Hi,<\/p>\n
I was thinking recently how things have been going lately and comparing it to how things have gone over the past year, and then I wondered, “Where will I be a year from now?” Good question, don’t you think? A hard one to answer, once I started thinking about it, though. When I started thinking about past years, I thought about the goals I had set for myself, those that I had
\nmet and those that I hadn’t met. As well as those I have yet to meet.<\/p>\n
I think it’s really important for people to set short-term and long-term goals. Especially if you\u2019re dealing with bipolar disorder. But I also think that these goals have to be realistic. That’s why I think a lot of people fail to keep their New Year’s resolutions \u2013 because they’re usually not very realistic. So where do you think you’ll be a year from now? Think about it. Do you want to be where you are today? Because if you don’t, you’re going to need to change. You’re going to need to change some things, and most importantly, you’re going to need to change yourself.<\/p>\n
“Don’t fix what isn’t broken,” someone once told me. Well, that’s not what I’m asking you to do.
\nIf something is working for you, then definitely don’t change that (unless it’s harmful to you). But if something is harmful to you or your loved one, then it needs to be changed. For example, maybe you\u2019re having problems at your job. Maybe you\u2019re just not proactive enough. So that\u2019s something you might want to work on and to change.<\/p>\n
If you’ve been having problems with your loved one, say, with their medication, like if it hasn’t been working as good as it was, then maybe it’s time for a change. Have them call their doctor and tell him about it. Or if your loved one is exhibiting unacceptable behavior and you haven\u2019t been doing anything about it up until now, you may want to change that. It may be time for you to set down some boundaries and limits for your loved one.<\/p>\n
If you haven’t been getting very much out of your support group, you might want to think about changing support groups. Keep thinking about where you want to be a year from now. Keep that thought in mind as you consider things. If your relationship with friends and family hasn’t been
\nthe best, then you can change that in the coming year. Do you want it to be different a year from now? Do you want it to be better? Then do something about it now.<\/p>\n
Have you been having trouble with your loved one\u2019s bipolar disorder? Have they not been sticking to their treatment plan? Have they been skipping doctor, psychiatrist, and\/or therapist visits? Do you want it to be different at this time next year? Then start helping them to be compliant with their treatment plan now.<\/p>\n
Have you wanted to be a better supporter? Then start now. Have you felt like you’ve been taking some things for granted? Then change that now. Maybe there are things you promised yourself that you would get to that you just haven’t done yet \u2013 that you’ve made excuses for, or haven’t made the time for. You can still do them. Just make them a priority so that next year at this
\ntime you can say that you did them! Is there some dream or accomplishment that you’ve
\nbeen putting off? Make this year the year that you finally do it! You can do anything you want with this year! Just ask yourself: Where will I be a year from now? Where do I WANT to be a year from now? Then set goals and accomplish them according to where you want to be.<\/p>\n
Well, I have to go!<\/p>\n
Your Friend,<\/p>\n
Dave<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Hi,<\/p>\n
I was thinking recently how things have been going lately and comparing it to how things have gone over the past year, and then I wondered, “Where will I be a year from now?” Good question, don’t you think? A hard one to answer, once I started thinking about it, though. When I started thinking about past years, I thought about the goals I had set for myself, those that I had
\nmet and those that I hadn’t met.<\/p>\n