Blossom!

Do not let your mental illness describe you. Be all that you can be. In my own language, become the person who G-d intended you to be. Just as any other person does, you have gifts. Just as any other person can, your character can shine.

Don’t compare yourself to others, especially in the area of character development. A quick temper goes along with several psychiatric diagnoses, for example. If you have managed to control yourself so that you are today less volatile than you were a year ago, that is all that you need care about. Just because a person without a mental illness may be today more even-tempered than you—it should make no difference to you. Applaud yourself for your own progress!

Many people with psychiatric disabilities tend to be harsh and judgmental towards themselves. Here is the antidote, the remedy! The character trait(s) that you excel at—such as generosity—can stand you in good stead even given your nosological (diagnosis-driven) weaknesses.