Grow from struggle to strength.
Overcoming Struggles with Daily Rituals: Alexandra Harbushka on living strong.
Alexandra Harbushka, founder of Life With Herpes, joined me on the Brave New Girls podcast to speak honestly about what it really means to live with a chronic sexually transmitted condition- one that can still feel shrouded in stigma and shame. Alexandra shares not just her diagnosis story, but how she turned her pain into purpose.
Herpes affects over 846 million people globally, yet many suffer in silence. Alexandra’s mission is to change that. Through her online community, podcast, educational content, and twice-weekly virtual meetups, she gives people the tools and hope they need to live confidently with herpes.
“I’m not going to let a microscopic virus take away my dreams”
We don’t need to be defined by something outside of our control. Instead we have the choice to take radical responsibility for our wellbeing.
Her Daily Struggles and Strategies for Resilience
Alexandra is open about the hard parts. From navigating intimacy and disclosure to managing stress and parenting two young children, she reminds us that thriving with herpes requires ongoing effort.
She manages potential outbreaks with a wellness routine built on sleep, immune-boosting nutrition, daily supplements like L-lysine, and emotional honesty. If she feels the early signs- tingling, fatigue, or overwhelm, she stops, listens to her body, and takes action.
More than anything, she encourages people to stop hiding and start healing. Whether newly diagnosed or living with herpes for years, she believes growth begins when we release shame, forgive ourselves and others, and reclaim the narrative.
Alexandra shows people how to grow from struggle into strength. You don’t need to have herpes to benefit from her lessons. Her journey offers a roadmap for anyone facing something chronic, misunderstood, or emotionally heavy.
Growth is not just possible- it’s powerful.
Do you want to join our next Brave New Girls Wellbeing Growth Retreat? Find out more.
Talk to Lou Hamilton- Your Wellbeing Coach
Ten Actionable Steps for Building Wellbeing
Acknowledge the Truth
Start where you are. Naming the struggle is the first step to moving through it.Release Shame
Shame thrives in secrecy. Talking about it with safe, supportive people breaks its grip.Forgive Yourself & Others
Holding onto anger only hurts you. Forgiveness creates space for peace.Build a Support System
Whether it’s Life With Herpes or a trusted friend, don’t go it alone.Care for Your Body
Sleep, hydration, immune-boosting foods, and supplements like L-lysine all help prevent outbreaks.Set Boundaries
Protect your energy. Say no to what drains you, yes to what supports your healing.Practice Disclosure with Confidence
Own your story. The right people will meet your truth with compassion, not rejection.Find Meaning in the Challenge
Ask, “What is this teaching me?” Growth often hides in our hardest moments.Create Your Rituals
Daily practices like journaling, meditating, or taking your supplements reinforce your commitment to wellbeing.Celebrate Your Progress
Every step forward counts. Give yourself credit for choosing healing over hiding.Herpes doesn’t get to write your story—you do.
If you have worries around life’s juggles & health challenges, and want to grow a healthier, happier, more creative life, work with your Wellbeing Coach Lou Hamilton who will guide you through the steps you need to take, to get to where you want to be- living well on a well planet.
See which bespoke coaching programme works for you & we can tailor them further to your growth needs.
