Finding My Center: Navigating the Waves of Bipolar Disorder
Living with Bipolar Disorder often feels like being a small boat in a very large ocean. One moment, the waters are glassy and calm; the next, a storm surge of negative emotions hits without warning. It is incredibly easy to get swept away by those tides—to let the heaviness of a depressive "low" or the agitation of a "high" pull you miles away from the person you actually want to be.
When the tide starts to pull, I’ve learned that I can’t just wait for the storm to pass. I have to actively reach for my anchors.
The Art of Self-Regulation
Self-regulation isn't a "one size fits all" solution. It’s a toolkit we build over time, filled with different ways to bring our nervous systems back to baseline. For some, it’s the physical vibration of singing at the top of their lungs to release pent-up energy. For others, it’s the quiet focus of a hobby.
For me, the most powerful anchors are exercise and blogging.
The Physical Release: Exercise is where I put my restless energy or my heavy sadness. When I move my body, the negative emotions have somewhere to go. It’s like opening a pressure valve; it transforms that internal "noise" into physical strength.
The Digital Paper: Blogging is how I make sense of the chaos. When my thoughts are spinning, putting them into words helps me externalize them. Once the thoughts are on the screen, they aren't trapped in my head anymore. I can look at them, organize them, and eventually, let them go.
My Sanctuary: The Beach
While exercise and blogging are my "doing" tools, the beach is my "being" space. It is my ultimate calming environment.
There is something about the rhythmic sound of the waves that mimics a heartbeat, reminding my body to slow down. The salty smell of the air feels like it clears out the mental fog that Bipolar often brings. When I stand by the shore, the vastness of the ocean reminds me that my problems—as big as they feel—are part of a much larger, beautiful world. It grounds me in a way nothing else can.
Choosing to Center Today
Today, I am making a conscious choice. I am choosing to center myself—not because it’s easy, but because it’s necessary.
I’m doing this for myself, because I deserve to feel peace. But I’m also doing it for my family. They are my foundation, and they deserve the best version of me—the version that is present, steady, and centered. When I take the time to regulate my emotions through my "anchors," I’m not just helping myself; I’m showing up for the people who matter most.
If you’re feeling swept away today, remember: you have the power to reach for an anchor. Whether it's a song, a run, or just a deep breath of salt air, you are worth the effort it takes to find your way back to shore.
