Chiiiiillleee...
You ever get so caught up in life that HIV doesn't even have a space in your thoughts?
That's kinda where I am right now. I have so many moving parts in my life. I'm prioritizing time with God, time with my husband, time with my kids...
Then I have to remember to eat my protein but not too many carbs, drink enough water but not too much caffeine, balance cardio and strength training, put the clothes in the dryer before they mildew, and return phone calls and text messages.
Again I say—HIV who??
Because I haven't even mentioned remembering to take my meds, making time to schedule appointments with my primary doc, my GYN, my podiatrist, my dermatologist, my cardiologist—and whoever else my 40-something-year-old body requires.
And is that pre-menopause peeking through my blinds?
Chiiiillle please...
Anyway, let me go figure out what self-care even means for today... before these kids get out of school.
Have you ever gone a whole week before you even remember you're managing a whole diagnosis?
Let's work on giving ourselves grace. This is a lot.
Writing and journaling
Journaling is self care and tbh since I work in this I talk about HIV non stop and it can burn you out so I am practicing what I’m preaching 🙏 at 52 yrs old I can honestly say that I know how you feel. Love and light
Whew, Lynette! This post is…
Whew, Lynette! This post is such a whole mood. Life be lifing so hard sometimes that even the big stuff gets pushed to the backseat. Your honesty, humor, and reminder to give ourselves grace—it’s everything. Thank you for putting into words what so many of us feel but don’t say out loud. Keep showing up, even if it’s with one sock on. You’re doing amazing.
overstood
Thank you for sharing Lynette! I know so many of us can relate. HIV keeps falling further and further down the list as more things keep going on. Sending you love!
HIV Where?????
I agree completely. Life keeps throwing things at us and HIV can become a hidden thought. I honestly forget I have it because I have bigger fish to fry. Remember to take time for yourself. One day at a time. Thank you for sharing.
Chiiiillleee…
Chiiiillleee… you just preached my entire life!
I feel every single word you wrote. Sometimes life is so full—family, responsibilities, aging bodies, shifting hormones, endless appointments—that HIV becomes just another background task on a long to-do list. It’s not that we’re ignoring it; it’s just that everything else is demanding our energy too.
After 22 years of taking HIV meds and now managing other health issues like TB, diabetes, and PTSD… whew, it’s a lot. Some days I’m proud of myself just for remembering to eat a balanced meal or drink water. The grace we have to give ourselves is real—and necessary.
Thank you for saying what so many of us are living but don’t always say out loud.
Thank you for reminding me I’m not alone in this juggle.
And thank you for the laugh, because yes, that pre-menopause is knocking loud and rude! 😂
Let’s keep choosing grace, choosing joy, and yes—choosing ourselves.
With love and solidarity,
Bose 💜