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​ ​ Hey Reader, I’ve been thinking a lot about how the world talks about gratitude—especially this time of year. It always seems to show up in neat little quotes and posts that say things like I don’t know about you, but when I’m navigating symptoms, appointments, side effects, and just trying to get through the week in one piece… that kind of messaging feels disconnected at best. At worst, it feels like one more way to make me feel like I’m doing something wrong for struggling. So I started doing something different. Not performative gratitude. Not a journal full of things I don’t really feel. This week’s blog post is one I’ve been holding onto for a while. It’s a gentle one. Honest. Not preachy. Just real. If you’ve ever felt like you “should” be more grateful but haven’t had the capacity—or if the way people talk about gratitude just doesn’t line up with what you’re carrying—you might find some comfort in this one. Read the post here → 5 Simple Ways I Practice Gratitude When Life With Chronic Illness Feels Brutal​ ​ ​ And if you’re not in a space where gratitude feels possible right now, that’s okay too. You’re still allowed to be here. ​ Take care of your heart today, ​
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đź’ŞI create resources to help people adapt to living with chronic illness so they can thrive.
I used to think a couple of hours in the car couldn’t possibly wipe me out. But year after year, I’d come home from holiday trips completely drained—and I couldn’t figure out why. I’d tell myself, “It’s just a quick drive.” But between packing, planning, cleaning, and trying to be present with everyone once we arrived, I’d run out of energy long before the holidays even began. It took me a long time to realize that I wasn’t doing anything wrong. I was just approaching travel the same way I...
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...
Hi there Reader, Have you ever felt like your home is quietly working against you? Like no matter how much you pace or plan, even the simplest tasks—folding laundry, unloading the dishwasher, brushing your teeth—end up costing more energy than you expected? I used to think I just needed more willpower. That if I followed the right routine or “pushed through” just a little better, I’d finally stay on top of things. But eventually, I realized the problem wasn’t me. It was the space I was trying...