What Did 2022 Teach Me?

Photo by Kiki Yang

1. My story of surviving Bipolar continues to be really powerful

I got published in a few magazines for sharing my story about overcoming Bipolar Disorder Type 1. I did speaking gigs, and although I repeat the same content in public speaking gigs over again, my story is still powerful. I am able to articulate myself better, and learn to speak slower during public speaking gigs. The impact of others I have in sharing my story is positive, empowering and inspiring.

2. I can maintain two jobs

Last year I set a goal to maintain my full-time (and only) job and I did that. But this year I decided I wanted to get more hours and so I applied for a second mental health job to do on some weekends as a casual basis. But I do acknowledge that my stress levels has been high since getting the second job. I was unconsciously stressed and developed Shingles on my face due to the stress levels. After acknowledging that no one else should be blamed for but myself - cause I chose to have two jobs, I am able to learn relaxation techniques from my counselling I do and be able to ground myself better when something difficult arises.

3. True love still didn’t happen this year, but that’s OK

This year I was in a relationship for a very short time, but I didn’t like how he drank and smoke so much. So I broke up with this particular guy. Breaking up with this guy was a very empowering experience for me - cause normally I am the one who gets ‘ditched’ first. I set healthy boundaries between me and this person and I know what I wanted. I feel amazing reflecting back on this particular experience - and that I am strong be able to say “no” better, and when I need to.