Lived Experience Forum

[JayL]

Haven't had a vent for a while on here. I'm not doing too bad, still get my ups and downs but the downs are a lot less severe. I seem to have found the right balance of medications. Although I resisted quite a lot initially, new medications have actually been helping with my mood and sleep. 

I've managed to do a couple of good things. Started exercising and going to the gym. I have stopped for a couple months, but trying not to beat myself up about it Reassuring myself that I will eventually go back. It was fairly consistent but then loss momentum with the lockdowns. 

I've picked up new hobbies that I find personally therapeutic. They are more creative hobbies and seem to let me have an outlet. I do a bit of photography, editting photos and making videos. I'm not great at it, but it does keep me busy and I enjoy the process. 

I've started looking after indoor plants and force myself to go out for plant supplies or looking around at nurseries. It is better than staying in bed all day. I guess I'm more patient with myself. I almost think of myself as a giant plant that also needs nurturing, patience, feeding and time to allow growth. As long as the plant doesn't die, it can keep growing and adapting. So i choose to push on for now. 

[BPDSurvivor]

That's sounds great @JayL !

Im glad you've found some hobbies you find somewhat therapeutic. As I've always said, it's about the process, not the product. I love the therapeutic repetitive movement when completing diamond paintings. However, I ended up with so many paintings that I didn't know what to do with, so I stopped making them. It's a shame, but it's hard when I'm a minimalist and don't like 'stuff' - so I sort of just look at the end product and think....what now?

But yes, I do agree hobbies are therapeutic. I can't say I'm a gardener, but after weeding my garden, I feel a sense of achievement and accomplishment - then I can sit back and enjoy my garden 😉 I am now working on being more 'mindful'. Our current society keeps us going, so I guess I'm teaching myself to 'stop, look and listen'. It's a start.

Anyway @JayL , let us know how you're going as you push on.

BPDSurvivor

[Appleblossom]

@JayL 

Great to you are finding different ways to nurture yourself. 

Exercise is a big part of my life too.

I also believe humans share are many aspects with plants.  I had a great insight the other day when I moved a large potted camelia from the front to a courtyard, and saw how it was gently trying to rearrange itself towards the light in its new position.  In so many ways we are sun seeking creatures.  I also went thru a lot of change in childhood not allowed to set roots down and used to change to adapt to each situation a lot ... so now I feel a bit like my camelia.

Cheers Apple

[pinklollipop15]

Sounds like you are doing great @JayL what type of indoor plants are you looking at? I have wanted to buy lavender but not sure if it can be indoors.