I strive for balance in all things, not only because I am Bipolar, but also because it is in accord with principles I am in accord with, embedded in the philosophy of Taoism (I regard it as a philosophy, and not a religion).

In love, and passion, and romance and liking, and politics, and the opposite, to get lost in the extreme can lead to trouble, big trouble.

Some c0ntemporary music, of course, lifts high the option of obsessive love. Such love can easily drive the recipient away, and lead to debilitating jealousy. Such love is not true love. When partners love they do not consume each other; they remain separate individuals, coming together to share compassion, sometimes passion, and understanding.

I have derailed many relationships through obsessive love.

Balance in all things. Far left liberals make me nervous, but especially the far right, because the latter seem to be consumed with greed and hatred. Think neo-fascism. And if you think it can't happen in the USA, think again. Think again.

The flame of creativity is not extinguished by a balanced approach. Rather, in my view, it is facilitated. And on a side note, though creativity is, in many instances, associated with Bipolar tendencies (there is a BVipolar spectrum disorder, as I see it, though it is not highly recognized in the psychiatric literature, as far as I know, and in popular consciousness. And excitement in creative work is not necessarily dysfunctional. On the contrary, it may be a necessary component.

Lack of boundaries in relationships is a component of affective imbalance. And lack of boundaries can be enormously destructive, conflusing loving and liking and friendship and passion and the desire to simply help another human being. I have manifested lack of boundaries, causing myself and some others confusion and, on doubt, pain. I have recovered from this crucial error of judgment. But the traumatic fallout continues, at least inside myself.

There is such a thing as justified huilt or remorse. It is the sociopath who never feels guilt.

So I strive for balance in all things. Not that I don't experience intense feelings. But the key question is: what do I do with those feelings? How do I can upon them? Judgment in action or nonaction is crucial.

(The writer is a Master's level counselor, and poet-essayist, currently engaged in writing and music expression and advocacy for the poor.)