April Smith | The Thriving Spoonie
@thethrivingspoonie.com
Helping spoonies adapt and thrive with practical tools, real talk, and community. 👉 Learn more at www.thethrivingspoonie.com
When you live with #chronicillness, the end of the year doesn’t need to be about #resolutions or reinvention.
This week's post explores a slower, softer way to close out the year—with reflection, rest, and self-trust.
www.thethrivingspoonie.com/a-gentler-wa...
This week's post explores a slower, softer way to close out the year—with reflection, rest, and self-trust.
www.thethrivingspoonie.com/a-gentler-wa...
A Gentler Way to End the Year When You Live With Chronic Illness
End the year with a chronic illness year end review. Discover how to embrace gentleness and self-care amid challenges.
www.thethrivingspoonie.com
December 10, 2025 at 2:42 PM
When you live with #chronicillness, the end of the year doesn’t need to be about #resolutions or reinvention.
This week's post explores a slower, softer way to close out the year—with reflection, rest, and self-trust.
www.thethrivingspoonie.com/a-gentler-wa...
This week's post explores a slower, softer way to close out the year—with reflection, rest, and self-trust.
www.thethrivingspoonie.com/a-gentler-wa...
❄️A gentle reminder:
Slowing down during the holidays isn’t always peaceful. Sometimes it’s grief. Sometimes it’s guilt. But sometimes it’s choosing rest before collapse. Sometimes it’s saying no without explaining. And sometimes—it’s the first time the season feels like yours again.
Slowing down during the holidays isn’t always peaceful. Sometimes it’s grief. Sometimes it’s guilt. But sometimes it’s choosing rest before collapse. Sometimes it’s saying no without explaining. And sometimes—it’s the first time the season feels like yours again.
December 5, 2025 at 7:24 PM
❄️A gentle reminder:
Slowing down during the holidays isn’t always peaceful. Sometimes it’s grief. Sometimes it’s guilt. But sometimes it’s choosing rest before collapse. Sometimes it’s saying no without explaining. And sometimes—it’s the first time the season feels like yours again.
Slowing down during the holidays isn’t always peaceful. Sometimes it’s grief. Sometimes it’s guilt. But sometimes it’s choosing rest before collapse. Sometimes it’s saying no without explaining. And sometimes—it’s the first time the season feels like yours again.
The holidays can be joyful—and incredibly draining when you’re disabled.
This post offers honest reflections and gentle tips for navigating the season with care, boundaries, and self-compassion.
buff.ly/jZPv9Kf
#DisabledAndProud
This post offers honest reflections and gentle tips for navigating the season with care, boundaries, and self-compassion.
buff.ly/jZPv9Kf
#DisabledAndProud
Navigating the Holidays as a Disabled Person: Reflection, Access & Care -
For many of us, navigating the holidays as a disabled person ends up feeling more like work than something cosy or joyful.
buff.ly
December 4, 2025 at 3:05 PM
The holidays can be joyful—and incredibly draining when you’re disabled.
This post offers honest reflections and gentle tips for navigating the season with care, boundaries, and self-compassion.
buff.ly/jZPv9Kf
#DisabledAndProud
This post offers honest reflections and gentle tips for navigating the season with care, boundaries, and self-compassion.
buff.ly/jZPv9Kf
#DisabledAndProud
Struggling with constipation? You’re not alone—and some common advice can actually make it worse.
This post breaks down what not to do, especially if you're managing chronic illness or disability.
myrockindisabledlife.com/2024/11/09/w...
#ChronicIllness
This post breaks down what not to do, especially if you're managing chronic illness or disability.
myrockindisabledlife.com/2024/11/09/w...
#ChronicIllness
What Not To Do If You Struggle With Constipation
Disclaimer: This post was written based off of my personal experiences, but I am not a doctor. It is to be used for informational use only and is not substitute for professional medical advice. Whe…
myrockindisabledlife.com
December 3, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Struggling with constipation? You’re not alone—and some common advice can actually make it worse.
This post breaks down what not to do, especially if you're managing chronic illness or disability.
myrockindisabledlife.com/2024/11/09/w...
#ChronicIllness
This post breaks down what not to do, especially if you're managing chronic illness or disability.
myrockindisabledlife.com/2024/11/09/w...
#ChronicIllness
Reposted by April Smith | The Thriving Spoonie
Self-Care Tips That Chronic Illness Patients Need
buff.ly/LSwIppz
ID: Self-Care Tips That Chronic Illness Patients Need, www. kate the almost great .com
buff.ly/LSwIppz
ID: Self-Care Tips That Chronic Illness Patients Need, www. kate the almost great .com
December 3, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Self-Care Tips That Chronic Illness Patients Need
buff.ly/LSwIppz
ID: Self-Care Tips That Chronic Illness Patients Need, www. kate the almost great .com
buff.ly/LSwIppz
ID: Self-Care Tips That Chronic Illness Patients Need, www. kate the almost great .com
Recovering from #surgery can be isolating—but rest doesn’t have to mean boredom.
This post from @achronicvoice.com shares fun, low-energy ideas to help pass the time while your body heals.
achronicvoice.com/fun-things-t...
This post from @achronicvoice.com shares fun, low-energy ideas to help pass the time while your body heals.
achronicvoice.com/fun-things-t...
Fun Things To Do While Recovering From Surgery: Hobbies, Crafts & Games (Part 3/5)
A comprehensive resource of hobbies, crafts, games and more fun things to do while recovering from surgery. Check out the series for more!
achronicvoice.com
December 2, 2025 at 1:13 PM
Recovering from #surgery can be isolating—but rest doesn’t have to mean boredom.
This post from @achronicvoice.com shares fun, low-energy ideas to help pass the time while your body heals.
achronicvoice.com/fun-things-t...
This post from @achronicvoice.com shares fun, low-energy ideas to help pass the time while your body heals.
achronicvoice.com/fun-things-t...
Slowing down for the holidays with chronic illness isn’t about missing out—it’s about protecting your energy. This post shares 10 real-life strategies for navigating the season at your own pace.
bit.ly/3Ma8w0d
bit.ly/3Ma8w0d
What Slowing Down for the Holidays Really Looks Like With Chronic Illness
Discover 10 practical ways to slow down for the holidays with chronic illness. Protect your energy, set boundaries & build a simple routine.
bit.ly
December 2, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Slowing down for the holidays with chronic illness isn’t about missing out—it’s about protecting your energy. This post shares 10 real-life strategies for navigating the season at your own pace.
bit.ly/3Ma8w0d
bit.ly/3Ma8w0d
Reposted by April Smith | The Thriving Spoonie
Chronic Illness and the Holidays: 10 Rules for a Great Season
buff.ly/Y8ZRhZA
ID: Chronic Illness and the Holidays: 10 Rules for a Great Season
buff.ly/Y8ZRhZA
ID: Chronic Illness and the Holidays: 10 Rules for a Great Season
December 2, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Chronic Illness and the Holidays: 10 Rules for a Great Season
buff.ly/Y8ZRhZA
ID: Chronic Illness and the Holidays: 10 Rules for a Great Season
buff.ly/Y8ZRhZA
ID: Chronic Illness and the Holidays: 10 Rules for a Great Season
#grief reshapes everything—how we see the world, how we love, how we remember.
In this conversation, Jenny and Amy open up about how loss changed their relationships with their fathers, their families, and themselves.
In this conversation, Jenny and Amy open up about how loss changed their relationships with their fathers, their families, and themselves.
How Grief Changes Us
Jenny and Amy share how grief has changed how they view the world, their relationships with their fathers and families.
Life's a Polyp explores daily life with chronic illness caused by two rare…
youtu.be
November 27, 2025 at 3:05 PM
#grief reshapes everything—how we see the world, how we love, how we remember.
In this conversation, Jenny and Amy open up about how loss changed their relationships with their fathers, their families, and themselves.
In this conversation, Jenny and Amy open up about how loss changed their relationships with their fathers, their families, and themselves.
Tired of misinformation about ticks and #lymedisease?
Lemon or Lyme just launched a new series to set the record straight—starting with a deep dive into a recent Yahoo News article. Fact-checked, myth-busting, and long overdue.
Lemon or Lyme just launched a new series to set the record straight—starting with a deep dive into a recent Yahoo News article. Fact-checked, myth-busting, and long overdue.
L.O.L REACTS to @Yahoo Article: What did they get RIGHT & WRONG about ticks & Tick borne Diseases?
🚨 NEW SERIES ALERT! 🚨
We know there's not enough coverage on ticks and tick-borne diseases, and when there is, it's often filled with inaccuracies. That's why Lemon or Lyme is launching a brand…
buff.ly
November 25, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Tired of misinformation about ticks and #lymedisease?
Lemon or Lyme just launched a new series to set the record straight—starting with a deep dive into a recent Yahoo News article. Fact-checked, myth-busting, and long overdue.
Lemon or Lyme just launched a new series to set the record straight—starting with a deep dive into a recent Yahoo News article. Fact-checked, myth-busting, and long overdue.
Living with #chronicillness often means juggling a *whole team* of specialists—not by choice, but by necessity.
This post breaks down why we see so many doctors and the toll it can take.
achronicvoice.com/why-need-see...
This post breaks down why we see so many doctors and the toll it can take.
achronicvoice.com/why-need-see...
Why I Need to See More Than 10 Different Types of Doctors Regularly
Patients with autoimmune disease often have comorbidities. Here’s why I need to see more than 10 different types of doctors regularly.
achronicvoice.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:50 PM
Living with #chronicillness often means juggling a *whole team* of specialists—not by choice, but by necessity.
This post breaks down why we see so many doctors and the toll it can take.
achronicvoice.com/why-need-see...
This post breaks down why we see so many doctors and the toll it can take.
achronicvoice.com/why-need-see...
#medicalgaslighting is real—and it leaves deep scars.
This powerful post breaks down what it looks like, why it’s so damaging, and how to reclaim your voice in the doctor’s office.
This powerful post breaks down what it looks like, why it’s so damaging, and how to reclaim your voice in the doctor’s office.
When doctors don't believe you : the truth about medical gaslighting • Sarah Wells
Have you ever walked out of an appointment doubting your own body? That’s medical gaslighting.
buff.ly
November 21, 2025 at 3:05 PM
#medicalgaslighting is real—and it leaves deep scars.
This powerful post breaks down what it looks like, why it’s so damaging, and how to reclaim your voice in the doctor’s office.
This powerful post breaks down what it looks like, why it’s so damaging, and how to reclaim your voice in the doctor’s office.
Weight loss advice often ignores #disabledbodies—but what if you can’t exercise?
This honest post explores what weight management can look like when movement isn’t accessible, without shame or pressure.
This honest post explores what weight management can look like when movement isn’t accessible, without shame or pressure.
How To Lose Weight When You Can’t Exercise
Disclaimer: In this post, I am sharing a few ways you can lose weight if you can’t exercise but I am not a nutritionist or dietician. It is to be used for informational use only and is not a …
buff.ly
November 20, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Weight loss advice often ignores #disabledbodies—but what if you can’t exercise?
This honest post explores what weight management can look like when movement isn’t accessible, without shame or pressure.
This honest post explores what weight management can look like when movement isn’t accessible, without shame or pressure.
Disabled activists have always been at the heart of progress—even when history tried to erase them.
This post highlights powerful voices for #DisabilityHistoryMonth and why their work still matters today.
www.bloomingmindfulness.co.uk/disability-h...
This post highlights powerful voices for #DisabilityHistoryMonth and why their work still matters today.
www.bloomingmindfulness.co.uk/disability-h...
Disability History Month Reflections: Amplifying Powerful Voices -
Honoring the legacies of trailblazing disabled LGBTQ+ activists for Disability History Month — visibility, community, and radical joy.
www.bloomingmindfulness.co.uk
November 19, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Disabled activists have always been at the heart of progress—even when history tried to erase them.
This post highlights powerful voices for #DisabilityHistoryMonth and why their work still matters today.
www.bloomingmindfulness.co.uk/disability-h...
This post highlights powerful voices for #DisabilityHistoryMonth and why their work still matters today.
www.bloomingmindfulness.co.uk/disability-h...
The holidays can feel heavier when your energy is unpredictable. If you’re craving a gentler way to navigate the weeks ahead, this might help.
www.thethrivingspoonie.com/how-to-adapt...
#chronicillnessholidaytips #holidaysurvival #holidayseason
www.thethrivingspoonie.com/how-to-adapt...
#chronicillnessholidaytips #holidaysurvival #holidayseason
Chronic Illness Survival Tips: How I Learned to Celebrate the Holidays Without Burning Out
Learn chronic illness holiday survival tips that help you protect your energy, adapt traditions, and move through the season with more ease.
www.thethrivingspoonie.com
November 18, 2025 at 7:37 PM
The holidays can feel heavier when your energy is unpredictable. If you’re craving a gentler way to navigate the weeks ahead, this might help.
www.thethrivingspoonie.com/how-to-adapt...
#chronicillnessholidaytips #holidaysurvival #holidayseason
www.thethrivingspoonie.com/how-to-adapt...
#chronicillnessholidaytips #holidaysurvival #holidayseason
Low on spoons but still need to eat?
This roundup of 16 spoonie-friendly recipes is full of simple, satisfying meals that won’t drain your energy.
buff.ly/6TvJEOI
This roundup of 16 spoonie-friendly recipes is full of simple, satisfying meals that won’t drain your energy.
buff.ly/6TvJEOI
16 Recipes That Won’t Steal Your Spoons - Positivity In Pain
Living with a chronic illness means facing unique, and often painful challenges every day, and often, cooking can feel like just one more thing on an already heavy to-do list. On days when energy is…
positivitypain.com
November 7, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Low on spoons but still need to eat?
This roundup of 16 spoonie-friendly recipes is full of simple, satisfying meals that won’t drain your energy.
buff.ly/6TvJEOI
This roundup of 16 spoonie-friendly recipes is full of simple, satisfying meals that won’t drain your energy.
buff.ly/6TvJEOI
Being a carer is hard. Being a #disabled carer adds a whole new layer of stress most people don’t see.
This honest post shares what that reality looks like—and how to manage the overwhelm.
This honest post shares what that reality looks like—and how to manage the overwhelm.
Managing Stress as a Disabled Carer - %
It is International Stress Awareness Week and I cannot work, as I am disabled, so I want to talk about managing stress as a disabled carer
buff.ly
November 6, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Being a carer is hard. Being a #disabled carer adds a whole new layer of stress most people don’t see.
This honest post shares what that reality looks like—and how to manage the overwhelm.
This honest post shares what that reality looks like—and how to manage the overwhelm.
Want to support a friend with #chronicillness but not sure how?
This honest, thoughtful post offers practical ways to show up with compassion—without falling into pity or pressure.
achronicvoice.com/better-frien...
This honest, thoughtful post offers practical ways to show up with compassion—without falling into pity or pressure.
achronicvoice.com/better-frien...
7 Ways to Be a Better Friend to Someone with a Chronic Illness (and 3 Things You Should Never Do)
Friendships can be tricky. Here are seven ways to be a better friend to someone with a chronic illness, and three things you should never do.
achronicvoice.com
November 5, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Want to support a friend with #chronicillness but not sure how?
This honest, thoughtful post offers practical ways to show up with compassion—without falling into pity or pressure.
achronicvoice.com/better-frien...
This honest, thoughtful post offers practical ways to show up with compassion—without falling into pity or pressure.
achronicvoice.com/better-frien...
Ever notice your pain gets worse when the weather shifts? You’re not imagining it.
This post breaks down the science behind the “October slide” and why seasonal changes hit differently when you live with #chronicpain.
[https://buff.ly/m0OpW7D](buff.ly/m0OpW7D)
This post breaks down the science behind the “October slide” and why seasonal changes hit differently when you live with #chronicpain.
[https://buff.ly/m0OpW7D](buff.ly/m0OpW7D)
Why Weather Hurts: The Science Behind the “October Slide” in Chronic Pain
If you’ve ever sworn you could predict the weather better than your weather app, you’re not alone. Many people with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and other connective tissue disorders notice their…
buff.ly
October 31, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Ever notice your pain gets worse when the weather shifts? You’re not imagining it.
This post breaks down the science behind the “October slide” and why seasonal changes hit differently when you live with #chronicpain.
[https://buff.ly/m0OpW7D](buff.ly/m0OpW7D)
This post breaks down the science behind the “October slide” and why seasonal changes hit differently when you live with #chronicpain.
[https://buff.ly/m0OpW7D](buff.ly/m0OpW7D)
A rare drug reaction. A terrifying anaphylactic response.
This powerful story from @achronicvoice.com sheds light on the hidden risks of #chronicillnesstreatment, and the courage it takes to keep trying anyway.
www.achronicvoice.com/2017/07/12/a...
This powerful story from @achronicvoice.com sheds light on the hidden risks of #chronicillnesstreatment, and the courage it takes to keep trying anyway.
www.achronicvoice.com/2017/07/12/a...
An Anaphylaxis Reaction from Rituximab in Between Shady Years
The medications we tried were not much use for Lupus and its comorbidities. Here's what an anaphylaxis reaction from Rituximab feels like.
www.achronicvoice.com
October 30, 2025 at 3:17 PM
A rare drug reaction. A terrifying anaphylactic response.
This powerful story from @achronicvoice.com sheds light on the hidden risks of #chronicillnesstreatment, and the courage it takes to keep trying anyway.
www.achronicvoice.com/2017/07/12/a...
This powerful story from @achronicvoice.com sheds light on the hidden risks of #chronicillnesstreatment, and the courage it takes to keep trying anyway.
www.achronicvoice.com/2017/07/12/a...
Can we actually *rewire* the brain to cope with #chronicpain?
This insightful post explores how neuroplasticity might offer hope—not as a cure, but as one more tool for managing the weight of daily pain.
www.achronicvoice.com/2019/07/30/r...
This insightful post explores how neuroplasticity might offer hope—not as a cure, but as one more tool for managing the weight of daily pain.
www.achronicvoice.com/2019/07/30/r...
How to Rewire the Brain to Manage Chronic Pain (& Resources to Help)
In order to rewire the brain to manage chronic pain, we first need to understand what 'pain' really is, and how neuroplasticity can help exactly.
www.achronicvoice.com
October 22, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Can we actually *rewire* the brain to cope with #chronicpain?
This insightful post explores how neuroplasticity might offer hope—not as a cure, but as one more tool for managing the weight of daily pain.
www.achronicvoice.com/2019/07/30/r...
This insightful post explores how neuroplasticity might offer hope—not as a cure, but as one more tool for managing the weight of daily pain.
www.achronicvoice.com/2019/07/30/r...
Great post with tons of info on how to advocate for #disabilityrights
How to be a disability rights advocate
buff.ly/tE8Yjlx
ID: How to be a disability rights advocate, www. kate the almost great .com
buff.ly/tE8Yjlx
ID: How to be a disability rights advocate, www. kate the almost great .com
October 22, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Great post with tons of info on how to advocate for #disabilityrights
Some symptoms are harder to talk about—but that doesn’t make them less real.
This honest post sheds light on what it’s like to live with bowels that don’t work—and what the world often misunderstands.
myrockindisabledlife.org/2024/10/22/w...
#livingwithchronicillness
This honest post sheds light on what it’s like to live with bowels that don’t work—and what the world often misunderstands.
myrockindisabledlife.org/2024/10/22/w...
#livingwithchronicillness
What I Wish People Understood About Living With Bowels That Don’t Work
When you have Spina Bifida, it is common for your bladder and bowel function to not work properly because when something affects your spine, it doesn’t just give you back problems and other m…
myrockindisabledlife.org
October 9, 2025 at 6:43 PM
Some symptoms are harder to talk about—but that doesn’t make them less real.
This honest post sheds light on what it’s like to live with bowels that don’t work—and what the world often misunderstands.
myrockindisabledlife.org/2024/10/22/w...
#livingwithchronicillness
This honest post sheds light on what it’s like to live with bowels that don’t work—and what the world often misunderstands.
myrockindisabledlife.org/2024/10/22/w...
#livingwithchronicillness
What’s the link between hEDS and immune issues?
This fascinating deep dive breaks down emerging research and lived experiences that suggest the connection runs deeper than we think.
This fascinating deep dive breaks down emerging research and lived experiences that suggest the connection runs deeper than we think.
The hEDS Immune Connection: What New Research Means for Your Health
A breakthrough study shows that immune signaling, not just genetics, plays a major role in hEDS. Here’s how mast cells, inflammation, and your environment interact—and why it matters more than ever.
buff.ly
October 9, 2025 at 2:05 PM
What’s the link between hEDS and immune issues?
This fascinating deep dive breaks down emerging research and lived experiences that suggest the connection runs deeper than we think.
This fascinating deep dive breaks down emerging research and lived experiences that suggest the connection runs deeper than we think.
Even on the hard days, beauty can still exist in small, quiet moments.
This gentle post from @achronicvoice.com reflects on finding the meaningful in the mundane while living with chronic illness.
www.achronicvoice.com/2017/05/10/p...
This gentle post from @achronicvoice.com reflects on finding the meaningful in the mundane while living with chronic illness.
www.achronicvoice.com/2017/05/10/p...
#ProjChronicWisdom: Things I Find Beautiful in My Everyday Life Despite the Pain
Here are things I find beautiful in my everyday life despite chronic pain. Read what others from the chronic illness community have to say, too!
www.achronicvoice.com
October 8, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Even on the hard days, beauty can still exist in small, quiet moments.
This gentle post from @achronicvoice.com reflects on finding the meaningful in the mundane while living with chronic illness.
www.achronicvoice.com/2017/05/10/p...
This gentle post from @achronicvoice.com reflects on finding the meaningful in the mundane while living with chronic illness.
www.achronicvoice.com/2017/05/10/p...