Dear Advocate

Dear Advocate,

2021, so far, has been a year of focusing on me and choosing me above all else. Too often I have dimmed my light and emptied my cup for the needs of others. I'm an empath and a nurturer, so it comes with the territory, or so they say. But I strongly feel there needs to be more conversation about the impacts of not choosing yourself. About giving so much of yourself there's nothing left.

When you're living with a condition like HIV, a condition that's manageable, it's society's perception of us or blatant disregard for knowing the basic facts of HIV that makes things exhausting. Where do we draw the line between advocating for a cause and placing responsibility on those individuals to learn on their own about something that can happen to anyone?

While I love advocating and educating others, I have decided to be more intentional with how I do it. I pride myself on saying I'm more than my diagnosis, therefore every second of breath shouldn't be spent discussing my status or the condition. When you hear the letters HIV, I want it to be a thought, but I want to be more than just "the girl with HIV".

I want to be remembered as a fearless community leader who spoke up for change, BUT, at the end of the day, I've realized my own interpretation of myself is all that truly matters. I love myself beyond the fear of your thoughts or perception of me. I love myself beyond societal expectations of me because I'm living and thriving with HIV.

So for 2021, I'll keep focusing on me. Pushing fear aside and making some monumental moves for myself and anyone who comes along for the ride. Your company is not needed but welcomed!

Never forget you, we, are more than this diagnosis!