The Original Gangster, “OG”

Sometimes I realize that as one who suffered with mental illness when it wasn’t so glamorous and mainstream, I have an uncanny advantage when it comes to dealing with it. Even my spouse has become used to the highs and lows of living with a spouse with bipolar disorder. Together, we have adapted our lives to conform to the tensions of the emotional strain from both of our habits. Yes, both of us. Because he seems to be just as moody as me sometimes. To be honest, sometimes I seem to yield to him more often than he gives in to me. He admits that he can be very petty. And I can also admit that I can be very selfish at times. But over the years, we have learned that we must work together to give each other space when its necessary and attention when it’s warranted. And we rely on the Holy Spirit to walk the fine line of balance that allows everything to ebb and flow to keep the marriage in tact. And we also have to have the chance to release a little bit of pressure by yelling at each other here and there to let out what’s bothering us from time to time. I’ve learned when to be quiet and when to speak up and say my peace. But what I love most is that I can be myself around my husband. The good and the bad, the sad days and great days. It was once said, “Laughter is the best medicine”,and truly we take that to heart in my household. We make sure that we “play” all the time, and laugh hard often. And my mental health is in tip-top shape these days because my environment is conducive to good mental health.