I will be the resident life coach & spiritual advisor on the new “how-to” reality TV series Secret Guide to Fabulous, premiering Sept. 3rd at 11/10c on Logo. You won’t see me on every episode, but I’ll pop in here & there to share practical tips on getting and staying grounded, happy, and purposeful.

Since childhood, I’ve been fascinated by all things psychological & spiritual, and I’ve also had a (dorky) obsession with reading aloud & broadcasting information. So working on this show makes me come alive. I could do this sort of thing for the rest of my life.

In our increasingly cynical & polarizing media culture, to be able to use a powerful medium like television to bring some semblance of light and trust and calm into people’s lives is an awesome blessing.

1. “It’s not going to happen to me” is bullshit.

Our generation sees HIV as a far away, irrelevant issue. I made the mistake of thinking it wasn’t a problem that would affect me. We should be thinking, “It could happen to anyone.”

2. When it comes to talking about being HIV+, the truth has almost always set me free. That applies to disclosing to my friends and family and getting overwhelming support, to being open about my status when dating. The quicker and more open you are, the more respect you receive.

3. Eleanor Roosevelt said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”  There are some people who just won’t understand.

4. No one is to blame. Wasting time and energy blaming other people or yourself for getting positive brings you nowhere. Shit happens. Accept it and live above it. But allow yourself some moments of sadness.

5. Speaking of divas, Beyoncé was all like … when I went undetectable.

6. Wear condoms! Reduce the risk of transmission between partners. Take medication, and you can almost remove the risk completely. HIV isn’t a free ticket for risky and unhealthy behavior. There’s way more nasty stuff out there!

7. Stereotypes are wrong. And dangerous.

8. Positive can be positive. Becoming HIV+ gave me the opportunity to re-think and re-boot my entire life, making me a better and stronger person. I let my mistakes guide me forward, not define me or hold me back.

Watch my interview with New York Times bestselling author and spiritual teacher Gabrielle Bernstein.