WRAP: Wellness Recovery Action Plan.

A group Mary Ellen Copeland led created this plan. It reminds me that I should work on the Bipolar II workbook. I'm sure it will help even if I have Bipolar I.

I like that it's an action plan--not something philosophical. I wonder if a template exists.

I'll start with what I think Wellness and Recovery mean for me.

Wellness

1. 8 hours of sleep with little interruption
2. Normal weight (not over)
3. Three normal meals 
4. Regular exercise that gets easier as I get fitter.
5. Dental work
6. Regular quality time with Josh
7. Regular therapy

Recovery

1. Little heavy resistance
2. Knowledge about my disease
3. Feeling more able to tell my story
4. Better ability to manage or debunk stress
5. Pliable sadness--not the anvil of depression
6. Ability to engage in my favorite activities and enjoy them. 

So how do I get there?

• Resume abs and other exercises
• Walk more. Walk to Bruce's for walks and movies
• Complete bipolar workbook
• Read another book on BSD
• Schedule time for Josh and me
• Push myself to read or write even if it's just a little
• Soothe stress with music
• Schedule appointments well ahead

Craving Consistency.

This is probably important for most people with mental illnesses. I didn't realize how much I needed to know exactly what to expect even though I know details or the whole situation may change.

I sometimes want to be outwardly spontaneous and adventurous, and I may want to attract those kinds of people. But in reality, I often want to be left alone for hours with my solitary activities like reading scribbling, and various forms of scrapbooking. I like to know when I will have this alone time.

I'm similar with relationships. Spontaneity can be great as long as it is in addition to regularly scheduled quality time. On a bad day, anticipating a walk with my friend the next evening can be a great help. I need to be able to count on certain people, places, and activities. They help me gear up for the inevitable shocks and disappointments that will come.

To create consistency, Josh has made family schedules that account for each hour. Bruce and I walk on Thursday and Friday, watch a movie on Sunday, and sometimes see a show on Saturday. I think it's made our friendship stronger. It has certainly made me stronger and, I think, more reasonable and calm.

I'm thinking about other ways I can create reliable structure now that I know how important it is.