18 Lesson Learned: Living with HIV Since Childhood

/ Living With HIV / By

Living with HIV since childhood has undoubtedly shaped my life in a profound way, from the age of five, I have navigated the complexities of managing my health, confronting stigma, and finding strength in my journey. As I reflect on 18 years of living positively with HIV, here are 18 valuable lessons that have defined my experience and shaped me into the resilient young woman I am today.

  1. COURAGE IN VULNERABILITY: Opening up about my status required immense courage, but it taught me the power of vulnerability and authenticity.
  2. RESILIENCE IN ADVERSITY: Despite facing countless challenges, I have shown remarkable resilience in overcoming setbacks and persevering through difficult times.
  3. THE IMPORTANCE OF SUPPORT: Building a strong support network of friends. Family, and healthcare professionals has been crucial in navigating the ups and downs of living with HIV.
  4. STIGMA IS REAL BUT CONQUERABLE: Confronting stigma and discrimination head-on has been a constant battle, but I have learned to rise above it and advocate for acceptance and understanding.
  5. EVERYDAY IS A GIFT: Waking up everyday is a blessing from God, living with HIV has taught me to cherish each day and find joy in little moments, appreciating the beauty of life despite its uncertainties.
  6. THE IMPORTANCE OF ROUTINE: Establishing a routine for medication adherence, doctors’ appointments, and self-care practices has been key in managing my HIV and maintaining my health.
  7. SELF-CARE IS NON-NEGOTIABLE: Prioritizing self-care whether its through medication adherence, therapy or simply taking time for myself is essential for maintaining my physical and emotional wellbeing.
  8. THE POWER OF A RESILIENT SPIRIT: My journey with HIV has revealed the incredible power of a human spirit to endure, adapt, and thrive in the face of adversity.
  9. EVERY CHALLENGE IS AN OPPORTUNITY: HIV has presented me with numerous challenges, but I’ve learned to see them as opportunities for growth and learning. Each obstacle I’ve overcome has made me stronger and more resilient.
  10.  POSITIVITY IS A CHOICE: Choosing to focus on the positive aspects of life has been instrumental in my journey with HIV. Maintaining a positive outlook has helped me navigate challenges with grace and resilience.
  11. SELF-ACCEPTANCE IS KEY: Accepting my HIV status was the first step towards embracing myself fully. It taught me that my worth isn’t defined by a virus but by the person I choose to be.
  12. KNOWLEDGE IS EMPOWERING: Understanding HIV, its treatments, and how to live a healthy life with it empowered me to take control of my health and well-being.
  13.  EMBRACING ADVERSITY: Living with HIV has exposed me to the diversity of experiences within the HIV community, fostering a sense of solidarity and unity among individuals from all works of life.
  14.  FINDING PURPOSE: My journey living with HIV has given me a sense of purpose and meaning, motivating me to make a positive impact in the world and inspire others with my resilience and determination.
  15.  NEVER UNDERESTIMATE YOUR STRENGTH: Above all, living with HIV has shown me that I am stronger, braver, and more resilient than I have ever thought possible, capable of overcoming any obstacle that comes my way.
  16. LIVING AUTHENTICALLY: Embracing my HIV status as part of my identity has allowed me to live authentically and unapologetically, refusing to let it define or limit me.
  17.  HONESTY BREEDS CONNECTION: Being open about my HIV status has led to deeper, more meaningful connections with others. It has allowed me to build trust and foster genuine relationships built on authenticity.
  18.  HOPE IS ESSENTIAL: Finally, living with HIV has taught me that hope is essential. It’s hope for a cure, hope for a world free from stigma and discrimination, and hope for a future where everyone living with HIV can thrive.

Living openly with HIV since childhood has been a journey filled with challenges, but also with invaluable lessons, growth, and resilience. From self-acceptance to advocacy, from resilience to hope, these 18 lessons have shaped my journey and made me the person I am today. And as I continue on this journey, I carry these lessons with me, grateful for the wisdom they’ve imparted and the strength they’ve instilled.