earthwindandherpes:

I want you to try an exercise for me.

The next time you find yourself alone in front of a mirror, look at yourself. Notice your eyes, your lips, the way your hair falls. Notice the dips in your lips and the speckles in your eyes’ irises. Revel in your beauty for a minute and then tell yourself outloud “I have herpes.”

Say it over and over. In between you also say something awesome about yourself. Try to smile each time.

“I have herpes”

“I have herpes”

“I have herpes”

“I have herpes”

“I have herpes and it doesn’t matter.”

Each time should be a little less scary, a little less shameful or embarrassing. Then close your eyes and take a few deep breaths and end it all with a big smile.

The more you begin to accept your condition, the more you’ll be able to cope and be happy with yourself.

Seriously, give it a try and tell me how it goes. :)