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Hi there!
When it comes to spoken words, Google Assistant is the only “person” who hears from me every day.
From my “Good Morning” at the start of the day, when Google knows to turn on lights and start some music softly playing, to my “Good Night” when Google shuts out the lights and turns on the fan next to my bed.
The little man without a body (I have my assistant set to a man’s voice) guides me through my day.
And often, he’s the only one to hear my voice, but it wasn’t always that way.
“So long as the memory of certain beloved friends lives in my heart, I shall say that life is good.”
- Helen Keller
Scott Ninneman also publishes the free All Things Bipolar Newsletter (off Substack) The Sunday email features the newest content about bipolar life.
COVID Changed Me
One aftereffect of the pandemic is I rarely talk to people.
Don’t get me wrong, I was an introvert long before COVID, but those three years largely spent at home made me increasingly quiet. Only my parents, who live next door, my sister, and my closest friend, hear from me every day.
With my sister and friend, all they get is text messages.
Google Assistant gets to hear my voice. It may be unhealthy, but it’s my life these days.
Living with bipolar disorder, it’s easy to isolate yourself.
The noise in your head can be so loud that the thought of adding any other voices to the mix is excruciating. Not to mention, chronic anxiety and depression are exhausting. Having a meaningful share in conversations when your brain is struggling to remember how to breathe is nearly impossible.
Even so, people are good for you.
The Value of People
One or two people who will listen to you and accept even the darkest parts of you are empowering. When you know you’re not alone, continuing to fight is possible.
My friend and I try to schedule time to catch up.
Whether on Zoom or WhatsApp, we share our struggles and what we’re doing to cope. Some conversations are solely vent fests, where we each complain about everything weighing us down. More often, though, our talks prop each other up.
We receive validation and commend each other for the positive ways we’re continuing to fight.
Everyone needs a cheerleader in their corner.
Your assignment for today is to reach out to someone you love.
Check in with them and ask how they’re doing. Open up and tell them about yourself. Praise them for any positive steps they’re taking. Likely, they will say something similar to you.
It may be hard to interact with people, but the right ones improve your life. Hold on to the gifts in your life and let them know what they mean to you.
Life is better when you’re not alone.
What about you? Are you talking to fewer people now than pre-COVID? How is it affecting you? Please respond with your thoughts.
Writing Time
Explore this topic further with these writing prompts.
Journal Prompt: Who is your person–the one you know you can turn to no matter what? Why do they mean so much to you? Have you told them lately?
Creative Writing Prompt: You wake up tomorrow and you’re the only person left on the planet. Write a story about your first day in the new world.Until next time, keep fighting.
Scott Ninneman
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