Seeds of Recovery
A Journal of 101 Mental Health Reflections
by
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Man is the only critter who feels the need to label things as flowers or weeds.—Anonymous For medical purposes, clinicians attach inadequate words such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizoaffective disorder, or clinical depression to the extraordinary mental and emotional journeys we travel as a result of the biochemical imbalances of the brain. But such terms do not sufficiently express our experiences, which are both unique and universal. We may not understand why our minds have traveled a different path, but we shall dance down our path carrying our own colorful umbrella of recovery. I will always rebel at being labeled, but if others must label me, call me a person in recovery.
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About the Book
I invite you to trust and explore the strength of your inner core to accept, forgive, laugh, and understand the range of extreme emotions, fears, and thoughts associated with having a mental health diagnosis. The spirit of your own words can transform the darkest moments.
About the Author
I am very lucky. Despite living with the diagnosis of bipolar disorder and experiencing the ups and downs of extreme emotions, I’ve been able to work for long periods and maintain many friendships. The disorder contributed to the loss of a twenty-five-year-old marriage, but I have rewarding relationships with 3 wonderful children, their spouses and children. Yes, I have known the sorrow of losing friends to the uncontrolled, undertow of depression and ended jobs during tumultuous episodes, yet my large family of origin supported me through these difficult times. I practiced law for twenty-five years, volunteered my knowledge of recovery (improving one’s life while having a serious mental illness) with the hope that others with mental illnesses may benefit, facilitated encouraging support groups, and advocated for better recovery programs. I find enjoyment in advocating, cooking, writing, aquatic exercising, and spending time with my friends and family. I know that many living with mental health diagnoses have had far more difficult times. My heart reaches out to you. Through journaling affirmations I recognized my life could improve despite medication side effects, wide mood swings, psychotic episodes, deep depression or dangerous manias. I invite you to experience the power of affirming your true self while engaging with these hope-generating affirmations. The structure of the book allows you to reflect on a quote of hope and understanding and write about its meaning in your life. Your words are powerful and healing.