Hello to all of my readers, new and old. I have not abandoned you completely, just taken a bit of a break.
You know, I've always quoted from the beginning "HIV is a part of me, but it does not define me".
At this point in my journey, I don't feel like this quote really does the situation justice, and I've been pondering how to make it more fitting. The best I can come up with for now is "HIV is a part of me, but it does not affect me".
For the first couple of years, it really did affect my daily life, my job search, my relationships with others, my mental and emotional stability, etc. It was hovering in the background and weighing heavy on various parts of my life.
But, after 2.5 years I can honestly say that I feel free of it. It does not affect my daily life. It does not affect my job. It does not affect my relationships and friendships with others. It does not affect my mental and/or emotional state. It does not affect my physical well-being. In fact, I would estimate that 95% of the time, I forget that I even have it. My life has gone forward, and I have moved on.
Yes, there are isolated situations that have and will continue to come up over the years regarding my HIV. But for the most part, all HIV means to me right now is a 6 month check up.
As for my current life... my job is going great and I am considering options to move up or grow in my career... I have an amazing boyfriend that I love very much and he loves me, and I am looking forward to growing our future together... I am planning some big vacations for the summer... and I am also toying with the idea of starting to write my book...
