Living Balanced – Discover a Path to Mental Wellness and Fulfillment

It’s Not About Feeling Normal, It’s About Becoming Your Full Self.

Larry and Candie Vanderpol have lived the extremes of bipolar disorder and discovered a way forward rooted in faith, community, and real-life tools. Living Balanced invites you into that journey, offering practical steps and hard-won wisdom.

"I know what it’s like to feel broken by bipolar I’ve been there ”

Our Story

Our Story Begins with a Breakdown But It Didn’t End There.

We didn’t set out to write a book.

We were just trying to survive—one diagnosis, one medication, one sleepless night at a time.

In our early years, mental illness nearly tore our lives apart. There were hospitalizations, false starts, misdiagnoses, and long stretches of not knowing if we’d ever find a way through.

But through faith, community, and years of trial and error, we found tools that worked. We built a framework for daily stability: the 4-6 Scale, the Barometer Team, and the Seven F’s—simple, real-life principles that helped us reclaim balance, hope, and purpose

My Name Is Larry. I’ve Been There

I know what it’s like to feel like life is slipping through your fingers.

I’ve lived through manic highs and crushing lows—through misdiagnoses, stigma, and years of wondering if I’d ever feel “normal” again.

But I also know this: living balanced is possible. Not overnight—and not without help.
But possible.

This book isn’t theory. It’s my story—shared with my wife Candie—of rediscovering hope through faith, practical tools, and a daily practice of choosing balance.

If you or someone you love is navigating mental health challenges, I want you to know: you’re not alone. This is the resource I wish I had decades ago.

My mission is simple: to help others find stability, strength, and hope—one honest story, one real tool, one new day at a time.

Now, we’re sharing that journey—not as experts, but as partners who have lived it.

If you’re navigating mental illness yourself, or walking alongside someone who is, we want you to know: you’re not alone. There’s a path forward. And you don’t have to walk it alone.

Living Balanced: Discover a Path to Mental Wellness and Fulfillment

This Book Isn’t About Me -It’s About You

Yes, the pages are filled with our story—our stumbles, our breakthroughs, and the practical tools we’ve used to rebuild a life of stability. But this book isn’t just about telling our story. It’s about helping you write yours.

Whether you’re facing mental health challenges yourself or supporting someone who is, this book was written with you in mind.

You’ll find raw honesty, faith-filled encouragement, and a framework that’s helped us—and many others—move from chaos to clarity. This is not a clinical manual or a memoir for sympathy. It’s a guide built on lived experience, made to be used.

Because the goal isn’t to admire our journey—it’s to empower yours.

Book Endorsements

Living Balanced: Discover a Path to Mental Wellness and Fulfillment
By Larry Vanderpol, with Candie Vanderpol

"Larry and I have been lifelong friends, growing up side by side from childhood and especially close during our high school years. He was a whirlwind of energy and passion—an inspiring presence who pushed me to live more fully and faithfully. Our bond was deep, grounded in friendship and our shared Christian faith. When Larry began to show signs of manic depression in our later high school years, it was heartbreaking and confusing. His eventual hospitalization was a devastating moment in my life. I didn’t fully understand it then, but watching Larry face and overcome his struggle would one day help me walk through my own valley. Years later, my wife would suffer deeply from the very same condition—manic depression. The journey with her illness was one of the greatest challenges I’ve ever faced. But Larry’s experience, and the strength and wisdom he gained through it, became a beacon of hope for me during that time. This book is not just his story—it’s a guide, a source of strength, and a testimony of redemption. Seeing Larry now, living a life of balance, purpose, and compassion, is nothing short of a miracle. I am honored to call him my friend and even more honored to introduce his powerful story to you."

Doug Broersma Business owner

"Finally, a book written from the honest perspective of someone who struggles with bipolar disorder. Larry writes from the unique position of having experienced all the highs and lows of this mental illness, and lived to write about it. As the son of a father who had bipolar condition, I can connect easily with Larry’s stories and experiences because I watched my father struggle so deeply with depression and mania. Oh, how I wish I had access to this book as a young person so that I could have understood the “why” behind my father’s behaviors. Well, now we have a book, and I think every person struggling with BP, and also their family members, should read this book. Its so very helpful and insightful."

Kurt LangstraatSenior Pastor

"When I first met Larry and Candie ten years ago I found the warmest, most engaging, encouraging "put together" people I had ever met. In time, I was astounded to learn of their chaotic life journey through severe mental illness. This book is testament to the possibility of a full, abundant life after bipolar diagnosis. It journals a practical path through mental illness to wellness for those dealing with bipolar disease and anyone seeking healthier holistic mental health."

David Reed Retired Pastor

Start Slow. Stay Steady. You’re Not Alone.

Not everyone is ready to dive into a book right away—and that’s okay.

The 7-Day Reset is a simple way to begin. Each day, you’ll receive one short email focused on one of the Seven F’s faith-based principles we use to help bring balance to our lives.

No pressure. Just real, grounded guidance.

*We only send what’s helpful—no spam, no pressure.

Available for Speaking, Workshops, and Coaching

Real Conversations That Change Lives

I’ve had the chance to speak with churches, classrooms, support groups, and leadership teams—and I always come with one goal in mind: to bring real conversation, real tools, and real hope.

If your group is navigating mental health challenges—or wants to better support those who are—I’d love to join you.

Whether you’re planning a community event, church gathering, leadership summit, or seeking personal support, we offer:

What Readers Are Saying

“ This book isn’t just about living with bipolar it’s about reclaiming your life “

“ A raw and redemptive look at what it means to struggle well ”

"Reading Living Balanced gave me permission to feel, to hope, and to heal...”

“ I’m honored to endorse Living Balanced “

“ Faith. Tools. Truth. Hope. This book is a life-changer “

We’d Love to Hear from you

You don’t need the perfect words.
You don’t need a polished story.
You just need a moment of honesty—and a willingness to start the conversation.
Whether you’re navigating your own mental health journey, supporting someone else, or just curious about the tools in Living Balanced... We'd be honored to hear from you.

Start wherever you are. I’m listening.

Matthew 11:28

With grace and hope,

Larry & Candie

You Don’t Have to Walk This Alone

Start the Conversation