I've been living with HIV for as long as I've made a conscious decision that I was not alone in my diagnosis, which was some 20 (+) plus years. Just like most, I had a whole lot of fear and no willingness to share it. Yet, I discovered through "outreach and self help" groups that with the determination it took me, in the time necessary, I could overcome the fear (and not an easy way applies) through above mentioned determination, willingness and dignity (the ability to not feel sorry for myself) because that's what it would take, just as a first step, "stop whining and start healing!"