Aunty Lous House

Saying Goodbye to Addiction and Shame

Louise Vallace's story is one of remarkable resilience and empowerment. As a divorced mother of three, her world shifted profoundly upon receiving an HIV diagnosis. Battling the stigma and shame associated with HIV, Louise faced immense personal challenges. Her journey towards self-acceptance included confronting reliance on smoking and alcohol, ultimately discovering healthier coping mechanisms through yoga and mindfulness. Now sober and cigarette-free, Louise is the Founder and CEO of *Aunty Lou’s House Limited*, a dynamic platform dedicated to supporting individuals living with HIV and breaking societal stigma. She hosts the podcast *Aunty Lou’s Hour*, connecting with inspiring individuals worldwide to share their HIV experiences and foster public dialogue. Beyond her advocacy, Louise is a certified yoga teacher, an intersection coach, a neurodivergent individual, and a proud follower of a plant-based lifestyle. Her work exemplifies courage, determination, and the belief that embracing one’s true self leads to meaningful change and a life of fulfilment. To learn more, visit *Aunty Lou’s House Limited* and explore her empowering resources. Follow her journey on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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.