Bipolar Shoes was conceived after many hours contemplating how I could tell the story of an average workingman’s struggles with life and bipolar disorder. I did this in layman’s terms so that everyone could read and understand bipolar disorder a bit better. It's funny, informative and value priced at $19.74 The price also marks the year my family moved to Canada. It's hard to believe it's been 35 years. 

I made Bipolar Shoes my job.  I have never let my illness be an excuse not to be a productive and valuable person to society.  I know the value of hard work; however my body can no longer tolerate the physical punishment of physical labour I have endured all my life.

When you have no job or income life can be very stressful for anyone no matter who you are. It is particularly hard on my family when I’m in this situation. In the three and a half years I have lived in Humboldt I have worked for only one year. I fell back on my book and received some funding from the bank of Mom to get Bipolar Shoes Published. I’m proud of what I have achieved. I’ve earned the title of author no one can ever take that away from me.

No amount of money could replace the immense satisfaction I have received since I launched my book to the public here in Humboldt. From the wink I got from a hulk of a man who read the back cover of my book at the craft show. We never spoke but I knew what he meant. As men we don’t like to share our feelings especially about something that may show a sign of weakness. Unfortunately bipolar disorder has a stigma attached to it.

My goal is to ease this stigma one book at a time. I understand how sensitive an issue mental illness is. But I decided to tell my story anyway. I have never been afraid to talk about my illness. I have experienced the stigma of mental illness first-hand and I’m lucky I have big shoulders.
 
I felt scared, confused, frustrated, and embarrassed to be a patient of a mental hospital. I was unsure of what to expect. My only knowledge of a mental hospital was from what I had seen on television and movies. I didn't see anyone crawling walls or anyone frothing at the mouth, putting fear into everyone. The hospital was more of a sanctuary, a place to get well. I knew nothing about mental illness or bipolar disorder. I was one of the many who thought mental illness was a weakness. I now can say  it's a sign of strength for me.

 I have invested 3 years creating, writing, and working hard to make this dream of mine happen.

 
Well I went searching for my dreams. Today, my dreams came looking for me. If you believe the impossible, the incredible can come true. After all "People Do Matter" Thanks, Dave