Hypomania is How I Get Stuff Done.

A little something I created. This is inspired by one of my favorite reads, The Hyopmanic Edge. Granted, hypomania has its negatives, but I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of channeling all that “buzz” and energy towards something productive. To me, you’d have to first be able to recognize it, remain in control and then consciously apply it productively. My opinion is that it is a process that takes practice, and you won’t always get it right. The reason I like The Hypomanic Edge so much is that it talks about the positive aspects of hypomania and how they can help someone succeed in life. That “genre” on perspectives draws me in, that is, the well-informed perspectives that take otherwise scary, traditionally debilitating, pathological traits and show how they can help a person become extraordinary.

Mania and Hypomania have become trendy terms in contemporary society, jokes even.  I’m guilty of it as well. I’m not sure why that is acceptable. It’s not like we throw around the words “diabetic” or “cancerous.” There is the potential to fuel a stigma here, but I wonder if it’s more symbolic of humans wrestling with a range of emotions and feelings and just wanting to give something a name. The human condition is vast and grey. At the end of the day, what’s wrong with someone saying, “I feel manic”?   Or “I feel hypomanic”?

I also turned this design into a campfire mug. Lately, I am obsessed with campfire mugs. I think they are so darn cute, with their hippie-natural-granola vibe. I made a few for myself, and I even made a couple for my dog Barnaby. On hot days, I put it and a bottle of water in my purse so I can give him a water break on our walks. If you want a campfire mug, let me know. Can you tell I’m excited to make more campfire mugs?!? Just a little.

Also, if you haven’t read The Hypomanic Edge, I recommend that you do. Who knows, maybe it will broaden your perspective?  ;)

That said, if you haven’t read MY book, Manic Kingdom (based on a bizarre, true story), I hope you do! It’s not one of those books you read to escape reality. It can make folks uncomfortable, but all in all, I’m really pleased with the reviews it gets and hope you venture to read it too.