#130: Your True Life is Still Calling You Onward

FROM THIS SHOW:

Have you ever considered living your life with “purpose”? This is getting discussed more lately due to the unraveling nature of our society and the need to “anchor” to something—anything—that will not sink into the abyss that is felt below.

Time and again, with a chronic health condition like bipolar disorders, we come to a place where there seems like no way forward and no value in looking back anymore.

This happens so frequently that much of our energy and brain power becomes consumed in just surviving each day when symptoms of an anxious or anxiety-attached depressive episode are present.

Mike takes today’s show to explain how it looks and feels to live inside a greater adventure, even though it’s often overwhelming to breathe once we commit and hit a rough spot.

But fear not! The way of purpose is harder, the tears are real, but the results are ALWAYS better.

Don’t miss out on today’s discussion. Let it ignite you!

Listen to the podcast:

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TAKEAWAYS

• As a chapter of your life ends, it’s necessary to gain understanding and search for a alluring purpose to “anchor” yourself to so that a new chapter can begin and make you feel alive again. That “alluring” sensation or voice inside you is why purpose is often translated as your “calling”.

• There’s a clever but seemingly ridiculous tactic of creating a “fictitiously larger-than-life” character to imagine as your real self. But the payoff is gaining the ability to push through life’s discomforts and challenges as your “super self” anytime you need it.

• Think of purpose as a “mission” and calling as an “identity” from which you operate in your mission. When linked with action these create your ongoing stability of mind and determination, which are extremely valid reasons for finding and fulfilling your calling despite having a tough mood regulation disorder like bipolar.

Lifer Discussion Guide

Use the questions in today’s Lifer Guide to assist you over any hurdles you may have to clear as you address your mental health. These are special conversations!

“Lifers” are people who have unwavering faithfulness. This assures you that they’ll stick by you through all the highs and lows that are normal for a life with mental health challenges. If you haven’t nominated a lifelong family member or friend as part of your non-medical support team, what are you waiting for? :-)

The Questions:

1) When you were little, what do you remember doing on your own that you just lost all track of time doing because you were so focused?

2) When you did this thing as a young person, did you need validation or attention from others to keep you motivated to get better at it?

3) What do you think it means to build your identity on something you do?

4.) When is the last time you had a true stirring inside you to make something happen—something that caused you to tremble or be intimidated to think about, but also very excited to imagine it coming to life?

Join the Tribe!

Once you’ve had a chance to talk or journal about these things you might have a question from this episode. If so, make sure you head on over to The Bipolar Now Podcast Network on Facebook! There’s quite a few people over there who are also taking a new step in their mental health. And we’d love for you to share your story with us when you’re ready. So don’t miss out!