I have bipolar, it doesn't have me

[RubyShooz]

This morning I heard an interview with Olympics swimmer Eric Shanteau.  He was diagnosed with cancer just before going to Beijing but his doctors gave him permission to postpone his surgery until after the Olympics.  Eric said the best advice he received was from his father, currently battling lung cancer -- he said "I have cancer, it doesn't have me."

I think that applies to us, as well.  Don't be defined by your bipolar, it is just a small part of who we are.  I'm going to try to keep that thought in mind as I battle the ups and downs of this disorder.

Best of luck to you all, and I hope that today is a good day for every one of you!
Hugs,
Linda

[Venora Moonwind]

amen sis Thanks for another inspirational post.  I look at my bi polar  the same way I look at my thyroid surgery scars  yeah its me but thats not the whole of me.
Love venora

[jen21287]

That has also been my motto for awhile now. I do not want this illness to define who I am. I never say "I am bipolar" and I cringe when doctors use that word to describe me.  I have bipolar disorder, but I am not the disorder. Someone with cancer does not say "I am cancerous" or "I am cancer" in describing themselves. They say "I have cancer".  I think that should go with all illnesses - too often people become too defined by their illnesses and limit themselves because of them.