This photo was taken in the height of my career. Prime Minister Tony Blair (I'm showing my age!) found out about the work that I was doing and wanted to meet me personally. I was a Programme Manager for a project called "Respect" based in London - I found my passion! I enjoyed my work and I was leading a fantastic team. At this time I was in full-time employment and studying at university. I was in the midst of getting divorced and had three young beautiful children to look after.
A few years before this photo was taken, my brother, who I loved so much, had died at the age of 28 years old. A few years after this photo was taken I found out I was living with HIV. Both life altering events. After my brother died I shaved my hair. When i found out i had HIV I dissociated. I disguised my feelings with lot of alcohol and cigarettes.
Shall I tell you how I managed to stay afloat? I discovered mindfulness. I adopted a mindful lifestyle. It took patience and practice. I finally found the peace and freedom that I was looking for.
I am very proud to be delivering a workshop at AIDS 2024, the International AIDS Conference in Munich, about mindfulness, stress reduction and emotional balance. If you're going to the conference, pop by and say hello. Alternatively, have a look at my website for more information about mindful living.
