It felt like a warm blanket, comforting me in moments of loneliness, sadness, depression, and anxiety. When the weight of my emotions became unbearable, alcohol was there to dull the edges.
Aunty Lou's House's blog
El VIH me había mantenido encerrada en el miedo por más de una década, preocupándome constantemente por el estigma y ser juzgada. Pero me recordé a mí misma todo lo que había aprendido... mantenerme presente.
HIV had kept me locked in fear for over a decade, constantly worrying about stigma and judgement. But I reminded myself of everything I had learned through yoga, meditation, and mindfulness: Stay present.
In the hustle and bustle of life, taking time off to rest and recuperate often feels like an afterthought. Recently, I decided to step away from my daily routine and allow myself some much-needed downtime.
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.
This garden, created by award-winning designer Matthew Childs, serves as a powerful symbol of the progress made in the fight against HIV since the 1980s.
Discovering my HIV diagnosis was an unexpected turn that reshaped my life's trajectory.
Yoga played a transformative role in helping me come to terms with my HIV diagnosis and regain control of my life. Before embracing yoga, I was a very heavy drinker. In fact I was a functioning alcoholic. I worked hard and played hard. Heavy drinking (and smoking) was a misguided way to cope with the emotional weight of HIV. However, the practice of yoga introduced me to a profound sense of discipline and focus that proved to be a game-changer. While many people perceive yoga primarily as a physical exercise, it is a holistic system that encompasses a range of aspects, each contributing to...
HIV can teach us many things. Once you find out you have HIV, it will be a lifelong journey of medication. Along with medication, there are other ways we can live well with HIV. I talk to Bridgette from The Well Project about her experience. Living well with HIV involves a combination of medical care, healthy lifestyle choices, and emotional support. Seek medical care: Regular medical care is crucial for managing HIV. Find a healthcare provider with experience in treating HIV/AIDS, and follow their recommendations for medication, lab tests, and check-ups. Adhere to antiretroviral therapy (ART)...
It took me a while to realise that the judgment I felt came from within. I understand that I can only take responsibility for how I feel and my emotions.