One day, when I came back from school, my mom was horizontal on the couch, just as she had been for days and weeks on end. She was suffering from what they called “manic depression” back then, now known as bipolar disorder. I was 14 and had just learned about the concept of mind over matter in my health class. It was an “aha” moment for me, one that I’ll never forget. It was so clear to me that our minds had a great deal to do with influencing matter. “Ma,” I said, “it’s mind over matter; all you have to do is use your mind and think yourself better.” I tried to explain to her what I had learned about how this aspect of reality works. She would have none of it. 

My mother’s “condition” was an “illness.” There was nothing she could do. The doctors told her it was basically out of her control. The best they could do was experiment on her, since there was no proven treatment at that time. She would be treated with pharmaceuticals (that they themselves weren’t even sure how she would respond to) and electric shock therapy. It was then that I realized she was a true authoritarian who was ultimately limited and bound by her dogmatism. I felt so angry at her for being helpless and not there for me.

The best thing I could do for myself was try to understand and learn from her. I did not want to wind up like my mother. Her doctors actually told me that I would, most likely, in fact, become just like her, because this “disease” was hereditary. The nerve of those doctors! Apparently, they didn’t possess any knowledge of mind over matter either. So with my mind, I gave them the middle finger.

Throughout my life, my North Star has been personal development. I figured, the more I work on myself, the better servant I could be to the world. This has served me well. Not only did I not wind up like my mother, I have become a strong woman with a beautiful, healthy family of my own, and a thriving small business. I live a wonderful life and I try to do whatever I can to make this world a better place. This makes me happy about me!

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P.S. If you love the personal story Susan shared, please send her an email and let her know! susan@moondays.com

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*Susan is a connoisseur of everything mineral, fossil and female empowerment. You can find her beautiful specimens online at www.fossilcartel.com, or visit her stunning gem and mineral store in downtown Portland. When Susan isn't slinging rocks, she is a dedicated advocate for elevating the divine feminine through her passion project www.moondays.com