That's funny; I don't think I really tell myself anything; just keep focused on what needs to get done, and when I can do it. Or, I'm out. As in, on the couch. Hmmm......

Bless your heart. The first question is Much easier than the second: my Cat wakes me every morning! (hint: get a Pet)

I tell myself Many things to keep me in line during the day: (1) that I Can do the day! (2) that there is an End, a rest time, to each day. (3) that any problem too big to handle will still be there tomorrow - after a Nap.

Of course, "emotionally balanced" is a relative term; I find myself avoiding the things that trigger me as often as possible. I also know not to Think about things while I am at work, for example - for if I do, they may overwhelm me.

I don't say it much on board, but being Aware of Yourself and your own limitations - and strengths - can help tremendously in recognizing what makes you imbalanced. If you are aware of things that could set you in one direction or the other, practice thinking about how you will deal with them should they come up.

It's like studying for your license! You DID have to study? We are "bipolar scouts", you know? Always be Prepared.

Planning for stability, one day at a time, is the best course. "I will not let my day get to me. I am going to have a Good day today. It can get to me Tomorrow."

...say that as many days in a row as you can.

*hugs*

Well this morning I told myself if I don't get my sorry ass outta bed and just do what needs to be done I am going to fall even further behind in my work and feel even more miserable about it.

I'm not sure what's worse. The thought of all of the prep and work that I've got to do or actually doing it.

Anyway, I spent the most part of my day actually doing it.

I feel ALOT better now!

Most of the time my cat gets me up in the morning.

If I'm feeling bad I try telling myself "this too shall pass" and keep on keeping on.

Usually I wake up to an alarm clock. I am a stay-at-home mom. I try to get a head start so I can get in the right frame of mind before I interact with my child. I always say, today is what you make of it. Sometimes it works. I have to do a lot of talking out loud to myself during the day to quite the voice in my head that says I cant possibly do a thing. If it were not for my son, I would lay in bed all day (not healthy). I've been so used to dealing with my day by not dealing with it at all, but now I cant do that. I try to stay focused on what needs to be done and usually plan for the day ahead every morning. I'm very OCD about it! Hope you have a great day! And dont stay in the bed too long!
(((HUGS)))

I wake up and am energized to begin another day,another chance to be the best I can be,a chance to live in my new life. I use positive reinforcement through the whole day and am always with the thought that I can restart the day at any point and that way I don't get caught up in the whole this day is doomed and when is it going to end scenerio. I can start fresh at 11 an or 2 pm just whenever I need to.

My cat gets me up a lot of mornings. Today I am telling myself I've been in the 'what if' rut too long and that there must be something at the end of the rainbow something good. Life must go on regardless of my test results. I must live life to the fullest each day. Carpe Diem

Well said Java...............Bravo!!!!!

when i am having difficult times i try to take my day five minutes at a time. if i can get thru 5 min then i can get thru another five and another five ad nauseum. then i work up to 10, 15 and 30 minutes. somedays it helps, some not. but i have to keep on trying.

I have to get up because I have a job and my two children are usually noisy, that gets me up! They're my alarm clock.
Emotionally balanced......hmmmm
I'll get right back to you on that! lol

my babies get me up in the morning. They are always so happy and go lucky like life is grand and my youngest boy runs up to me and says i love you mommy....gets me everytime

An aching back got me up this morning. I try to take it one day at a time and do something constructive. My pdoc has me journalling every hour or so to say what I've done and it seems to be helping. I know I've got to write something down so I do something so I can write it down!!!

I'm also doing a lot better than a few weeks ago, then I'd just read or nap all day. So I'm just digging my way out of a rut. I've been trying to do positive thinking all day too.

if i dont get up the house doesnt get cleaned..that usually works :)

i hate a messy house.

as some other people have said, my cat wakes me up. I also have an alarm clock, drink some coffee, and crank some tunes to get going.

I tell myself I have a husband and dog that needs me so I must keep it together.