About a year and a half ago I was in the process of moving, preparing my house to go up for sale. It was such a difficult time for me, both on my mental health and my physical health. I was exhausted, overwhelmed and the change, not knowing where I was going to live once I sold my house created a lot of stress and really affected my bipolar.
The housing market at the time was very positive for the people selling their homes, however, buying was incredibly hard. Great time to sell. The housing market was difficult as they were very few houses for sale around the same time. People who were selling had that bonus, as they could mark up their prices on the sale of their home.
Then I had a great idea to help me ground myself and focus my attention on something I found soothing.
One of my favourite things to do is gardening. Being winter at the time, I had the wonderful idea to start some indoor gardening. Some of it involved shopping 🙂 of course.
I decided I would buy some planting boxes and bulbs and vine type plants. I can not remember everything I planted, but I do remember trying o plant radishes and tomatoes and some bulb plants. My favourite thing would be to watch the plants grow from scratch.
It refocused my energies on something that was soothing for me. Rather than the stresses of moving, buying and selling. I started seeing growth and it made my heart happy.
I brought my plants with me after I sold my house. When I finally found a new place to live, I had ten days that didn’t match up. I went to live with my boyfriend. This was incredibly difficult and stressful as well because I had to sort out my schedule with the kid’s dad and also find someplace for my doggy to go as I couldn’t bring him to Neils as he has three cats. I found a doggy daycare (Archie loved it) and my ex-husband (kids dad) agreed to take him in the evenings. By morning time I had to drive there, pick up Archie and drive him to daycare, at the end of the day I would drive him back to my ex’s.
The one saving grace for my sanity was having all the plants with me as I moved in with my boyfriend.
Once I bought my house it was one of the first things to go into my new home. When spring came I was able to plant my growing plants from bulbs and place them in my garden outside.
The radishes did not take other than to give me microgreens, which were very tasty so I still felt I succeeded.
After a while, at my new place (about a year) I took a health and wellness course at the college in my city. Several of the concepts I made sure I had in my home.
I learned that having plants and flowing water were good relaxing tools, fitting in with the Zen environment.
I had the green, then I just needed the water. I bought myself some aquariums, I added the water and some simple decorations and the water would flow from the filter. There wasn’t very much movement of water and I couldn’t really hear it. Then I found a larger tank and decided I would have an underwater garden.
This, unfortunately, did not last but I found that the sounds of running water was really good with this tank. So I decided to start the tank over with just some simple decorations and a couple of artificial plants. I can hear the tank anywhere on the main level of my house.
Yes, I did find the most perfect home. I have always loved side split or rear split homes. Not quite a two-story home and not a bungalow. It is perfect because there are not many stairs, I had been having issues going up and down large flights of stairs due to my MS.
I continue to grow plants, the green in my house is what makes my house a home.
Both moving water and planting have calming effects on the body and can help reduce depression, stress and anxiety. Something I learned in my course at college.
Speaking of green I also learned about Shinrin Yoku, or “forest bathing” One of the reasons I love camping. It means to be one with nature. It allows the body to decompress in a natural setting. It allows you to engage all your senses. In fifteen minutes it improves blood pressure, drops stress levels, increases concentration and mental clarity. I was so excited when I learned that. It is a “thing” and exactly what happens to me when I am camping.
Having a hard time? I swear by having plants, running water and camping. Best thing I learned.
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Christie F.
Welcome to my blog. I have been journal writing for years. I took a course in Creative writing and found I enjoy writing short stories and poetry. I write more when I am hypomanic or manic.
I went into Rehab for Alcohol Addictions and have been sober for fourteen years.
Shortly after I quit drinking I was diagnosed with Bipolar 2, I have since been diagnosed with Bipolar 1.
I enjoy talking about my story, for people to learn or relate. I try and have a healthy lifestyle and try to use my coping strategies. Life is just too boring without Bipolar, it is a blessing but yet sometimes a curse.
I am currently working on a book and dream of publishing one day.
I am so excited to have found Wordpress.
This is my new adventure.
Adventures of Dit Dot 
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