(CNN) -- Patrick Kennedy is sprawled in a too-small chair in a tiny courtyard in Atlanta,  talking to a reporter and trying to catch the early spring sunlight. The 43-year-old Kennedy left Congress in January, after spending more than half his life in public office. Now he's outside the Carter Center, taking a break after talking up his latest plan to a group of mental health advocates, including former first lady Rosalynn Carter. One thing Kennedy enjoys is talking, and these days, he can say whatever he wants. He shouts when he gets excited. He laughs a lot. He curses when he brings up frustrations.
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Former U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy launching new effort to map the human brain
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"Moonshot" will work toward curing "every kind of brain disease"
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Kennedy's own addiction, mental health issue drive passion
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Kennedy: "I'm looking to live more than just surviving"
Incidentally, Kennedy's departure in January marked the first time in 58 years that there is no @placeholder in the national government -- no congressman, senator or president.