198. Owning Your Story: HIV, Identity, and the Journey to Emotional Freedom with Author Ronek Patel

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of Limitless Healing, Colette Brown sits down with author and speaker Ronek Patel, who shares his extraordinary journey from being diagnosed with HIV at 19 to becoming a bold voice for healing, identity, and self-acceptance.

Ronek opens up about his early life in a traditional Indian household, his struggles with identity, stigma, and sexuality, and how he ultimately reclaimed his personal power by embracing authenticity. Drawing from attachment theory and positive psychology, he offers insights on how young adults especially in the LGBTQ+ community can protect their mental and emotional wellbeing in relationships and professional settings.

Through raw vulnerability and grounded wisdom, Ronek reminds us that true healing begins with owning our story, creating emotional safety, and refusing to let societal labels define who we are.

Tune in to hear how therapy, self-reflection, and the courage to sit with discomfort helped Ronek write his debut book, I Am Not Your Boy a self-help guide rooted in the power of the inner child, boundaries, and relationship honesty.

Episode Highlights:
00:48 - Ronek shares a childhood memory that sparked his love for movement and independence
05:12 - From academic struggles to college overachievement and starting a public speaking career
06:30 - Living with HIV: shame, secrecy, and finding strength in vulnerability
08:54 - Navigating fluid sexuality and social stigma in both heterosexual and gay communities
12:00 - The inspiration behind his book I Am Not Your Boy
13:33 - Unequal power dynamics in relationships and the hidden dangers of age gaps
16:45 - Why therapy helped him reconnect with his truth and how he found emotional clarity
18:30 - The four essentials of healthy relationships: love, support, trust, and belonging
21:40 - How surface-level friendships keep us stuck 
24:00 - The importance of stillness, solitude, and sitting with your own thoughts
27:12 - Vulnerability with family: Telling his parents about his HIV status and identity
30:55 - Ronek’s message to anyone afraid to say no or set boundaries
33:00 - Final reflections on confidence, identity, and the power of showing up as your full self

Learn more about Ronek Patel:

 📘 I Am Not Your Boy is available on Amazon - I Am Not Your Boy and Barnes & Nobel I Am Not Your Boy
 

Website: https://www.imnotyourboy.com/home-page

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theronekpatel/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572605307942

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Connect with Colette:

Instagram: @wellnessbycolette

Website: love-colette.com

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In Health,
Colette