Janet Cohen Consulting, LLC

Archive for the ‘AIDS/HIV’ Category

In the 1980’s I worked with people who were infected with or affected by AIDS. Back then, we didn’t use the term “HIV.”

I shared with Gwynne, my astrologer, some of the stress I was feeling. It energized me to be making a difference for so many people, yet it also contributed to my fatigue. Between the work itself and the governmental/societal attitudes at the time, my work seemed to be never-ending.

Gwynne simply looked at me and said, “Janet, the amount of energy you have to give to everyone else is directly proportionate to the amount of energy you give to yourself.”

She gave me permission to take some time for myself so that I would have more to give others. Gwynne continued that there would always be a need to raise more money, awareness and consciousness than the country was ready to face at the time. And she was right.

I appreciated having someone in my life who cared enough to tell it to me straight. To suggest that I had permission to place my own needs above others for a brief time, and that as I did that, my work would become even more effective.

I was grateful for her bold support, for the wisdom she brought to the table when I couldn’t even see it at the moment.

As I coach others, I try to bring a little wisdom to people as they deal with their own issues. I am blessed to have had such a good teacher in my life. Thanks, Gwynne!

What words of wisdom did someone share with you that helped you to wake up?

With both Thanksgiving and World AIDS Day right around the corner, for what are you grateful?

In the 1980’s and early 1990’s I worked with people who were infected with and affected by AIDS and the virus that caused it. Back then, they didn’t use the term “HIV.”

I shared with Gwynne about the importance of my work. It energized me to be making a difference for so many people, yet it also contributed to my fatigue. Between the work itself and the governmental/societal attitudes at the time, my work seemed to be never-ending.   And then she gently jolted me with one sentence.  (Oxymoron intended.)

Gwynne simply looked at me and said, “Janet, the amount of energy you have to give to everyone else is directly proportionate to the amount of energy you give to yourself.”

Snoqualmie Falls, WA

She gave me permission to take some time for myself so that I would have more to give others. Gwynne continued that there would always be a need to raise more money, awareness and consciousness than the country was ready to face at the time. And she was right. 

I learned that I appreciated having someone in my life who cared enough to tell it to me straight. To suggest that I had permission to place my own needs above others for a brief time, and that as I did that, my work would become even more effective.  I was grateful for her bold support, for the wisdom she brought to the table when I couldn’t even see it at the moment.

As I coach, I try to bring a little wisdom to people as they deal with their own issues. I am blessed to have had such a good teacher in my life. Thanks, Gwynne!

Who gently jolted you, and what did they say that made a difference in your life?