Hey so I guess I will make the first post! I think that being diagnosed with Herpes (although as abrupt and heartbreaking as it was) changed my life in many ways for the positive. I think that I have really come to value other aspects in life more, and not take them for granted (such as eyesight, the ability to walk, at least i have that! some people dont have anything!) It has also really helped me improve my health (I always ate pretty healthy but now I eat even more healthyer, I exercise more, I try to get more sleep) and as a result I will probably even end up living a longer, healthyer life than most! It has improved my ability to focus on what I want. I am not as easily distracted and caught up in 'boys' and 'partying.' (I still love to party, but I am PROBABLY making better descsions nw because of this). I am learning new ways to keep my stress to a minimal, which I have had a problem with in the past. This is good because stress is the number one cause of disease!

I have learned since i have herpes to focus on my education going back to school to earn my degree,and have a closer walk with God sometimes it's hard because i want a mate but God will send me one at the right time.

Lovessummer,
That is so awesome!!! how your able to focus more on improving your health and overall being. Thats really good CONGRATS for that! I have learned to be more positive towards myself and what I want also. I have recently joined achurch and became a member. Today at church I was baptized. It was my choice to surrender my life totally to the Lord and Im so happy I did. He has blessed me in so many ways.. Which I will share a blessing with you all. As we know, there are medications out there like valtrex and acyclovir ect. Well I had to get a refill on my acyclovir and it was really high because of the shortage of it. Well I prayed to God about getting my acyclovir and when I called the the pharmacist that I get my meds from he totally surprised me and was able to sell me 60 tabs for 15.65. I was so thankful!!! and it was all God.. I was diagnosed in march and now its may and things have gotten alot better for me. I quit drinking, I dont go to bars anymore, I was already eating healthy and trying to stay that way but I was pretty stressed out a week ago but things are better especially after going to church this morning and hearing the good Word.

chelle- I am happy to hear that it has influenced you life positively in this way. I often find myself struggling with the same issue at times (sometims I can't even keep it out of my head!), but I hold the same aspiration that a mate is on its way. sometimes it is tough to keep your so called 'eye on the prize,' and maintain a positive outlook even though what you really want and need doesn't always come when you 'want and need,' it, but it is important to just keep KNOWING that it is comming and trying your best to live every day happy and hopeful. One day it will come, I am sure of it. It is good to hear that you have also become closer with God too. I myself have always been a Christian, however, I really think being diagnosed with this has made me more spiritual overall, and caused me to search for the deeper meanings in life, and live everyday to its full possible capacity. I am happy for you :)

otlawstreet25- I am so so sooo happy for you! Congratulations on your baptism! That's awesome to hear! I really feel that sometimes, especially in times of need, it really helps to that 'higher being' in life to help you, and to provide support for you in times of need. I myself have sought comfort in God many times through out my life (I used to go to church regularly, but I do still pray a lot) I find that even when you don't nesscesarily have someone to 'reply' to you, it really helps me to just be able to pour all my emotions out in prayer when I really need it. So GOOD FOR YOU! I am happy to hear that you took that step :) Also, about the medication thing, that's a great suprise. I know a lot of what I may say may seem like a lot of 'mimble-jumble,' but I think that when people become positive and just open themselves up for positivity and happiness (you joining a church, getting your life into a new direction, trying to make the best of thing) it makes you more 'in tuned' with the universe, and opens you up to recieve even more great things. also quit drinking for a whillle now, and I found it really just helped me to focus on myself and what I need, and already I feel so so soo much better (plus you are saving money and helping your health!) But overall honestly I am happy that you are doing well!

And really just to everone (even you guys!) Feel free to share any positive news on here (outlaw, I also really like how you gave the example of how the meds were cheaper and how that brightened your day. Here we can share other positive experiences and things we are thankful for you know!)

Anyways ladies, I am happy for you both, and things will just keep getting better!
xo~!

I am really thankful for the friend that I told about having Herpes. I kept this 'feeling' that I had it, to myself for a year, and even broke up with my boyfriend (the one who gave me it) before finally crumbling, and that is when I felt my lowest, weakest and most alone (that week 4 of my closest friends left for Australia for 6-8 months, and I had moved out to my first apartment, so I really did feel alone). This girl I didn't know too too well at the time (but we were friends), but I was honest with her about what I was going through, and she supported me so much. Even though I had not been diagnosed yet, she wallowed with me, she reminded me constantly of the importance of being strong in hard times and being positive, and constanly reminded me of how beautiful I was and how I was still the same person. She helped me through my break up, she helped me as I whined, when I was scared (because I didn't know what was going on, I mean, the only guy I slept with? REALLY?) She supported me until I finally worked up enough courage, almost two years after noticing first symptoms, to get tested. And the day it was confirmed, she cried with me on the blacony and still reminded me that it was all going to be okay. I owe so much to her, and I am so so grateful that I have her in my life. She is still the only real person I told, but she has been there for me ever since. Thank you for being there, thank you for not judging me, putting up with my whining :P and being a friend!

@outlaw-Congrats on your baptism!! and that's a good price for your medicine-mines was $17 with my insurance and for a 30 day supply!!
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As for me I've realized that you have to LIVE!! For so many years I hadn't LIVED!! And when I say live I mean Im living life to the fullest, I finally no longer question the actions of my God, I'm learning to love me first then the ppl around me, I've learned to cherish my family-friends-and enemies, and I've learned to stand tall-because no matter what IM STILL STANDING!!

See this was one of the things that my Pastor discussed in his sermon this past sunday. The topic was about forgiveness. You need to forgive others before God will forgive you of your sins. I myself have held grudge against people I have truly hated for years because of what they had done to me and how they treated me. This message really made me think about all that and my need to forgive them no matter what so that way I can be forgiven. Sorry dont mean to be preaching on here just wanted to share my experience. :-)

outlawstreet- i am really happy you brought up the topic of church. i used to go all the time, and i still find serenity in prayer, but lately i have not gone. i think i am going to go this sunday though, thank you!

@lovessummer-Congrats to you going to church this sunday! thats so awesome!!! It really does help also with prayer and if you feel comfortable sharing any fears or anxieties that you have with others also helps to and pray about it. It has helped me tremendously! I have liked reading books at all unless they are magazines and I barely do that but after finding out my condition I went to he library and signed up for a library card and I went and checked out my first book which was suggested by a woman I just met a month ago due to having the H and I already consider her a good friend. The book is called The 4 Agreements its a very VERY GOOD read!!! heres the link to his website he has other books to click on the four agreements and you can read about it.

http://www.miguelruiz.com/index.php

the book I am reading now is called Trading Worry for Wonder. A womans guide to overcoming anxiety

This is also a very good read. It has lots of scriptures in it also activities. Right now as I read Im keeping a journal and making a peace packet writing down scriptures that pertain to things going on in my life and how to better them. Its really awesome! I feel so good about myself better then I ever have before.