Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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malibumark 05/08/2015

My therapist is trying to encourage me to do some volunteering.

I have to say, when I am honest with myself I don't know what I want to do.

I have gotten an application for one place yet, I don't really want to do it.

I admitted that to him in so many words - and he said something like "Sometimes you just have to do something over and over until you like it."

I am reminded of that AA statement 'fake it till you make it."

I think I am going to dig my heels in on this. I have tried volunteering at a hospital sometime last year - and I didn't like it, so I left. I have volunteered elsewhere in the past at many different places and I have found it rewarding. Right now I just don't want to.

I guess I just have to enrich my life in the way I see fit. That's all anyone can do.

Peace,

Mar

malibumark 05/08/2015

"Mark"

sadiegirl13 05/08/2015

I think you're right Mark. Good luck to you! I hope you find your way to something fulfilling.

malibumark 05/08/2015

thanks Sadie!

PaganSpirit 05/08/2015

I truly hope it will work out in a positive way for you Mark. Best of luck to you.

rubyblue 05/08/2015

whilst I can see the logic behind "fake it till you make it"... I don't like the idea of not being authentic .. I would rather visualise myself in a position I would like to be in and go from there

good luck Mark... I also hope you find something fulfilling when the timing is right

malibumark 05/08/2015

thanks Pagan!

malibumark 05/08/2015

thanks ruby!

MoobbusT 05/08/2015

Heya Mark,
I think you're on the money here too. The last thing you would want is to become resentful of time you spend volunteering because its not your cup of tea.

Best of luck. :-)

malibumark 05/08/2015

thanks Moobbus!

SensitiveHoboLady 05/08/2015

Hey mark, give it a try and if that opportunity doesn't work out, try something else. Sending over good vibes for this new endeavor!

Desigol1979 05/08/2015

Sorry, Mate, but I'm not a good faker. It reminds me of an old Sprite Commercial when a kid tried to dress like the tough guys with skateboards and his untied trainers caught the escalator rung and tripped him.

The rhetoric by the announcer, "Why try to be somebody you're not?" Advice I should've heeded when using Social Media.

malibumark 05/08/2015

thanks Sensitive! Thanks Desi!

irishwriter 05/08/2015

hey mark, I am not a fan of the 'fake it til you make it' school of thought because it can be so exhausting. volunteering is supposed to be something that you want to do from your heart and you'll know when the right thing for you comes up. until then take care of you so that you'll be ready and healthy when the opportunity presents itself. you have to feel good to help others feel good. big fat hugs to you. you're a good guy!

malibumark 05/08/2015

thanks Irish! I appreciate it! Hugs back to you!! : )

beckyp 05/08/2015

Having sobered up in AA, I understand the phrase "fake it till you make it". I don't think it applies to volunteering though. If you know you just don't feel like doing it now, find something else to do with your time, if that's what you are looking for. The desire to volunteer might come back at a later date. I just know myself, if I really don't want to do something I just resent it if I have to do it.

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