Hi,

How’s it going? I hope you’re having a good day.

I’ll tell you right now that I’m not an artist. I know, I know, that probably surprises some of you. LOL But I’m a terrible artist. Now, my goddaughter, she’s the best fingerpainter around! Whether she grows up to be an artist, well, that remains to be seen. But she’ll be something great, I know (not a prejudiced bone in MY body!).

What I am great at is running www.bipolarcentral.com and helping people with bipolar disorder and their families. That’s what I’m best at doing.

You’re best at something, too, I’m sure. And I wouldn’t be best at doing what you do, any more than you would be best at what I do.

Everybody has their own “best.” Everybody is cut out for something.

My mom is best at talking to people on the phone. She amazes me. The way she can talk to people, like she’s known them her whole life! And the way they open up to her, like she’s their best friend!

But, like I said, everybody is best at something. And if you get to do what you’re best at doing, that’s when things really come together.

Being the supporter of a loved one with bipolar disorder, one of the things you need to do is to encourage them to do their best, to be their best (at whatever they are best at doing).

Why? Because they may be prone to depression, so a high self-esteem is crucial to fighting that off. And what better way to have a high self-esteem than to feel good about what you’re doing?

You feel good about what you’re doing when you’re doing what you’re best at doing.

Even people in big business know this. That’s why they now have these proficiency exams and personality exams that they give people even before they hire them. They understand that if you’re not happy at what you’re doing, well, you’re not going to stay an employee very long,

and they’ve just wasted a lot of time and money.

When you’re dealing with bipolar disorder, you want to be happy. So it’s the same principle.

Simple. Do what makes you happy. Do what you’re best at doing.

Maybe you’re the artist that I’m not! Or a writer… Or you like working with wood… Or with people… Or in the garden… Or making crafts… Or running your own business… Maybe you’re not even sure of what it is. You can make a list of what your interests are. Just brainstorm, and get some ideas, and go from there.

If you love to read, you might consider volunteering at the local library. If you love to shop, you might consider becoming a personal shopper or a mystery shopper. The important thing is that you do what you do best, and that you like what you do.

When you have bipolar disorder, it’s very important that you stay productive. It keeps you from becoming idle and depressed.

Well, I have to go!

Your Friend,

Dave