Monday, February 10, 2014

Jane Pauley, bipolar disorder, and REINVENTION!!.....

I have always been a fan of Jane Pauley of  'Today Show' fame.  I loved her savvy, intelligent girl next-door persona.  I was also was very impressed when she shared her struggle with bipolar disorder in a very public way.  Jane Pauley's bipolar was triggered in an unusual way.  She had hives.  And the steroid medication used to treat her hives triggered her bipolar.  First of all, that very fact lends credence to the idea that mental illness is a biochemical phenomenon.  It takes the discussion away from the idea that mental illness is a character issue and puts it right back where I think it needs to be...into the realm of being a medical problem.  So, whenever I see something that she is doing, I am very interested in looking at it.

Jane has not disappointed me with her newest project.  She wrote a book about aging and reinvention.  As people have started to live longer, they have found themselves needing to come up with ways to use the extra time.  This seems to be somewhat of a new problem.  What I really appreciate about Jane and her approach is that is likely to be positive.  Here is the article that I am basing my discussion on:  http://usat.ly/1nST8Al. The name of Jane's book is: "Your Life Reimagined".   I even like the title!  In dealing with mental illness and aging, being able to "reimagine" a path forward is the key.

I have been in the process of reimagining my path forward for the last couple of years.  As I found myself experiencing business difficulties in Orlando, I found myself facing a crossroads.  In Orlando, I struggled with my depression and other physical issues.  I had no supportive family near me.  I felt alone.  In cooperation with my daughter, I made the decision to move.  Since that time, I have continued the process of reimagining.  I've taken a job that really isn't professional...so to speak.  My aim is to support myself.  And make my time at work pleasant.  My primary focus has been writing and advocacy.  Although there are still lots of 'issues' to work through, I can really see my future taking shape.  I know where I want to head.

As people age, there are many reasons for depression.  Loss of physical capabilities, financial issues, and social isolation. Do you see any benefit to taking a proactive stance and looking at possibility?  I sure do!  There are many ways to do this.  For me, it required the support of my daughter.  But there are other options for support.  Therapy, life coaching, and friends  provide wonderful options.  In looking for support, it is best to look for people sympathetic and understanding about the challenges you might be facing.  I certainly support your efforts to make your transition a positive experience.  As always, let me know how your efforts in reimagining the rest of your life are going.

Finally, I will read Jane Pauley's book because I find her approach inspirational.  I hope you will do the same.  We have a right to spend the rest of our lives in a satisfying and positive way.  Maybe Jane will inspire you too!

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