#HappyMothersDay
tmrw to my beautiful mother, both inside and out. She knew the agony I felt in that childhood pic. Said yrs later if she'd known just how bad it was I could have worn something else. She has never shamed me. That's why I'm a happy, well-adjusted adult today. โค๏ธ๐
I am starting a new job Monday!! I haven't worked in a decade. My disability (bipolar disorder II off and on at times as is its nature) and a thin rรฉsumรฉ as a result of it precluded steady employment. Was very frustrating. I am excited!
Today I return to Niagara Falls. I first visited in Mar '10 when I was at my lowest ever. I was in ON then as an inpatient for mental health treatment (depression) at Homewood Health in Guelph. Today I return healthy, happy, and living my best life. It all changed after Homewood.
#WorldBipolarDay
is celebrated each year onย March 30th, the birthday of Vincent Van Gogh. He was posthumously diagnosed as having bipolar disorder. The vision of World Bipolar Day is to bring world awareness to bipolar disorder and to eliminate social stigma.
Why do ppl have to be jerks on this? I post selfies today because I am finally happy. I am out and about and love life. For too many yrs I wasn't as I was crippled by severe depression. I don't have (as) many pictures from then because of that. People need to stay in their lanes!
This is more timely now than ever. I am not a man, or a trans man, as I was misgendered recently here on Twitter by someone who thinks they have the authority to pronounce who I am to everyone. That is my call.
Here's some obviously needed insight.
This wk 10 yrs ago I entered Homewood Health in Guelph, ON as an inpatient for 2 mths for treatment for my severe (bipolar) depression.
Today, 10 yrs later, I love this life and am so grateful for it. It is amazing how things can always change for the better.
Always keep going!
The best thing I ever did for myself, along with my job which I love, is dump toxic people from my life. I am thriving, lost a pile of weight, and am living my best life without that toxicity.
I flew home from Ontario on Easter Sunday in 2010 after a 2 month stay at Homewood Health Centre. I am flying home Easter Sunday in 2023 from Ontario after the best weekend of my life.
Great sky this morning! Descending Signal Hill, Anderson House (the oldest house in the city), The Four Sisters on Temperance Street, and Commissariat House from Kings Bridge Road. (I pulled over to take all four pictures.)
#YYT
#Newfoundland
I'll be front row for Depeche Mode this Sunday coming in Toronto, my birthday. They have sung Happy Birthday to a lucky audience member if it's their birthday and they see a sign. They did in April and have at other concerts. I'm smack dab in front. Should I make a sign and try?!
A big personal win today. My medication regimen is now short a med I was on 12 yrs & my other 2 reduced b/c my Dr feels I'm doing really well lately. I've many ppl to thank for that. 21 was a good yr! Let's hope 22 continues on the same trajectory! I'll be working toward that end
14 years ago today I visited Niagara Falls for the 1st time. I was 30, severely depressed, and away for treatment for my mental health.
14 years later I was back. Healthy, happy, and myself completely. The key to contentment is being authentic & true to you. It was hard work.๐
Thank you, everyone. That situation last night could have been handled much differently. Or, better yet, it should never have happened at all. I did nothing wrong. I was existing.
Thanks for the kind words, all. I mean that even if I don't respond individually to you. โค
I am going to do something now that as Leafs fan I never ever thought I would, especially after the last week. As a personal tribute to George, I will root for his beloved Habs. Heโd razz me sometimes for being what I am, a dyed in the wool Leafs fan. Win it for George. โค๏ธ๐๐ค
If you do things by yourself, go for drives, eat out alone, whatever it is, you are not a loser and loner. You like to do things independently too. I know lots of people and have friends, but it nice sometimes to do your own thing entirely by yourself.
I am glad I came out here when I did. Great sky light and the accents from the setting sun. Plus, not as busy! ๐ฅ๏ธ๐๐ I'll post more!
#Newfoundland
This is me in 2009 at Rennie's River, and me there almost 15 yrs later. The 30 yr-old me had an admittedly lovely smile, but one that hid terrible pain. I went to Homewood Health in Guelph, ON 3 mths later. It changed my life. Today, with well-earned grey hair, I genuinely smile.
It is difficult in many respects to be gender non-conforming today amid these culture wars. I'm female, but never felt traditionally so. I have also been lucky not to encounter great hassle or hate in my life. I just live as me. I always did, going back to my toddler years.
#TDOV
In Jan 03, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I never could've imagined 20 yrs on we'd have a climate where one can be so open and there exist such a supportive community. I was ashamed & terrified. Didn't want a soul to know. That's how far we've come! Days like tmrw matter!