Paying it forward has become a way of life for me. It is ironic that being living with HIV has opened so many doors for me, meaning I do not think I would have had the opportunity to meet all the awesome people in my life that I have.
It started with my psychologist. When I first found out I was infected with the big V, as I call it, boy, did I give her a run for the money, to say the least! So my point is I received years of psychotherapy just to deal with the fact that I was living with HIV. Being in therapy though, opened up a whole new world for me. I learned so much- from coping with the hand I was dealt to learning who I was as a person. Not by any means was all this an easy task. Therapy is hard work -I kid you not. You have to be able to look at difficult issues in your life. Had I not been infected with the big V, I probably would never have had the chance to be in counseling.
So that opened the door for me to be more open-to meet other great people in my life. I decided I wanted to leave New York. I wanted a slower pace of life, so I moved to Florida. My ID Doc at the time helped me so much. She made the phone calls for me where I was going to get my health care. That led me to a nurse who was at the health department in Gainesville. She helped me so much. Before I knew it doors were opening up everywhere for me. It was then that I started to want to pay it forward, for others who were where I started.
Since then it was like a domino effect- I felt so blessed, it made me want to continue to do more and more for other women living with HIV, because I knew first hand what they were going through. I must say the big V was my learning tool. And, it has made me the woman I am today. Ironic but true, living with the big V made me not dare to take anything for granted again in my life. It was like a whole new world was out there waiting for me. Who knew I would be still here today, so eager to make a difference in this life. This is some of what paying it forward means to me.
How have you paid it forward? Have any good suggestions? Share them with us!!
I know it must not have been easy to get to where you are, but thank you for sharing your inspiring message. It may not always be easy to look for the good in what we have, but when we can get to that place, it certainly eases the stress.
THANKS!!!
We need more stories of inspiration! This motivates me to stop thinking about myself and to do for others! I take too much for granted.
Great encouraging story for others suffering or surviving this awful disease. I think I was in shock for at least 3-6 months after my diagnosis. My therapist was great then I lost her. I think we do have to take it day by day but sharing it with others like us is good support and why I love my friends of LTAI. Play or pay it forward because we all have our battles to face and we never know when that one word of encouragement can save someone. A smile and a hug goes a long way. Share those hugs Ladies. đ Here’s a big hug. (((((( ))))))
Thank you so much for your empowering and inspiring story! It took guts and bravery to be able to get to the place that you are in today. You have never given up, and you are always fighting the good fight for yourself as much as others. I love you!