Aunty Lou's House's blog

There's nothing wrong with the way your mind works. In fact, it may just be your greatest strength.

Nineteen years ago, I never imagined that I would one day have the strength to speak openly about my status in a leading HIV magazine. But here I am.

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.

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...