Episode 27 - Living Well With Bipolar Via Her Own Expectations with Paris Scobie
By Jessica Garrison
Episode trigger warning: mentions of sexual abuse and suicide
Welcome to the final episode of season 7! We will be featuring a special episode a couple of days from now, but in terms of traditional episodes, Paris Scobie is a great way to finish off the season. She has been on our podcast before as Paris Prynkiewicz, sharing her journey as a Bipolar wellness coach, changing the way that people see and hear the word Bipolar. Paris is a resilient, passionate, and driven community builder, overcoming any obstacle that may present itself.
I especially loved hearing Paris share her journey with boundaries, even more so this time around. She says there’s boundaries with everyone: family, friends, lovers, and especially yourself. We tend to put ourselves last on all of our lists, but this is where our boundaries tie into our self care. You have to set that time aside for yourself and stick to it, even if someone is trying to pull you in a different direction. As Paris reminds us, we can find the time. For example, rather than using 30 spare minutes she has to doom scroll on social media, she’ll direct her attention to something else, like reading, journaling, or doing a breathing exercise.
Paris also shares the struggles she’s faced with boundaries. When she restricted her alcohol intake, she didn’t set a clear boundary for it. Alcohol simply didn’t make her feel good, so she didn’t want to feel the need to have a drink every time she goes out with a friend or her partner. However, after having a glass of wine at an event, she says she beat herself up over it. She felt hypocritical, boasting a “sober lifestyle” and then having a glass of wine. But Paris realized she doesn’t have to explain herself to people. She can remain primarily sober and enjoy a glass of wine every so often without feeling guilty. It’s more about how she is feeling within her mind and body, rather than what things may look like from the outside. She loves where she’s at right now and is investing time and energy into that aspect of her life.
These boundaries tie into her health as well, recognizing that the negative self-talk we do to ourselves manifests itself and stays with us—if you tell yourself enough, you will actually start to believe it, even if it isn’t true. Give yourself the patience and grace you need to be able to grow and become stronger on your journey to living authentically and unapologetically.
Paris is a great friend to the Embracing Layers Network, and we will be seeing her again soon! We will be going live with Paris on Substack Wednesday, March 19th at 6 PM EST/3 PM PST. Download the Substack app so you don’t miss notifications for when we post and go live! Bring your questions to the live as we explore F.E.E.L even deeper with Paris.
Ways to Engage: Think of ways you can incorporate more time for yourself throughout the day. If you would normally be scrolling on your phone while waiting in line or before bed, take the time to do something mindfully. You’ll start to feel the difference between the days that your mind is constantly busy and the days you take some extra time to be in the present moment.