I knew it the moment it happened last night. I could feel it just like a change in the weather. I had been tired and drowsy all day then all of a sudden, wham! It hit me. I entered one of my manic phases. For those of you that don't know, I am a diagnosed Bi-Polar. That is a good old fashioned Manic-Depressive. So, I was laying there, trying unsuccessfully to go to sleep. I finally gave up. So, with my late night burst of energy, I cleaned out my closet and my dresser. I tossed all of the old, no longer worn clothes and shoes that had been cluttering things up. I stripped the bed and did 5 loads of laundry. I think I was washing stuff just to be washing. Now, everything is folded and hung in a new place and there are fresh, crisp sheets on the bed.

While this burst of energy may sound like a good thing, it is often the precursor to dire situations. You see, it is during these manic times when I truly believe I was destined to rule the world and that I am able to get away with anything.

I know these things about myself. I know the signs and I know how to deal with them. Luckily, right now I have the gym and it is a great way to burn excess energy. In fact, I was at the gym at 5 A.M. this morning and I did twice my normal workout. I will be going again tonight as well. I have learned how to handle being bi-polar without medication. The meds caused sexual function problems that were, and remain, entirely unacceptable.

This one doesn't seem too bad. Everything is not exponentially speeded up like a bad episode is. So, I will just ride it out until it is done. The one bad thing about a manic episode is that after they end, they are usually followed by an offsetting depressive episode. I have that to look forward to.

My will is very strong. Lately, I have been able to fight my way through depressions. It is only because I can see and recognize what is happening to me after YEARS of being bounced around by these. So, while I am manic, I will get lots done and maybe take over a country or two (evil laugh is inserted here). After, I will fight to get myself out of bed. But, this too shall pass.

Later