Aunty Lous House

Finding Love with HIV: How Yoga and Self Discovery Transformed My Life

Dating as a single mum of three while living with HIV felt nearly impossible. Fear of rejection kept me guarded, and the dating pool seemed limited. Instead of waiting for love, I focused on self-discovery—embracing yoga, art, and new experiences. Then, when I least expected it, I met Adrian. Our connection was instant, built on shared values, humor, and a deep understanding of each other. But love wasn’t without its challenges—an age gap, racial differences, and my HIV status. Through mindfulness and trust, we built something real. This is my journey of love, resilience, and self-acceptance

Rest and Reflection

In a world that glorifies productivity, taking time to rest can feel uncomfortable—even indulgent. After a trip to Bali turned into an unexpected lesson in slowing down, I found myself confronting long-held beliefs about rest and self-worth. Battling pneumonia forced me to embrace stillness, but it wasn’t easy. Years of conditioning told me that doing nothing equated to laziness. Through reflection, I discovered that rest is not just necessary—it’s transformative. Just as nature renews itself in spring, we, too, need periods of pause to regain our strength. This experience reshaped my perspective on self-care, teaching me that true well-being isn’t just about action but also about honoring our need for rest. Read the full blog to explore my journey toward guilt-free relaxation and the power of embracing stillness.

Mindfulness at the AIDS Conference

Sharing the Journey from Stigma to Mindfulness: A Recap from AIDS 2024, where I delivered a workshop on how to use mindfulness to reduce stress and improve emotional balance

The Prime Minister and Me

I met Tony Blair at the height of my career. But no one knew the pain i was going through around that time. Divorced with 3 Children and a brother who recently died, things were tough - and i hid it well.

The Royal Chelsea Flower Show

I recently had the honor of speaking at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, The highlight of the show was the Terrence Higgins Trust's "Bridge to 2030 Garden," designed by award-winning Matthew Childs. This garden symbolises the remarkable progress in the fight against HIV from the fearful days of the 1980s to today, where living a healthy life with HIV is possible. During my talk, I shared my personal journey using the metaphor of a rose turning into a cactus after my HIV diagnosis, and then blooming again. The event, accompanied by beautiful cello music, offered a moment of reflection on the collective and individual journeys of those affected by HIV. I am proud to advocate for the HIV community, hoping to provide a sense of belonging and hope to others. Together, we can continue making strides towards ending the stigma and new cases of HIV.