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Why Having a Chronic Illness Support System Isn’t Optional (And How to Find One)

Why Having a Chronic Illness Support System Isn’t Optional (And How to Find One)

by April Smith | Oct 16, 2023 | Relationships & Community

Have you ever felt like you’re carrying the weight of your chronic illness alone? Like no one quite gets it—no matter how hard they try? It’s a feeling most of us know a little too well. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to do this alone. Building a chronic illness...
5 Low-Energy Family Activities for Spoonies

5 Low-Energy Family Activities for Spoonies

by April Smith | Jul 31, 2023 | Relationships & Community

When you live with chronic illness, the idea of “quality family time” can feel a bit complicated. You want to be present with your people—whoever they are—but your body has other plans. Fatigue, pain, brain fog, or sensory overwhelm can quickly turn a fun afternoon...
Why You Need a Chronic Illness Support System

Why You Need a Chronic Illness Support System

by April Smith | Mar 20, 2023 | Relationships & Community

When I was first diagnosed with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH), I felt completely lost. I was handed a medical label but given no real guidance on what to expect or how to cope. There were no resources for what my life might look like now, no clear...
The Ultimate Guide to Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

The Ultimate Guide to Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

by April Smith | Aug 29, 2022 | Relationships & Community

When I was first diagnosed with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH), I felt completely lost. Doctors threw around medical jargon, online resources were scattered and often conflicting, and I struggled to find easy-to-understand information all in one place. It...
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April Smith is the voice behind The Thriving Spoonie—a resource hub for spoonies navigating daily life with chronic illness. With a practical, no-fluff approach to energy management, pacing, and self-advocacy, April shares real-life tools and encouragement to help you adapt and thrive—on your terms. (alt text: Portrait of April Smith, a smiling white person with short brown hair and green eyes, wearing a denim shirt, set against a light green background with a teal circle frame.)

Hi, I’m April-

a queer chronic illness blogger and digital resource creator. I make low-pressure tools and compassionate content for chronically ill and disabled folks navigating life with pain and limited energy.

When I’m not creating for The Thriving Spoonie, I’m a spouse to the best partner a spoonie could ask for, and a pet parent to an adorable & anxious rescue pup. You’ll usually find me crocheting, curled up with a library book, or playing cozy PC games—with coffee in hand, always.

More About Me

Click here to learn more about my story & The Thriving Spoonie.

The Daily Routines Guidebook

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Tired of feeling overwhelmed by chronic illness?

The FREE Daily Routine Guidebook helps you create a thriving life, one day at a time.

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Recent Posts

  • Why Traditional Consistency Fails Chronically Ill Bodies
  • Pacing With Chronic Illness: The Fundamentals That Make Everything Else Work
  • How to Adjust to Life With Chronic Illness: 15 Things No One Tells You
  • Why Boundaries That Protect Energy Aren’t a Personality Trait When You Have a Chronic Illness
  • The Invisible Work of Chronic Illness: Why Emotional Labor Drains Your Energy

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  • Accessible Self-Care
  • Advocacy & Communication
  • Building Resilience
  • Living With Chronic Illness
  • Pacing & Adaptability
  • Relationships & Community
  • Routines & Lifestyle Adjustments

The Energy Management Toolkit

Discover balance and vitality with our Energy Management Toolkit. Navigate chronic illness with practical strategies to optimize energy levels and reduce stress. Download now and start your journey to sustainable well-being!

Feeling drained and overwhelmed by unpredictable energy levels?

Get the Energy Management Toolkit & learn to understand your energy fluctuations so you can do more of what matters—without the burnout.

Thanks for your interest! Your download is on its way to your inbox now.

Struggling to find chronic illness and invisible illness spaces that actually feel inclusive? This badge represents a community built for LGBTQIA+ spoonies, disabled folks, and neurodivergent readers who deserve support without judgment or pressure. Click to explore compassionate, accessible resources designed for life with chronic illness and invisible illness.
At The Thriving Spoonie, I am committed to creating a safe and inclusive space where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered. I welcome people of all races, ages, gender identities and expressions, sexual orientations, abilities, and backgrounds. I believe in equity, inclusion, and intentional community. My values include standing against racism, ableism, and all forms of discrimination, which inform and empower my work here. If you share these values, I invite you to join me in building a space where we can all thrive together.

© 2026 The Thriving Spoonie | Disclaimer & Terms | Privacy Policy

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Accessibility Commitment for The Thriving Spoonie

As creator of The Thriving Spoonie, I am committed to making my digital presence as accessible and inclusive as reasonably possible for all users, including individuals with disabilities. My goal is to improve the usability of www.thethrivingspoonie.com and to support a more accessible experience for everyone, regardless of their abilities or the technologies they use.

My Approach to Accessibility

I aim to align with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which define internationally recognized standards for digital accessibility. While full compliance cannot always be guaranteed, I strive to implement improvements where feasible and regularly review accessibility-related aspects of our website. Accessibility is an ongoing process, and we are committed to improving the experience over time as technologies, standards, and user needs evolve.

Accessibility Features

To support accessibility, www.thethrivingspoonie.com may utilize tools such as the OneTap accessibility toolbar. This interface provides users with a range of helpful features, including:
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Please note the following:
  • The availability and effectiveness of these features depend on the website's configuration and ongoing maintenance.
  • While I strive to ensure accessibility, I cannot guarantee that every part of www.thethrivingspoonie.com will be fully accessible at all times. Some content may be provided by third parties or affected by technical constraints beyond my immediate control.

Feedback and Contact

We welcome your feedback. If you experience any accessibility barriers or have suggestions for improvement, please contact me: Email: april@thethrivingspoonie.com I am committed to reviewing all inquiries and aim to respond within 3–5 business days. If you require assistance accessing any part of this website, we are happy to provide support through alternative channels upon request. Last updated: January 19, 2026
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