You are not. The thoughts your brain creates does not have to become your reality. It's your choice. You are not your mind.

In the past, I've struggled with what some call bipolar disorder. I choose not to label myself. There are times where my energy may be slightly elevated, and there are times it may be somewhat depressed. But since realizing that this energy level does not dictate my behavior, my ups and downs are considerably more manageable. How was I able to manage my energy? Hello, Mindfulness!

Admittedly, upon first learning about mindfulness, I thought the practice was nothing more than deep breathing and meditation; this didn't interest me. Now, I can not imagine a world without this ancient practice. Mindfulness has helped me to learn that I am accountable for what I allow to affect my life and how that directs my behavior. I am not my mind.  

The mechanism for how the mind plays tricks on us is simple and linked to our survival.  This article from the blog, Barking Up the Wrong Tree, most adequately explains the concepts better than I could. In addition to reading, you can practice mindfulness today. It's easy.

 For Stress

• Take a cold shower (if able);

• Allow an ice cube to melt in your hand (all of it);

• Get outside, breathe fresh air, and look at the trees, observe them, but do not ask anything about them;

• Buy a bottle of water and open it;

• Force the tip of your tongue up against the roof of your mouth;

• As you're walking, to yourself, name the objects you see along the walk.

 For Loads of Energy

• Enjoy the energy;

• Practice some mental GPS - what just happened, what's happening now, and what will happen next;

• Write down, with a piece of paper and a pencil; what lifted your spirits so that you can remember it for the future; and how about,

• If you've got tons of ideas and can't sleep, write down your thoughts with a pencil on a pad of paper.

The above represents a small sample of tips you can do right now to promote mindfulness in your life. I hope you'll try them out and consider studying mindfulness as a tool to support your development. Making mindful rituals a part of your day is easy, and you'll experience the benefits:  

• Reduce stress and anxiety;

• Promote overall health and wellness;

• Inspire happiness;

• Improve work-life and whole lifestyle;

• Creates a positive, action-oriented, mindset;

• Quick adaptation to change;

• And the list goes on!

More than twenty years after being told I would need medicine the rest of my life here I am, happy, healthy, and an effective individual. I have not struggled with these challenges in more than a decade; I plan to keep things this way.  I am not my mind.

You are not your mind, and by learning and applying mindful techniques, you'll find the success and happiness you seek in your life and your work.  Do not let your mind decide for you how you will live in the world. You are not your mind.