Throughout the Christmas celebration, there was some ribbing of “The Old Man” (me), about “New Dad” or “New Jon”. There would be a story told about something that happened at a previous Christmas that set me off, and we’d joke “that was ‘Old Dad’”. Or my wife would tell me she was amazed something didn’t bother me, and I’d tell her it was because “New Jon” was there. And it really was a HUGE difference. The family wasn’t on eggshells worrying about setting me off. Of course they didn’t completely let their guard down, I could see a little hesitation at times, or incredulity about certain situations where I didn’t flinch. But it made for a very pleasant holiday.
I can’t begin to express how this “balance” is improving my quality of life, and that of those around me.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
New Jon
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10 comments:
Congrats! My family party went well after I blew up at home....
I am glad that the "New Jon" is in charge.
Have a Happy New Year!
Thanks, Lee. Reading this again, my current hypomania is shining through clear and bright, isn't it? By now, I should know better than to post immediately while hypomanic.
Happy New to you!
Ya know, I have to say that I am getting tired of people blaming Bipolars for ruinning the holidays. What about family members saying the wrong thing that sets us off? It is no different then debating or arguing of political or controversial issues...no different than religious issues...We are still human..bipolar or not.
It is not about walking on egg shells...it is about respect.
Bipolar Disorder is a stress-related disorder and WE are overly sensitive and filled with emotions and if OUR family members know this then what is the BIG deal for them to avoid hurting our feelings?
We are to blame for ruining the holidays but they aren't when they all should of kept their mouth shut.
I am sorry, but Bipolars..granted some are alcoholics, but Bipolar Disorder is not Acoholism - You are dealing with an alcoholic - Its not the same thing...walking on eggshells is like dealing with an alcoholic.
Bipolar is different...if people would educate themselves then maybe they wouldn't set us off... it is not us that ruins the holidays...it is the family members who cannot deal with us because they truly don't understand us.
I MEANT TO SAY...
"IF You are dealing with an alcoholic - then walking on eggshells is like dealing with an alcoholic.
Great hearing you had a balanced and enjoyable Christmas. It's so hard when the general perception of bipolars is "hair-trigger-tempers." My hope for you and I both is that we can find that balanced place and do our part to show that perception is wrong, well . . . at least not 100% correct. Little by little, day by day, we become who we are.
DW - I understand what you're saying, I really do. This is a good topic to cover a little more in-depth which I’ll do shortly on my Health Central blog ( http://blogs.healthcentral.com/bipolar/gjs-bipolar-blog ). Thanks for the idea and motivation.
BPPro - thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. Very insightful - that balance, on BOTH sides is difficult to find. As for becoming who we are - I spent 45 years as one person, THAT's really who I am. But that person brings too much pain to my loved ones. I lived 45 years for me, and put my family through hell throughout those years. It's time I helped improve their quality of life.
I linked the G.J.'s Bipolar blog within my blog!!
Great work Dude!
How nice that both you & your wife can see a notable improvement from last year.
Aww, Congrats! It is SO cool when other people (the people who really know you) give you feedback on "you"....
When you realize that you ARE changing!!
That just brought tears to my eyes!
God is Good! And it sounds like you and you family have been doing so much to stay well through things!
Wonderful!! :-)
Happy New Year To The New Jon..and remember to love all the lessons the old Jon taught you!
Dancer.
DW - Thanks! Now I just have to find the motivation to keep writing those columns.
Queen - I hope your Christmas was good, but it sounds like maybe it was less than perfect? But the new year is almost here, with a big, blank canvas, waiting for us to start swinging our brush. We all get to start a new work of art.
Jane - yes, there is a noticeable difference. I read about your Christmas, it brough tears to my eyes. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Amateur Dancer - Thanks so much for your comments. A happy and healthy new year to you and yours also.
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