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What Is Your Reality In Being HIV-positive?

A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Dallas, TX

So I am interviewing people here in Dallas about being HIV+ out. I myself have made HIV my battle flag and apologize to no one for being extravagantly HIV+. What kind of questions would you ask to find strength, motivation, inspiration, etc.? These questions will be turned into "Stories of courage & authenticity"!

February 20, 2018
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Answer Summary

Members shared deeply personal reflections on how an HIV-positive diagnosis transformed their lives, with many describing it as both a... Read more

Members shared deeply personal reflections on how an HIV-positive diagnosis transformed their lives, with many describing it as both a profound challenge and an unexpected catalyst for positive change. Several members spoke of re-evaluating priorities, letting go of toxic relationships, embracing authenticity, focusing on health and happiness over material things, and finding a fierce determination to not let the virus define them. A recurring theme was the power of being open about status, the importance of self-preservation and surrounding oneself only with supportive people, and a shared resolve to live fully without apologizing for who they are.

A myHIVteam Member

Well Sir, my reality is it’s changed everything. HIV has not only been a curse, but a blessing. I no longer sweat the small stuff, have the time nor the patience for those “one way” street people. The wagons are circled tightly around me, and as of last week everyone in my immediate family knows I am positive. So like you I am being as a dang positive as I can possibly be at this time. The truest of the true are allowed in, while the Negative Nancy’s are relegated to wherever the hell they end up as long as it’s nowhere near me. I won’t apologize for being who I am, this is about self preservation and the less bs the better. I told my brother something the other day and it took him aback a bit, I said “I can see through walls now.” I wasn’t kidding either. So that’s the blessing, I have been enlightened. Life is too dang short to waste, these days people are so self centered/absorbed and have not experienced the “Enlightenment” that comes from facing ones mortality and getting right with he that created us. I was meant to have HIV right here and right now. There is no such thing as coincidence...know that. My motto: “I have HIV, HIV does not have me.”

Grind hard & Stay humble mate💫

John

February 25, 2018 (edited)
A myHIVteam Member

Why Thank You @A myHIVteam Member. I am humbled everyday by people like you and the work you do. I keep reminding myself that this is just a virus, nothing more.....and too not
give it power over my veey existence it does not deserve. After almost a year adapting/dealing with this scourge i’m now ready to join the fight with AID Atlanta to do what I can. Keep up the fight and keep shining that beautiful light that is uniquely you on this reality which has dragged on for too long. You are the reason why one day soon there will be a cure. Grind hard/Stay humble💫

February 27, 2018 (edited)
A myHIVteam Member

@A myHIVteam Member Wow that is a powerful message of hope. May other gain power from your truth.

February 26, 2018
A myHIVteam Member

My reality is that I enjoyed getting the virus. I don't wish this disease on anyone. I have a positive life with HIV and the virus saved my life

February 20, 2018
A myHIVteam Member

It does tend to cause reevaluation of what initially seemed important.

February 22, 2018

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