A Routine That Works

I went to lunch today with my sister. We visited a great Mexican restaurant – the same one we went to the last time we went to lunch. Afterwards, we went to our favorite fudge shop. We’ve only been to this little store twice (the first time was when we went to the Mexican restaurant last time - lol), but I like to think of it as our little secret. And on both occasions, after we made our purchases, we headed to my mom’s place of employment and dropped her off a sample of the chocolaty goodness we found. We’ve only made this little afternoon excursion twice, and yet it feels like a comfortable routine to me.

I like routines. I didn’t so much when I was younger. I always wanted to get up and go “on the fly”. If I saw something advertised on the television or heard something interesting on the radio, I’d grab my purse and be out the door on my way to an adventure in a heartbeat. But, now I enjoy the comfort of knowing that I can depend on my calendar to tell me when I’m expected to be somewhere – or not expected to be somewhere.

What has made the difference in my lifestyle? Well, a couple of things: 1) up until about twelve years ago my brain didn’t know how to survive without a constant rush of chaos and 2) numerous surgeries on my back and neck have forced me to limit my activities.

Now, unless you have lived your life in “fast forward”, you have no idea have nice “slow motion” can be to a person. Just the ability to take a deep breath is a privilege. Bi Polar – or Manic Depression – is living your life on a roller coaster that’s been set on full throttle.

If you’re not Bi Polar, you won't have a clue what I’m talking about. So, let me just define the two terms in the title of the disease:
MANIC: frenzy, state of abnormally elevated or irritable mood, uncontrolled by reason, craziness, to exhibit great energy… EXTREME FAST FORWARD

DEPRESSION: sense of inadequacy, symptoms that interferes with the ability to work, sleep, eat, and enjoy once pleasurable activities, and feelings of worthlessness, guilt, and hopelessness… EXTREME SLOW MOTION

Thankfully, I have: 1) a great doctor that regulates my medication 2) a wonderful therapist that has helped me learn new and exciting ways to deal with stress and anxiety 3) a fulfilling relationship with Jesus Christ that has taught me to accept me for the person I am and 4) friends and family that are supportive and loving. With all of these things working together, I can chug along at a speed that is comfortable for me… in a routine that works for me. I hope you have a routine you can manage, too!