Find a new meaning as a result of the disease itself. Accept the reality of the diagnosis of AIDS in conjunction with the refusal to perceive the condition as a death sentence. Long term survivors have the ability to withdraw from taxing involvement's and to nurture themselves. Develop rituals such as the AIDS Quilt to symbolize the magnitude of the loss. Participate as fully as possible.
Active participation has a connection to personal empowerment.
Learn to focus your anger so that it can empower you instead of depress you. Acknowledge the anger and act it out in a helpful way. Learn how to draw. Use this to explore underlying emotions that you might have neglected. Volunteer to help someone less fortunate than you.