đź’ŞI create resources to help people adapt to living with chronic illness so they can thrive.
What if you’re part of something bigger than you think?
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​ Sometimes I forget how long people like us have been fighting to be seen. When you live with chronic illness, it can feel like every struggle is new. Like no one has ever dealt with the exact combination of symptoms, doctors, paperwork, and doubt that you’re facing right now. And in a lot of ways, this path is uniquely yours. But this week, I’ve been thinking about the people who walked it first. The ones who didn’t have access to the internet or online communities. Who didn’t have language like “invisible disability” or “access needs.” Who didn’t have much energy—but still made space for others anyway. So many of the rights and protections we have today were shaped by people just like us. They weren’t public figures or polished advocates. They were chronically ill folks with limited energy and big barriers. And even when their bodies told them to rest, they found ways to speak up. This week on the blog, I’m sharing a post that dives into their legacy: The Powerful Legacy of Chronically Ill Activists—and Why Disability Rights Are Still Under Threat​ ​ ​ ​ And no, it’s not a history lecture. Learning about the activists who came before us—many of whom were sick, exhausted, and often dismissed—has completely shifted the way I think about what it means to advocate for myself now. Because every time you speak up at the doctor’s office… You’re continuing something powerful. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong in advocacy spaces, or that you’re too tired to make a difference, I wrote this post for you. It’s easy to feel small in the face of everything we’re up against. But small doesn’t mean powerless. We come from a long line of people who knew what it meant to keep showing up—even when no one made it easy. ​ Until next time, ​
P.S. If you’re looking for a way to manage your energy and feel more in control of your daily routine, I created The Complete Daily Chronic Illness Management Guide. It’s a $5 resource packed with low-spoon tools that actually work! ​ |
April Smith | The Thriving Spoonie
đź’ŞI create resources to help people adapt to living with chronic illness so they can thrive.
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