December 2010

For me this time of the year evokes many memories of family events and gatherings. Now Tony and I spend our Xmas’s with close friends and he is busy preparing for a variety of passing and friends who stay.

This has also been an anxious time as he has had some major surgery this month which has left him with significant scaring to his face and neck but as always he sees the upside, thinks it gives him the look of street cred !

For me the month has been quiet in terms of my health which is good but like so many others I feel the winter months psychologically and physically. The dark days affect my levels of visual and light levels.

Although this year it has been easier, perhaps I am getting a sense of balance in terms of coping and being mindful of who and what I  am now in my life.

When I was early diagnosed I used to worry about the holiday period wondering what would happen if my partner or I took ill. Which looking back was ludicrous.

I guess it was a little different because so many of our friends were dead or very ill, but of course the knowledge gained by research and new medication has taken many of those old worries away.

The lounge group (support group for HIV positive men in Brighton) is on schedule. This means that those who wish to come along to talk and share their feelings can do so in a safe space.

Our Xmas social evening gives all the past and present lounge group members a chance to meet ,chat and have a bit of fun.

I would like to recommend to any of you who have read this to consider how you deal with your emotions and feelings around this time. Do you allow yourself time to acknowledge how you are doing?

It’s really important to regain the balance of your feelings. If they are challenged right now, make sure you give yourself space and time to relax and meditate or at least be mindful of how you feel.

Whatever you are doing this Xmas and end of year have fun and take care of friends and loved ones.

I wish you all a great festive holiday and importantly a very happy and healthy 2011.

More next Year Gentleman,

Richard, Tony and my 3 doggies’ xx

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