ANN CHRISTENSEN   *   Sleepy Phoenix

Bipolar Almanac: Create a life worth living is an up-beat memoir and quick-start guide that focuses on how to survive and thrive in your...

It helps to begin any art or writing session with an intention and a quiet focus. I use the following opening ritual in art therapy sessions

This poem by Lisa St. George helps put the stigma of mental illness into perspective...Part of my online NAMI Peer Counselor training.

...forget whether what you do is “art,” or “good enough.” You are connecting to a part of yourself that deserves to be heard.

At this point, many people would have gone off their meds, run away from home or gotten a dog. I decided to do something completely differen

Kat deliberately goes off her meds in a desperate attempt to regain her skating edge, her energy, her sparkle. It works—for awhile.

My dad had a lovely way of waking me up. He would softly call into my room, “Time to wake up, Ann. Just put your feet on the floor."

I finished pre-writing my next book,"Goldilocks and the 3 Energies," during the NaNoWriMo 50K word writing contest. I clocked in at 51,823.

"The walnut seed has to endure a really long, cold, hard winter. That’s what it takes to crack that tough nut and get it to grow."

About 90% of people diagnosed with depression and about 15% of those diagnosed with bipolar disorder report benefits from using an SAD light

Once I was properly diagnosed as Bipolar Type II Disorder, I began my road to recovery. I was so relieved to have a proper diagnosis.

BALANCING ACT: I can never take for granted that I am doing well. I must assess my moods and adjust my activities to help return to center.

"How to Take Charge of Your Life: The User's Guide to NLP" Great introduction to NLP and interesting format. I still consider Neuro...

The word “Almanac” means “God’s Puzzle.” In this case, the puzzle is you. The Personal Almanac is your opportunity to document yourself...

The simple joy of making collage cards and allowing yourself to express your self in a new way is the first step towards parts integration,

SOLUTION TO FRUSTRATION Prioritize. Complete tasks step by step. If you don’t know how to do it, YouTube. Complete first, then go to next

Explore the artistic temperament with a classic personality profile system. Are you Intuitive? Perceiving? Find out more!

Learn to dive beneath the waves of emotions and explore the deep ocean of You.

Most happy, confident people are slightly delusional and depressive people tend to be more realistic. Which one are you?