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I Am As I Am

Perhaps you've wondered what’s up with me, why I’m blue some days, other times electric yellow, why I talk too fast or not at all, why I cry, then laugh, then cry again. You may have been puzzled by my sometimes strangeness, about what makes me tick. The fact is, I always tell the correct time; all you have to do is ask. Since you asked... I have a disorder, or two, or three. I have bipolar, you see, and I get the rollercoaster that comes with it. The only questions are: how steep the climb, how fast the fall? I’m not crazy (I avoid the “C” word.); I have an illness (I’m not that illness.); I take my meds (two blue and three white). I lead a normal life, whatever “normal” means. I no longer feel the stigma of being different. I am as I am. There you have it, the skim of my truth. Now you know about me; what’s your story?

Copyright © | Year Posted 2013




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Date: 7/9/2013 7:07:00 PM
this is fantastic.I do think you know how I feel.I stopped all my meds recently.If I cant make it without them,I don't need to be here.Love Colleen
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Jack Jordan
Date: 7/9/2013 8:51:00 PM
DBSA = Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, www.dbsalliance.org/ The site can connect you with local groups and facilitators. It's not AA or a twelve step program, just people like you and me.
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Jack Jordan
Date: 7/9/2013 8:47:00 PM
From my personal experience, if you are going to go off your meds, tell your doctor to help you do so. Your doc will object, as he/she should, but will probably help you. Don't do cold turkey! I don't know where you live, but you could contact a chapter of DBSA, a support group. I belong, and I'm glad I do. My best hopes to you. Jack
Date: 6/10/2013 6:00:00 AM
Congrats on your win with this one, Jack. It's well deserved!
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Jack Jordan
Date: 6/10/2013 6:50:00 AM
Thanks, Caleb. Sometimes it's therapeutic to just speak one's fears out loud. I appreciate your comment... Jack
Date: 6/9/2013 9:37:00 PM
A true gem from the heart! I enjoyed your enlightened poem Jack. Big Congrats to you on your well deserved placement in the contest. AO
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Jack Jordan
Date: 6/9/2013 10:25:00 PM
Thank you. I appreciate the comments... Jack
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Abdulhafeez Oyewole
Date: 6/9/2013 10:01:00 PM
Typo! ...craziness...
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Abdulhafeez Oyewole
Date: 6/9/2013 10:00:00 PM
Yes Jack, you aren't crazy. There is no crazy in being realistic.
Date: 6/9/2013 12:52:00 AM
Congratulations on your well-deserved awesome win and great write my dear friend Jack! love/hugs, Leonora
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Jack Jordan
Date: 6/9/2013 8:47:00 AM
Thank you , Lenora. Your comment means a lot to me... Jack
Date: 6/9/2013 12:18:00 AM
Congrats on your first place win. It is always refreshing to read an honest work. Keep on writing. SuZ
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Jack Jordan
Date: 6/9/2013 8:46:00 AM
hak you for the kind words... Jack
Date: 6/8/2013 11:20:00 PM
reading the comments below, I can see this is a truthful poem. I like the way you tell your story. You are not alone in this. My hubbie takes three pills for depression/anxiety. On a bad day, even the pills hardly work. Sorry for your struggles, Jack.
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Jack Jordan
Date: 6/9/2013 8:38:00 AM
Thank you, Andrea. I really appreciate your husband's plight. Please give him my best. I'm going to attempt to send you a soup mail... Jack
Date: 6/8/2013 3:34:00 PM
Many, many permutations of normal. Congratulation on your superb win Jack. A well deserve win. Warm Smiles, Connie
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Jack Jordan
Date: 6/8/2013 4:30:00 PM
Thank you, Connie.
Date: 6/8/2013 2:04:00 PM
Not sure I know what 'normal' is either, Jack (Maybe there's no such thing?) This kinda reminds me of a Waylon Jennings song... 'I've ALWAYS been crazy and that's what's kept me from going insane'... Congratulations with this outstanding and courageous peace of work - Tim
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Jack Jordan
Date: 6/8/2013 2:41:00 PM
Thank you, Tim. Waylon may have had it right. When I was much younger I assumed everyone I knew was okay. I now realize there are many permutations of normal, and many more that just aren't.
Date: 6/8/2013 11:29:00 AM
Congratulations!!! Jack, nice to see you on Nates' winning list. By the looks of his winners, it seems as if he's a real picky person.... xox~ Linda
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Jack Jordan
Date: 6/8/2013 11:38:00 AM
Thanks Linda. To tell the truth, the poem is so personal I wasn't certain it was appropriate for the contest. I guess it was.. Jack
Date: 6/7/2013 8:22:00 PM
congrats on your win, close enough to the theme'
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Jack Jordan
Date: 6/7/2013 9:22:00 PM
Thank you, and thanks for considering my writing, especially for something personal.
Date: 4/11/2013 9:29:00 PM
Jack; Thanks for telling us about yourself. When we get to a certain age - we all have problems. To me you are a fine gentleman ..... Lucilla
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Jack Jordan
Date: 4/11/2013 9:35:00 PM
Thank you, Lucilla. That's a very kind thing for you to say. And you're exactly right about age... Jack
Date: 4/11/2013 10:22:00 AM
Good one Jack! This poem shows me a lot more about who you are as a person. I wouldn't say I have a disorder; aside from being antsy, nervous, pacing constantly, and a little on the OCD side. I haven't been able to check up on some of my favorites poets cause I've been in the UK (and still am) on vacation. I hope I can stop by more often!
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Jack Jordan
Date: 4/11/2013 10:25:00 AM
Thanks, Timothy. I hope you are enjoying your time in the UK. Stop by anytime... Jack
Date: 4/10/2013 12:19:00 PM
Way to lay it out there, Jack. You sound cool and unpredictable....the most interesting kind of person...Great work!
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Jack Jordan
Date: 4/10/2013 12:39:00 PM
Thanks, Caleb. That means a lot to me, coming from you. I value your opinion... Jack
Date: 4/10/2013 9:28:00 AM
wow, where do I start, when it comes to me... I like all truthful issues about you. Your skin is thick and thin. thank you very much~ PD
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Jack Jordan
Date: 4/10/2013 10:17:00 AM
You are more than welcome. This is new and risky for me, but your response tells me all is well. Thank you again... Jack

Book: Reflection on the Important Things