How is Sylvie healthy? [lady-style]

I can’t work on LGBT health and well-being 

for our community if I am unable to take care of me, 

of my physical and mental health.

 

I wake up early and go to sleep very late, and spend a lot of time on the web and on my computer, in part looking for a new job. I’m an HIV/AIDS activist and work on LGBT health for an organization based in Paris, Brusells, and Montreal.

To compensate for my lack of sleep I need :

- A break in the morning: when I wake up, before turning on my computer, I take time to have breakfast (bread from my famous baker, a cup of coffee and some fruit) and read a book.

- A healthy diet: I am lucky to have two different market places in my district. I can buy cheap fresh fruits and vegetables and other local products. It’s marvelous because I like to cook for my family (I have two children - a young adult and a teenager) and for my friends. I cook with olive and colza oil, with a lot of spices (curcuma and curry, cinnamon, Ras el hanout, different peppers), fresh herbs and thyme.

I can’t work on LGBT health and well-being for our community if I am unable to take care of me, of my physical and mental health. To stay healthy I also need to have a sport activity and need to meet my friends and new people.

In my previous job I often worked in the evening - during the week and on weekends. So, many afternoons I would go rollerblading with one of my colleagues for two or three hours. Actually I’m looking for a new partner for rollerblading but I still try to go for a walk in my town, taking only public transportation when I’m late for a meeting or when I visit my father who lives in a distant district.

Once a month my favorite LGBT organization throws a dinner/dance party. I love to go, have a drink and laugh with my friends, meet new people and dance. At the end of the party I walk home - about 50 minutes.

To finish, I’m very proud to have two children who understand discrimination, racism and homophobia and who support me. I love them, try quietly to take care of them, and listen to their problems when they need an ear. It’s not easy all the time but I try!

-- Sylvie [lady, ally]
Lyon, France




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