It's OK Not to Be OK!!!

The last couple of weeks I have been weighted down with so much heaviness on my shoulders I didn't know which direction I was headed. Have you ever felt like you just couldn't take life anymore? Wanted to just say "I quit"?!!!! Yes, I too feel that way sometimes. Living with HIV we have our good days and bad days. Every time someone would ask me how I feel or how I'm doing, my response is “I'm fine". I'm learning more and more that it's really ok NOT to be ok!! Sometimes you have to take a little break and focus on who you really are as a human being. It's ok to have hang ups, it's ok to be sad, it's ok to cry, it's ok to be to yourself, it's ok to say no, but just don't stay down. Nobody in this world is perfect, we all need to stop, breathe, think and refocus. Living with HIV, sometimes you want to be the best advocate, the best leader but even the most popular advocate has to relax. Learn to take a step back if need be in your life to take care of yourself and family. Self care is a must!! Many days I smile, but be so broken within because I used to be afraid to say “I'm not ok, I need a break".

What are you doing in your personal lives to help YOU? The work each of us do daily is very important, and that's why we have our sisters and brothers that are also fighting this fight with us that can help carry the burden when need be. Stop trying to be Super Woman or Super Man if you know it's also unhealthy for YOU. No worries, we see you, we know you're still doing an awesome job. It's OK!! Speak up and ask for help when need be.

All of us should be able to lift one another up and lock arms while we all continue to raise awareness around HIV/AIDS, because we all have a story to tell. So many voices are being heard. We are all making a difference but we have so much work to do with criminalization laws, different policy decisions, health/housing and so much more. We are the voice, we are the ones that are making a difference so know that when you need a break it's OK!!! The work will continue on and you are always welcome to step right back on in because we need YOU!!

Let's get out our comfort zones, think out the box and continue to make changes!! Self care, yes, it's totally OK in my book!!!