Are you struggling to adjust to all the changes and challenges living with chronic illness & pain can bring?

I completely get it – I’ve been there myself, and I’m here to let you know adjusting to the chronic illness life is possible.

Hi there, spoonie friend! I’m April

And I know what it’s like to have your life completely shaken up by the onset and/or a diagnosis of chronic illness, pain, and mobility limitations.

I remember feeling shocked and overwhelmed by my diagnosis and having to learn how to adapt to this new lifestyle physically, emotionally, and spiritually – all on my own. Sure, I eventually found tons of resources and other spoonie friends from around the web, but nothing that seemed focused on this particular part of living with chronic illness.

Photo of April Smith, Owner & Founder of The Thriving Spoonie

That’s why I decided to create The Thriving Spoonie!

Here you’ll find tips, tools, and resources all built around helping you learn the skills you need to be able to not just adapt to living life with chronic illness, but to start creating a life that’s not based on what’s on your medical record or what symptoms you have – but is instead built through your own intentional design.

The Thriving Spoonie helps those with chronic illness and pain develop the skills to live life by design – not by diagnosis.

What does that mean, you may wonder?

It means you don’t have to take this journey alone, and that you don’t have to start the process of adapting to and designing your new life from scratch.

Inspired and fueled by my background as a Certified Yoga Teacher, EFT Practitioner, and Certified Life Coach – as well as my own personal experience with chronic illness and using personal growth tools to help me cope – I’m here to hold your hand and guide you through the grief of onset and/or diagnosis. I want to help you see the possibilities that life still holds for you, and empower you to create your own path toward adapting and thriving while living with chronic illness.

And, because I know that the whole “good vibes only” and “positive mindset” thinking can be really toxic to those with chronic illness or other limitations, I’m leaving all that behind and offering up tips rooted in reality, where whatever you’re feeling and experiencing is valid and honored.

Click Here to Get the FREE guide to the 5 Keys to Adaptability for Those With Chronic illness

A bit more about me:

In 2018 I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension and ditched my full-time job in the financial services industry so I could focus on adapting to this condition and creating a sustainable lifestyle for myself.

I’m so grateful to my husband and other loved ones for supporting me in this difficult choice – I couldn’t have made it this far without them!

Now, in addition to this blog (and upcoming services and courses), I also work a part-time W2 job from home. I’m very fortunate to have found a way to still help support my family while honoring my body and mind’s needs and giving me the time to work at building The Thriving Spoonie community.

I’ve also got a few more chronic conditions that affect me daily: allergies, RAD, AS, and migraines. I’m also proud to be neurodivergent and I’m learning more about what this means and how to adapt to this as well.

I’m totally obsessed with: 

  • Coffee
  • Crochet
  • Being as outdoorsy as my condition allows
  • Adult Ballet
  • Baking
  • Did I mention coffee? ☕
April Smith From The Thriving Spoonie With A Big Cup of Coffee

How The Thriving Spoonie can help you:

I offer lots of tips, advice, resources, and insights on The Thriving Spoonie Blog. Right now my posting schedule is bi-weekly, which helps me balance blogging, working part-time, and of course – my chronic illness.

I’m working on offering a 1:1 coaching service via email, and hope to launch it in the second quarter of 2023.

 

I also send weekly newsletters filled with personal stories and insights from my daily life as someone with a chronic illness. You can sign up for the newsletter here to join this community, where I’ll also share updates on upcoming offerings and give exclusive discounts.

 

In addition to all of the amazing stuff above, I’ve got a treasure trove of free resources for you, so be sure to check them out here.

And, if you’re just looking for another spoonie to hang out with, be sure to check me out on social media at the links below!👇‍

Until we meet again – may your flares be few, and your spoons be plenty!

Do you struggle with intrusive thoughts

about living with chronic illness?

10 Empowering Chronic Illness Affirmations
These 10 empowering affirmations are created by a spoonie (that's me!) specifically to address some of the most common & challenging thoughts and emotions spoonies are faced with.

10 Empowering Chronic Illness Affirmation to Help You Cope With Chronic Illness

These affirmations are crafted by a spoonie (that’s me!) specifically to address some of the most common & challenging thoughts and emotions spoonies are faced with.

I’ve left out the toxic positivity and ableist jargon, so you can feel safe and comforted using these phrases whenever you need them!

 

Thanks! Your affirmations are on their way!

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