Yes it's made me more responsible in my sexual choices

HIV has changed my life and for the better. Before my diagnosis I was so down on myself because I was feeling like no one cared about me and I felt so alone. The only person who I felt ever cared about me was my wife and after her passing in Jan of 93 I really started to feel depressed. Then after my diagnosis my family started to call me all the time to see how I was doing more and wanted more information on HIV which I did provide to them, I started counseling and when I finally started to feel better I was able to find my current partner who has really helped me to feel much better about myself. I feel that HIV has brought a lot of new friends into my life and I am so glad now to be able to help support others living with HIV and by helping others I know that I am helping myself at the same time.

I'd like to start off by answering my own question. for me it's been a mixed bag of emotions. Some days I feel blessed, others not so much. Overall I am grateful and humbled to still be alive and to have learned a great deal since my diagnosis 27 years ago. It has somewhat stifled my ability to produce the income I was earning before my diagnosis. That much has changed. Having said that I have learned that less is more. For that I am grateful...I don't regret anything and hope that there are better days to come for all of us.. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜♥️

Makes sense... there is no right or wrong answer.🤗

I would have to put travel into that category. Many countries have restrictions and the question is: how does one get through passport control with a load of medications? Will I ever be able to return to Africa, specifically visit South Africa where I have friends? Or go to India? Or Egypt? I suppose I could go on drug holiday; others have done that, just for two weeks but I'd be paranoid about being without my HIV medication and my anti-depressant. Australia is my next target and I can always go back to Europe where I have a lot of family. I have been very lucky to be able to travel to about 50 countries: one needs to do a lot of planning; have lots of stamina, and above all, courage. Yes, nowadays it takes money but especially the younger members of our community could make travel an goal - even a modest trip. One trip abroad will change your life! I guess if I ever get kicked out of the country of my birth as politically they are closing in on us, I would go to my daughter in the United Kingdom where I am a resident alien and have a National insurance and pension number. They are humanitarian and the treatment offered by the National Health service, flawed as it is, would be free to me! It's on my mind actually but first I'd better stop this dissertation and prepare something for my 96-year old mother to eat! Some of you are probably tired of my lengthy posts if you actually read them through to the end, but I encourage everyone to do their thing. Writing is very therapeutic to me! Maybe it's poetry, art, music, science: set yourself free and share! Believe me it will touch someone's heart and soul. Now what was the question???