When things don't go well, don't make it worse. It's better to go with the flow rather than to swim against the tide. Things don't last forever, it is bound to change at a given point of time. But why stress out and make yourself unhappy in the situation? Life is meant to be lived, to be understood and to move on. Taking care of "self" first is most important. Know one thing - you are not only living for others but also for your own - it's a fine balance. Many people regret things they haven't done in life and wished they had. Why spend time feeling sorry for yourself when you can actually do...
Jyoti Dhawale's blog
Marriage is hard work that requires two hands to clap. Right now one hand is paralysed. The one-sided relationship is not what I term as a "relationship". It's more like a person labouring hard, hoping and waiting, draining out all the energy just like watering too much on the plant. Result? Depression, lower self-esteem, insecurity (similar to that of a plant which get wrinkled and die by over-caring). Staying in a one-sided marriage needs a lot of effort. It requires you to be strong both emotionally as well as mentally because there are times one will break down. You need to be aware of the...
India is very conservative and orthodox when it comes to HIV. In most areas (except in Mumbai) it is considered as a "taboo" topic, especially in rural areas.
"Why do you make such a publicity stunt of yourself?", chided one person. "Why can't you just be happy, shut up and enjoy your marital bliss? After all you have got a loving home and a loving family. What more do you want?" And recently on Facebook by a person, this is what he commented under my post (surprisingly so, because he work for HIV cause) - "Miss Jyoti Dhawale, the point is that you only want people praising you and your writing. You have a fan club who believe in this story, good for you and good for the club". I know I don't have to be answerable and let my 'work' do the talking...
It was a sense of great pride and honor when I was nominated and selected for the prestigious KarmaVeer Chakra and KarmaVeer Global Fellowship Award instituted by iCongo in association with the United Nations at New Delhi on March 23rd 2015. Given below is my three minutes speech that I spoke during open mic session: In the memory of those who died - died living in "hope" - for love - for acceptance - and more importantly, for CURE... Also, on the behalf of those living - living in the closet - because of fear - due to ignorance - due to the mindset of the society - fear of being disowned by...
HIV – Stigma and Discrimination / Love, Life, Laughter – HIV is a nothing if taken in a positive way, it is just another disease – the only fine line that separates it is IGNORANCE Being HIV Positive teaches a person about LIFE and how to overcome all "obstacles". About PEOPLE and how to "understand" them. About SOCIETY and how to change their "mindset". All it takes are the three P's: Patience, Persistence and Perseverance. There will be Stigma and Discrimination. It is in our hands how we tackle this issue. I prefer not to be too affected and go with the flow. Continue to show people...
There is a great emphasis to educate people living with HIV in India, in terms of not only knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS but also to understand their medicines, read laboratory results, how to better care for themselves and how to lead a healthy life – mentally, physically, emotionally (and spiritually). I have come across a doctor who suggests that since one partner is HIV Positive, they should abstain from sex. They were even advised to refrain from kissing. HIV is not transmissible via kissing as we all know. True, there are traces of virus present in saliva that can be detected under the...
"What kind of a mother are you," screamed a lady, "who can't even take care of a baby...sleeping all the time...kaamchor (lazy asshole)...keeping a babysitter, cook and maid...you can't even handle household chores or a husband, not to even speak of mothering a baby." "Look, I will pay for your medication as and when I can, or else find a job to help support yourself", said a man. "I have to spend money on bills, my parents' treatments, as well as my personal expenses." "You need to adhere strictly to your medication, Jyoti", warned a family doctor. "The way you are taking it, neither on time...
"Looking after my health TODAY gives me a better hope for TOMORROW" - Anne Wilson Schaef DISCLAIMER: What failed on me does NOT mean that it may not work on you. PLEASE listen to your body and go by it accordingly. I know some of my friends who are doing well on Efavirenz. Unlike mine, their CD4 has improved to higher numbers while on that medicine. Depression is one known side effect of this HIV medication, but does not happen to everyone. OMG…. Can’t wait to try!!! Changing my meds - bring it on!!!!! I recall posting happily on facebook, telling friends with a bit of excitement how I am...
“Jyoti, I want to marry you, and this time I am sure of it.” I looked at him, not believing a word. Marry me? An HIV-positive woman? When he couldn’t commit to me for the whole two and half years we were going around?? FLASHBACK: Pune, Aug 4 th 2013 My phone vibrates. 1 message pending I was just getting ready for the HIV Matrimonial Event that was to be held in Pune. I was a Guest Speaker for that event and I had not prepared my speech as yet. Thought that there is still 2-3 hours to go for the ceremony to start, hence I will write at the venue itself. I always keep my phone on the “vibration...