“I got tired of being tired,” says Ms. Billie Cooper of her life as an addict.  ,Along term HIV survivor and trans activist, she knew she needed to make a change. “I got tired of not being able to eat, of living on top ramen. I wanted a better life.”

Ms. Billie has had her share of challenges. But through it all, she has learned to turn pain into purpose. Sober for 23 years, she is a cancer survivor and veteran. HIV positive for more than 35 years, her history with the long term survivor community began many years ago with her involvement with AIDS, Medicine and Miracles. She was in that first healing circle, more than 10 years ago, and she remains a loud and proud voice for everyone who needs someone to stand by their side, to lift them up and to give people a fighting chance.

As you listen to this episode, consider:

• We are all shaped by the paths we’ve walked.  How do the paths you’ve walked shape how you show up in the world?
• What challenges do you face?  What are the lessons to be learned from them?
• Ms. Billie talks about a person who challenged her to follow her truth, someone whose support was instrumental to Billie’s life journey. Who is that person in your life? How can you be that person for someone else?

You can learn more about the work of Honoring Our Experience here.

Do you know someone who has a story to tell? Someone who is giving back to their community? Working to make our world a better place? Send an email to [email protected]. Nominate them for a future episode of From Sparks to Light.

To learn more about Robert Maggio, the composer of "Where Love is Love," our theme music, please check out his website.

To learn more about Suzanne, visit her website.

To learn more about the inspiration for this podcast, please check out Suzanne's memoir, Estrellas - Moments of Illumination Along El Camino de Santiago

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