Especially since I was so devastated by my diagnosis 15 years ago. I actually felt contaminated and cursed walking out of the doctor’s office way back then. But now I feel invincible! My journey from fear to freedom wasn’t easy, yet in the words of Maya Angelou, “Still I rise!”
It was my first date with a man named George that created a paradigm shift in regards to how I viewed being herpes positive.
While I had resigned myself to the fact that I had an incurable sexually transmitted disease, I still didn’t like it. Yet I was tired of sitting home feeling sorry for myself and decided to go on a dating website for people with herpes.
We met at Starbucks and he looked even better in person!
About 6 feet four inches, fit and a dazzling smile! He gave me a hug, kissed me on the cheek and said, “So how long have you had the gift?” Whoa… the GIFT? Was he talking about herpes being a GIFT? Why would anyone dare call it a gift? I look forward to gifts!! Who gets excited upon hearing the gift they have won is HERPES? And why was it so important that the FIRST question he asked me was that? Not “how has your day been going so far?”
I thought I would end the date right then and there
Clearly this guy was a weirdo and had taken this positive thinking thing WAY too far. I asked, “Why do you think herpes is a gift?” He replied, “Because it has allowed me to think differently. Had I not contracted the virus, I wouldn’t be the man I am today.” Really? “How so?” “Well, I am healthier than I have been in years! I treat my herpes holistically. I eat organic foods, take supplements and work out 5 times a week. This builds up my immune system.”
“Because stress is such a contributing factor to the disease, I meditate daily. I don’t think I would ever had meditated had I not contracted the virus. Our minds can keep us well so I eliminated negativity of all kinds. When we are in equilibrium, the virus is dormant. When we are afraid, angry, frustrated and ashamed, it activates the virus! Besides, when you think about it, you only have two ways of looking at your herpes status. As a BLESSING or a CURSE. I chose to see it as a blessing! It has been a game changer for me. I also get to meet all kinds of new and interesting people. Such as yourself. Our herpes brought us together!”
I was floored by his response!
And I couldn’t argue with him. Talk about turning lemons into lemonade. I thought about what he said for days and slowly started changing my diet, working out and meditating. My outbreaks decreased drastically, and my happiness shot through the roof! Even though George and I didn’t date long term, he changed my life and I am forever grateful for the gift of herpes.
Linda is a vibrant and vivacious woman who is affectionately known as The Bodacious Lifestyle Coach.
Her superpower is arming mature women of substance and style with clarity, unlimited possibilities and the conviction to increase your appetite for awesomeness in your life. She is an author, speaker, soul motivator, spiritual appreciator and your hotshot cheerleader.
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