The Mind in Question
My name is Sandy Wyatt. Sandy Sue to some.
Emmett
My vision for this site is to use my bipolar disorder as a launch into higher consciousness, to be honest about the weird convolutions it takes, and to practice awareness with a mindset of curious compassion. Okay, that’s the ideal. As a very human being, I’ll end up somewhere south of that target, which is all part of the Adventure.
Along the way, I’ll play with my favorite toys—writing, artwork, psychology, myth, fandom, poetry, fantasy, meditation, coffee, conscious evolution, movies, brain function, music, and various spiritual traditions—with twisted humor and a fearless turning over of sacred rocks to find the slippery-slimies underneath.
Henry
My collage art accompanies most posts, and my fiction resides under Heaving Bosoms in the banner headline above. Comments and critiques about both are most welcome. If you’re struck dumb by the brilliance of my collage work, many items are for sale at my Etsy shop. The link is in the sidebar at right.
I’m sharing all I have here—the important stuff and the mundane. My hope is that visitors, with or without mental illness, will find something worthwhile to take away or leave behind.
I live in Iowa with my Life Coaches, Henry and Emmett, who supervise my fiction writing, mixed-media artwork, and mental hygiene.
SandySue Altered
Apr 30, 2011 @ 20:19:33
Henry and Emmett are so cute! I have two dogs, Ralph and Lucy.
May 20, 2011 @ 04:41:38
This is one quality, heart-on-it’s sleeve site. I’m just beginning to read your stuff but I’m quite impressed by your candor and turn of phrase.
Keep it up, though you don’t look like your stopping.
K
May 21, 2011 @ 07:21:45
Thanks so much for visiting!
Jun 07, 2011 @ 16:52:29
You write beautifully, Sandy.
Sometimes when I think about losing fat thighs I self argue: ” I don’t want so much focus on food —– to keep track of all I eat, to plan everything, to count calories.” But what do I think of when I’m anxious or bored or celebrating?—–FOOD. “what do I feel like eating now?”
Jun 07, 2011 @ 16:55:25
So, true! We want to indulge, but not be accountable. Just human nature, I guess.
Thanks so much for visiting.
Jun 19, 2011 @ 23:04:39
Just looked at a few pages of your blog and I can very easily say… You inspire me!
Jun 20, 2011 @ 06:32:54
Thanks so much for visiting.
Aug 24, 2011 @ 18:30:38
I’m just coming down from a 2-month hypomanic episode, and I found your site. The following quote just about reduced me to tears because it’s so true, and so artfully stated. I hope you don’t mind if I quote it time and again when people want to know what it’s like.
“Hypomania, without anxiety and compulsions, is what most folks with bipolar disorder yearn for. It’s the cherry on top of a dark, dark sundae. The depression is absolutely gone and in its place is this hum of joy.”
Aug 25, 2011 @ 05:45:33
A 2-month episode–way to hang on, woman! I’m deeply touched by your comments, and so glad I could help in some small way. Come back any time.
Jan 27, 2012 @ 17:44:12
I nominated you for the versatile blogger award. Follow this link for more info! Love your Blog!!
http://larasweighdown.wordpress.com/2012/01/27/thank-you-so-much-bailey-for-the-versatile-blogger-award-nomination/
Jan 30, 2012 @ 11:16:37
Thank you, Lara!
Feb 02, 2012 @ 08:39:03
I’m hooked on your writings and openess of life! I have dysthymic disorder (chronic depression), and I struggle daily to find better coping skills, creating a better life, understanding what I am to learn from my experience. Observing nature has really helped me. I am subscribing to your blog via my RSS reader… I am so drawn to your words. I write this with tears… thankful to have another resource for encouragement! Thank you for sharing your life!
PS: I am originally from Nebraska. It did help me to move south to Oklahoma. I never did like nor appreciate the bitter cold and northern way of life! I’m happy as a clam in the heat down here!
Feb 02, 2012 @ 17:52:42
Thank you so much for all your kind words and for being a companion on this journey. I’ve love your creature stories and admire the life you’ve created for yourself and your family.
Feb 05, 2012 @ 13:56:48
I’m impressed. As a fellow writer, I can tell you have a powerful voice. And your writing is something I can relate to, as despite my young age I’ve already been through several medications, suicide attempts, and psychotic episodes. I’m new to this blogging thing, but I created my blog as a means of coping with my life (like keeping a journal), and I find it heartening to find people like you, who suffer from mental illness but don’t let it keep them down. Anyway, didn’t mean to leave such a long-winded comment. Keep up the good work!
Feb 05, 2012 @ 16:08:13
This is a terrific medium for self-exploration and growth while getting lots of support. I hope your blogging experience is as rich as mine has been.
Mar 05, 2012 @ 18:57:08
I’m so excited to find your site…I feel at home here.
Mar 05, 2012 @ 20:28:14
Sweet! Take off your shoes and scratch anything you want!
Mar 20, 2012 @ 18:19:09
Sandy – as you know I love reading your blog. I have nominated you for a Leibster Blog Award. The instructions for accepting the award are here:
http://strugglingwithbipolar.wordpress.com/2012/03/20/my-first-blog-award-the-leibster-blog-award/
It’s my first award and I was honored to get to nominate you!
Mar 20, 2012 @ 21:58:25
Kat, thanks so much. Blog awards are fun and can make you really feel like part of a community.
May 06, 2012 @ 20:28:26
Thanks for sharing your Soul with us. What delicious and thought-provoking offerings.
I love your list of all your favorite ‘toys’— “writing, artwork, psychology, myth, Star Trek, meditation, coffee, conscious evolution, movies, brain function, music, various spiritual traditions”. I found myself nodding my head and smiling, thinking ‘me too, me too!’
Much love to you xx
May 06, 2012 @ 21:15:42
So glad you came to visit.
Jun 09, 2012 @ 01:26:01
I have nominated you for the Reader Appreciation Award. Check it out here http://thesecretkeeper.net/2012/06/09/readers-appreciation-award-nomination/. I hope you like it. the secret keeper aka jennifer
Jun 09, 2012 @ 06:35:40
Jennifer, thanks so much.
Jul 20, 2012 @ 13:01:34
Writing, art, coffee, Star Trek, music and movies are things we have in common! Which Star Trek generation is your favourite? I was always partial to the Captain Picard era, though I’ve seen some of all of them! Great blog!
Jul 20, 2012 @ 17:29:03
Thanks so much! I loved Picard, and have a few fan-fiction short stories with him in my “Heaving Bosoms” section here. But, I also adored the last incarnation, ST Enterprise. My novel with Captain Archer is also a “Heaving Bosoms” posting. If you care to look at them, I’d love feedback.
Dec 09, 2012 @ 16:03:51
Sandy, I just followed Lori’s reblog link here and I’m loving what I’m reading so far. Thank you for being so willing to share your life with the world, warts and all! I can only hope to one day be brave enough to bare my soul like this on my own blog.
Dec 09, 2012 @ 22:39:19
Kim, thanks so much for visiting. I don’t have anything to lose by sharing my story. Some folks have to deal with stigma at work or in their social circles. Or they have families to consider. “Going public” can be complicated.
Mar 07, 2013 @ 22:19:40
I stumbled across your blog today and took the opportunity to read some of your posts. I like what I found.
In appreciation for your writing, I have nominated you for a “Liebster Award”. I see you have already been nominated for this and other awards, but if you would like to join the fun and recruit more readers to your blog, check out my nomination post –
http://writingforfoodinindy.wordpress.com/2013/03/07/long-live-the-liebster/
Keep up the good work.
Mar 08, 2013 @ 04:20:51
Thanks so much for stumbling into me and sticking around for a minute or two. And also for the award.
Mar 08, 2013 @ 08:47:22
Barb and I met 2 days, ago.. Barb A was in a car on her way to KC when she discovered that we were preparing to meditate ! (: so… barb and I spent the hour poking around in fertile grounds of Beingness (: .. and spoke of you…that we missed you… and that the ‘no news is good news’ might apply… looks like it is… congratulations on these being recognized for all these achievements you have created, not just for you.. but for unknown thousands… lovely, when one of them lets you know how truly extraordinary you are.. laney
Mar 08, 2013 @ 08:57:33
Thanks, Laney. I miss you guys, too. Wish you all could come over and sit with us sometime.
Mar 08, 2013 @ 09:30:33
we might just do that, Sandy…
Jun 16, 2013 @ 10:17:14
I consider you part of my WordPress Family – You’ve been Nominated:
http://ballybin.wordpress.com/2013/06/16/the-wordpress-family-award/
Jun 16, 2013 @ 14:36:55
Thank you, TJ. I’m proud to be part of your family.
Jun 16, 2013 @ 14:41:47
🙂
Oct 23, 2013 @ 22:58:08
Wanted to let you know about a couple of things that are happening here at Mercy that you may be interested in. Give me a call and I can fill you in on the details.
Love your blog!!!! Dan
Oct 24, 2013 @ 01:57:18
HooHoo! If you’re listening, Dan, I’ll be calling soon!!
May 14, 2014 @ 23:42:24
Your blog is very inspiring and helped me understand my friend with bipolar more. Thanks!
May 15, 2014 @ 18:32:50
Thanks so much for visiting and reading. Pass me along to your friend, if you think s/he might be interested. We tend to isolate, so coming here might be a safe place to reach out.
May 15, 2014 @ 21:27:55
I will do so!
Jul 24, 2014 @ 15:59:59
I am glad to hear that your Life Coaches, Henry and Emmett, supervise your mental hygiene. So helpful.
Jul 25, 2014 @ 06:07:46
They’re task-masters, let me tell you!
Jul 25, 2014 @ 17:05:01
I’m sure their demands keep you on your toes.
Aug 08, 2014 @ 21:28:47
Sandy Sue, I am nominating you for the Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award at http://kittomalley.com/2014/08/08/sisterhood-of-the-world-bloggers-award/. I highlighted your stated blog purpose on my nominating page. Thanks for all you do as a blogger.
Aug 08, 2014 @ 21:49:12
Goodness, thank you, Kitt. I’m really honored.
Aug 08, 2014 @ 21:52:53
You are welcome!
Nov 16, 2014 @ 13:23:51
HI Sandy,
I referenced your blog in a recent post http://attentionanonymous.wordpress.com/2014/11/16/what-speaks-to-me/.
I am working on a Master’s thesis about literary blogging and would love the opportunity to speak with you about your experience. Let me know if you’re up for that in the next several weeks.
Thanks!
RUTH
Nov 16, 2014 @ 15:27:31
Hi, Ruth.
I’d be happy to correspond and provide whatever info you need. If you like, you can email me:
sandysuewyatt3@yahoo.com
Feb 16, 2015 @ 07:28:02
What a great About page!
What a great vision!
Feb 16, 2015 @ 12:14:13
Thanks so much. And thanks for reading.
Feb 16, 2015 @ 19:23:45
I just LOVE reading these postings, Sandy… what a loving endeavor…. thank you, dearheart…. Laney
Feb 17, 2015 @ 02:40:00
It means a lot to me that you do.
Aug 15, 2015 @ 12:59:36
Sandy, I have nominated you for the Liebster Award. Thank you for visiting and commenting on my blog, and for the clear and insightful writing on yours. I look forward to more sharing and learning!
http://catherinechengmd.com/2015/08/15/liebster-award-nomination/
Aug 17, 2015 @ 19:52:51
Thank you, Catherine. I’ve shared your site with my med provider and therapist. You are a sane voice in the health care miasma.
Aug 17, 2015 @ 21:37:59
Thank you, Sandy! Please let them know that their feedback is welcome, as is yours, as always. 😊
Aug 19, 2015 @ 10:39:01
HoW WONDERFUL! ….. you ARE THAT, Sandy Sue… and then some, sweetheart… Congratulations… you deserve this… Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2015 00:52:55 +0000 To: littlepinelaney@msn.com
Aug 19, 2015 @ 18:02:03
Did you find me elsewhere? How cool!
Sep 15, 2015 @ 01:13:53
You’ve gotten some wonderful kudos here for your writing. I always knew you were talented. And even better to find out it’s also therapeutic, eh wot? As for Star Trek, I loved Riker until he blew up and got hairy. Not sure what happened there, but he lost a lot of the appeal he had at the beginning of Next Gen. Shatner has written some funny books since his Trek, and Nimoy is also a good read. Hope you’re up on those. I also appreciated Kate Mulgrew’s Captain, the first woman to hold that honor on a Trek series. Her wry, gravelly voice scored a great counterpoint to the softer characters. Has she written anything Trekian, do you know?
Sep 15, 2015 @ 13:00:37
First, thanks so much for visiting and taking time to read some of my stuff. I honestly appreciate it.
Loved your take on Riker (I actually liked when he blew up and got hairy. Plus, the guy knew how to straddle a chair!).
I’ve got all of Nimoy’s books and read some of The Shat’s sci-fi. I’ve not heard of Kate Mulgrew writing anything–that would be interesting, though, to hear her take on Boys’ World.
Dec 28, 2016 @ 10:50:42
Going through some blogs and came across yours. I noticed you haven’t blogged in a while and just hoping you are doing good. Thanks for sharing your experience, strength and hope. Bipolar anonymous
Dec 29, 2016 @ 08:44:07
Thanks for your kind words. When I started this blog six years ago, I never shut up. We all have to get our story out. And then we chronicle our fits and starts at wellness and sickness and the wide space between. Now I post when I feel I have something fresh to add to the conversation, or when I need to share a fan-girl fit of squee. 🙂
Feb 27, 2017 @ 13:03:48
Hi Sandy – it was lovely to meet you on Sunday. You know sometimes you get a feeling about people (just like Sally was saying, I guess). I’m excited to read more about your story. Just wanted to say “Hi.”
Feb 27, 2017 @ 13:32:57
Me, too, also. Thanks so much for taking the time to look at my stuff.
Jun 28, 2017 @ 06:31:01
Hi Sandy,
My name is Anuj Agarwal. I’m Founder of Feedspot.
I would like to personally congratulate you as your blog A Mind Divided | Artful, Conscious Living with Bipolar Disorder has been selected by our panelist as one of the Top 100 Bipolar Disorder Blogs on the web.
http://blog.feedspot.com/bipolar_disorder_blogs/
I personally give you a high-five and want to thank you for your contribution to this world. This is the most comprehensive list of Top 100 Bipolar Disorder Blogs on the internet and I’m honored to have you as part of this!
Also, you have the honor of displaying the badge on your blog.
Best,
Anuj
Jun 28, 2017 @ 07:46:05
Thank you so much. This is an unexpected honor.
Aug 13, 2021 @ 12:31:24
I hadn’t read this before. I like the summary of goals as well as the humility of reasonable expectation. (Hopefully that doesn’t sound as condescending as it looks.) On days when I struggle, it helps to remember that doing anything is better than doing nothing and getting sucked into mindless activities. At least in blogging and reading, I feel accomplished by association to people who work through similar issues that challenge me–even if the diagnosis is not the same, the struggle can be. United by degrees of separation and sameness. That’s how this feels. Hope it connects with you too,
Aug 13, 2021 @ 20:00:07
It does, my friend.