also very nervous about pool time when he began.  He went from saying "I can't," to saying "watch this!"  Seeing him pick up on the actual swimming strokes and technique leaves me feeling amazed at much he's accomplished.  

My boys lessons of conquering fears and embracing their courage has been a wonderful inspiration to me.  As many of you know, putting yourself in a position where it's sink or swim, fail or succeed, makes you feel very vulnerable.  However, giving up before you try is not a good option.  

With these thoughts running through my mind over the past couple of weeks, I made a decision to step into a role that I've considered for some time.   I'm extremely nervous to fall flat on my face, but who isn't when they are trying something new?  While embracing my ultimate crafter heart, I'm stamping into the roll of a Stampin' Up! demonstrator!

If I'm not suited for this position, I don't know who is.  I love creating cards, scrapbooking, and doing all sorts of different crafts.  As I browse through crafting blogs, I am quick to notice many of the projects I fall in love with are created with Stampin' Up!  products.  They are so versatile and everything coordinates easily.  The best part about it...  it is FUN!  

My Stampin' Up demonstrator website should be up and running soon and you will be able to find the link here on my blog.  I will also update melindamarie.com with the information.  In the near future, I am planning on doing workshops, classes, and possibly even oline/video classes.

My dear friend Ally has encouraged me to step into this role for a long time.  Friends and family members have also boosted my confidence and pushed me towards this new adventure.  I can't wait to get started!

Have you taken on anything new lately?  Do you have any big announcements to share?  How is your day stacking up so far?  Are you longing for Friday to make a speedy return?  Do you have a quiet week ahead?  

Are you interested in having a Stampin' Up workshop with your friends and/or family?  Are you interested in taking a traditional/online class with me in the future?  Do you want to get crafty with me?  

Happy Birthday today to my husband Chris!

I love you!  xoxo

I'm looking forward to catching up with all of my blogger friends this week as I check out all the latest posts!

Growing Pains

On Father's Day, my family went to see Toy Story 3.  I promise no spoilers!  A few of my friends who had already seen the movie, suggested that I bring along some tissues.  As Andy is ready to go to college, the concept of the movie is geared towards growing up, letting go, and moving on.

During the previews before the movie began, we heard from creators of the new Toy Story 3 video game.  One of the comments that they made was, "kids are playing less with toys in the ways that we used to."  Imaginative play is less common in today's world, so they created a "toy box" feature on the current game to encourage children to be creative.  While I listened to their statements, I realized how true it is that a lot of kids are letting go of their "plain jane" toys at a younger age in favor of the latest tech savvy device.

Today's kids are expected to act older at a much younger age.  Maybe some of the persuasion comes from adults, but a great deal comes from their peers.  From t-shirts, to lunch boxes, to what they watch on tv and in the movies, there is pressure from classmates to lose the "baby-ish" characters.

Buzz & Woody are loved, but at 7 years old, my young son already feels that kids around him may think it's just for "little kids."  I'm sad that today's children, mine included, are growing up far too quickly.  Andy, who was just a young child in the first two Toy Story films, is all grown up now.  Although he's heading off to college, he held on to some of his favorite toys all of these years because they inspired the character's imagination (and even some of our's).  I'd like to picture my boys holding on to some of the special parts of childhood, just like Andy did.

There's always going to be pressure to fit in, but following your heart and being true to yourself is much more important.  I hope my boys will embrace who they are and what they love... even if it's not the cool thing to do.  Childhood will be gone soon enough, so I don't want them to give it up too quickly.

Have you struggled with seeing your kids grow up?  How young were they when they started to feel the pressure to act older?  Do you think today's kids are acting older earlier?  Any advice for those of us seeing our kids starting to feel the pressure not to be "little" kids anymore?  Have you seen Toy Story 3?  Did you enjoy it?  Did you cry?