đź’ŞI create resources to help people adapt to living with chronic illness so they can thrive.
🙅‍♀️ When saying “no” starts to feel like freedom
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​ Hi Reader, Have you ever felt that knot in your stomach right before you tell someone “no”? It’s not just discomfort—it’s conditioning. Many of us were taught that being “good” means being agreeable, helpful, and low-maintenance. So when chronic illness enters the picture, that programming doesn’t disappear. It just becomes impossible to maintain. For a long time, I thought being dependable meant saying yes, even when I was exhausted. I didn’t see how often I was trading my peace for approval. But every time I stayed quiet about what I needed, I drifted further from myself. When my health shifted, silence stopped being an option. That’s what I explore in this week’s post: “The Truth About Setting Boundaries with Chronic Illness (and Why It Feels So Hard at First).” It’s not a how-to guide—it’s an honest look at what it actually feels like to speak up after years of staying small. Because the first time you set a boundary, it doesn’t feel empowering. It feels terrifying. You question yourself. But the truth is, boundaries aren’t about control or rejection—they’re about clarity. They help us rebuild our lives around our actual capacity instead of the expectations we once tried to meet. And with time, that clarity starts to feel like freedom. For me, it began in my relationships: saying no to plans that would leave me wiped out, being honest about needing quiet days, letting people be disappointed without taking it personally. Eventually, that same confidence followed me into healthcare settings, where I learned that being a “good patient” didn’t mean staying quiet—it meant being honest. If you’ve ever wondered why setting boundaries feels so unnatural, or why guilt hits harder than relief, this one’s for you. Because here’s the truth: it’s not weakness to honor your needs. It’s wisdom. You can read the full post here: ​
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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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