New Year, New Me!

Happy New Year everyone, welcome to 2011!

I dont usually go in for resolutions, I dont believe that you can change habits/addictions or indeed your whole persona on the strike of the clock, I mean if it were possible there would be no problems in the world now would there?!

However, last year was tough, it was tough for me emotionally, mentally, physically and financially, I really felt like I had been stripped bare in the 12 months that were 2010.  Whilst its no secret I endured heartache I know that I was taught a good few lessons about myself too, lessons that I will carry with me always, lessons  I obviously needed to learn, lessons that God saw fit to teach me in the depths of my despair.

I had spent much time towards the end of 2010 thinking about the New Year and how I could proceed with various aspects of my life, things did seem to come together somewhat towards the end of the year, and I felt  I was being shown a new way of living, a new code if you will, and thats what I plan to live by in 2011 and hopefully beyond, not so much resolutions but a new way of conducting myself and my life.  I certainly saw the striking of the clock to mark the end of 2010 as a metaphorical closing of the door on a lot of heartache and misery.

My primary issue is managing my Bipolar illness, I am so so grateful to be treated by a very forward thinking GP who has had the foresight to prescribe me medication that although not currently a traditional Bipolar treatment, is emerging in the USA as an amazing mood stabilizer, in the 3 weeks I have been taking this new combination of medication I have noted a marked improvement in my symptoms and indeed I actually am beginning to feel stable and happy, so my priority has to be maintaining this.  This entails continuing with the right medication, maintaining absolute sobriety and continuing self care methods that help to keep me relaxed and stable.

Why thats easy?! I may hear you cry.  But wait, Bipolar is a cunning illness as is alcohol addiction.  Bipolar will tell you that you dont need the pills you are fine as you are, alcoholism will tell you you DO need the alcohol.  The constant fight with these demons can be exhausting in itself, there are times it takes all my strength to fight them.

But fight them I will, I know I can do it, I know  I am worth it.  I am learning about myself every day but I truly believe that last year taught me enough lessons to get me through this year.

So to conclude, maybe not strictly a 'new' me but I am praying for an improved model!!