Understanding the Cycle of Obsession

There are times when I become completely captivated by a new interest, and it occupies my thoughts for days or even weeks. Suddenly, however, that excitement can vanish as quickly as it appeared, much like a wave retreating back into the sea.

This aspect of myself is frustrating. While I don’t dislike the manic episodes themselves, I do struggle with the inevitable decline in enthusiasm. In those euphoric moments, I truly believe my latest passion is the greatest thing ever, or I may even convince myself that I can create something entirely new and extraordinary.

These feelings often lead to impulsive decisions, misallocation of my time, and a disconnection from reality. As I've matured, I've recognized this as part of my ADD, a manic phase that fosters obsessive behaviors. The troubling part is when that mania begins to fade away, akin to waking from a wonderful dream, wishing desperately to return to it, fully aware that it’s unattainable.

This decline can result in feelings of sadness and lethargy. I find myself longing for that initial excitement, wishing to reclaim its brilliance. However, I am now learning to see it for what it truly is: a temporary fixation.

The Importance of Self-Awareness

Self-awareness is a rarity in today’s world, where many individuals merely exist rather than truly live. They record moments only to revisit them later, missing the richness of the present. As Lao Tzu wisely said, “Knowing others is wisdom; knowing yourself is enlightenment.”

In a society that often distracts us from self-awareness, recognizing my potential for obsession has significantly impacted my ability to harness it constructively. I’ve learned to identify these intense feelings and evaluate them effectively:

• How can I utilize this mindset to foster positive changes in my life?
• How can I maintain balance and continue actions linked to this manic state once it fades?

These inquiries guide me whenever I'm lucid enough to acknowledge my manic state.

Building Strong Foundations

Upon answering these questions, I begin to see the advantages of my current obsession. The next step is to determine how to lay a solid groundwork during these manic phases. During such times, I can remain in a productive flow for hours—this is my superpower.

Understanding that this state is temporary allows me to channel my energy into foundational aspects of a task that will benefit me in the long run. With the foresight that the mania will pass, I can direct my energy toward essential initial steps, preparing my future self for growth at a more manageable pace.

The Illusion of Magic

Experiencing mania can feel enchanting, but it’s often just a trick of the mind—a rush of feel-good hormones. Once these hormones fade and I return to reality, I can evaluate my ideas more realistically.

For instance, writing on Medium is currently my passion, consuming much of my free time. Although my initial mania for it subsided months ago, it has evolved into a joyful means of sharing my thoughts and connecting with fellow writers. I remain enthusiastic but now recognize sustainable levels of engagement.

Reflecting on my past, I recall my obsession with making pizzas. I dove deep into the craft, from rolling dough to balancing toppings. Thankfully, I pursued it professionally, allowing me to hone my skills. As the initial excitement faded, I was able to refine my technique, assess my mistakes, and make necessary adjustments.

Writing now mirrors that experience. With the novelty diminished, I can evaluate my work critically, identify grammatical errors, and improve my style. While my natural voice has its imperfections, some must be addressed—like eliminating dangling modifiers. In the throes of mania, I lacked the clarity to critique my writing effectively.

Embracing Change

I’ve learned not to fear the inevitable ebb and flow of my manic states. This cycle is a natural part of my existence. The key is to harness the energy while it lasts and, when it recedes, to commit to the tasks that matter to me.

Further Exploration of Mania and Mental Health

The first video titled "Magical thinking and associations with bipolar mania and hypomania" delves into the connections between magical thinking and manic episodes, providing insights that resonate with my experiences.

The second video, "MANIC MAGIC (the gathering)! [FULL VOD 4/4]," explores the concept of mania through a unique lens, offering further understanding of this fascinating state.