April Smith | The Thriving Spoonie
@thethrivingspoonie.com
Sharing practical tools and real talk about adapting to chronic illness. Building community along the way. 👉 Learn more at www.thethrivingspoonie.com
Dry, #itchyscalp driving you up the wall?
This post shares practical, #sensitiveskin–friendly tips for managing dry scalp—especially helpful if you’re dealing with chronic illness or medication side effects.
[https://buff.ly/Xd6cjsL](buff.ly/Xd6cjsL)
#ChronicIllness
This post shares practical, #sensitiveskin–friendly tips for managing dry scalp—especially helpful if you’re dealing with chronic illness or medication side effects.
[https://buff.ly/Xd6cjsL](buff.ly/Xd6cjsL)
#ChronicIllness
How To Treat A Dry Scalp For Healthier, Thicker Hair
Dry scalp causes and symptoms, plus treatments for dry scalp and product recommendations for thicker, healthier hair.
buff.ly
February 12, 2026 at 3:05 PM
Dry, #itchyscalp driving you up the wall?
This post shares practical, #sensitiveskin–friendly tips for managing dry scalp—especially helpful if you’re dealing with chronic illness or medication side effects.
[https://buff.ly/Xd6cjsL](buff.ly/Xd6cjsL)
#ChronicIllness
This post shares practical, #sensitiveskin–friendly tips for managing dry scalp—especially helpful if you’re dealing with chronic illness or medication side effects.
[https://buff.ly/Xd6cjsL](buff.ly/Xd6cjsL)
#ChronicIllness
Some days with #chronicillness are exhausting—even when nothing “big” happens. It's called #emotionallabor, and it can wipe you out like anything else.
I wrote about why this drains so much energy—and what actually helps.
bit.ly/461jITT
I wrote about why this drains so much energy—and what actually helps.
bit.ly/461jITT
The Invisible Work of Chronic Illness: Why Emotional Labor Drains Your Energy
Why chronic illness is so exhausting—even on quiet days—and how invisible emotional labor quietly drains your energy.
bit.ly
February 10, 2026 at 4:07 PM
Some days with #chronicillness are exhausting—even when nothing “big” happens. It's called #emotionallabor, and it can wipe you out like anything else.
I wrote about why this drains so much energy—and what actually helps.
bit.ly/461jITT
I wrote about why this drains so much energy—and what actually helps.
bit.ly/461jITT
Some #disabilities aren’t consistent—and that unpredictability comes with its own set of challenges.
This post unpacks what it really means to live in a dynamic, ever-changing body.
buff.ly/qzGvmI9
#ChronicIllness
This post unpacks what it really means to live in a dynamic, ever-changing body.
buff.ly/qzGvmI9
#ChronicIllness
Dynamic Disability: The Truth About Life in an Unpredictable Body –
A personal journey of living with a dynamic disability, navigating mobility aids, imposter syndrome, and finding resilience in daily life.
buff.ly
February 10, 2026 at 3:05 PM
Some #disabilities aren’t consistent—and that unpredictability comes with its own set of challenges.
This post unpacks what it really means to live in a dynamic, ever-changing body.
buff.ly/qzGvmI9
#ChronicIllness
This post unpacks what it really means to live in a dynamic, ever-changing body.
buff.ly/qzGvmI9
#ChronicIllness
#Fitnessgoals don’t have to mean intense workouts—especially if you’re #disabled.
This post shares inclusive, realistic fitness intentions for the new year that prioritize access, pacing, and self-trust.
buff.ly/y79m8Bs
#ChronicIllness
This post shares inclusive, realistic fitness intentions for the new year that prioritize access, pacing, and self-trust.
buff.ly/y79m8Bs
#ChronicIllness
Fitness Goals Disabled People Can Make In The New Year
It will be a New Year in a little over a week, which means most people are thinking about what goals they want to achieve in the New Year. Fitness is one of the most common New Year’s Resolut…
buff.ly
February 6, 2026 at 3:05 PM
#Fitnessgoals don’t have to mean intense workouts—especially if you’re #disabled.
This post shares inclusive, realistic fitness intentions for the new year that prioritize access, pacing, and self-trust.
buff.ly/y79m8Bs
#ChronicIllness
This post shares inclusive, realistic fitness intentions for the new year that prioritize access, pacing, and self-trust.
buff.ly/y79m8Bs
#ChronicIllness
Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is pause.
This honest post shares why the author took a blogging break—and how stepping back brought clarity, #rest, and renewed purpose.
buff.ly/PVXxAvs
#ChronicIllness
This honest post shares why the author took a blogging break—and how stepping back brought clarity, #rest, and renewed purpose.
buff.ly/PVXxAvs
#ChronicIllness
Why I Needed a Blogging Break and How it Helped - Despite Pain
A couple of years ago, I realised I needed a break from blogging, and I eventually gave myself permission to do that. I was tired — physically, mentally, and emotionally. At first, I thought a few…
buff.ly
February 5, 2026 at 3:05 PM
Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is pause.
This honest post shares why the author took a blogging break—and how stepping back brought clarity, #rest, and renewed purpose.
buff.ly/PVXxAvs
#ChronicIllness
This honest post shares why the author took a blogging break—and how stepping back brought clarity, #rest, and renewed purpose.
buff.ly/PVXxAvs
#ChronicIllness
Managing a #chronicdisease is about more than just meds—it’s #routines, boundaries, self-advocacy, and constant adjustment.
This post offers real-world tips for navigating the daily realities of #chronicillness.
This post offers real-world tips for navigating the daily realities of #chronicillness.
Hacks for Chronic Disease Management That You Need
Living with chronic illness is damn difficult. If you’re reading this post, you probably know that. I’ve lived with it for over 20 years, and I’ve tried all sorts of different things over the years…
buff.ly
February 4, 2026 at 4:26 PM
Managing a #chronicdisease is about more than just meds—it’s #routines, boundaries, self-advocacy, and constant adjustment.
This post offers real-world tips for navigating the daily realities of #chronicillness.
This post offers real-world tips for navigating the daily realities of #chronicillness.
Going back to school as an adult is tough—add #chronicillness or #disability, and it’s a whole different challenge.
This post shares what that journey really looks like, and how to navigate it on your own terms.
This post shares what that journey really looks like, and how to navigate it on your own terms.
What's It Like Going Back to School as an Adult with Disability and Chronic Illness
Here's what it's like to go back to school as an adult with disability and chronic illness, and tips to get you through your school years.
buff.ly
January 30, 2026 at 3:05 PM
Going back to school as an adult is tough—add #chronicillness or #disability, and it’s a whole different challenge.
This post shares what that journey really looks like, and how to navigate it on your own terms.
This post shares what that journey really looks like, and how to navigate it on your own terms.
“Healthful choices” look different when you’re #disabled or #chronicallyill.
This post explores what it means to set realistic, compassionate goals in 2026—without pressure or perfection.
buff.ly/mUDRqV9
#ChronicIllness
This post explores what it means to set realistic, compassionate goals in 2026—without pressure or perfection.
buff.ly/mUDRqV9
#ChronicIllness
Creating Healthful Choices in 2026 -
A gentle reflection on creating healthful choices in 2026, focusing on pacing, mental health, seasonal goals and living a happier life.
buff.ly
January 29, 2026 at 3:05 PM
“Healthful choices” look different when you’re #disabled or #chronicallyill.
This post explores what it means to set realistic, compassionate goals in 2026—without pressure or perfection.
buff.ly/mUDRqV9
#ChronicIllness
This post explores what it means to set realistic, compassionate goals in 2026—without pressure or perfection.
buff.ly/mUDRqV9
#ChronicIllness
#Burnout with #chronicillness isn’t a phase to push through.
It’s often a pattern created by ongoing demands, limited energy, and systems that weren’t built for fluctuating capacity.
In this post, I share what I understand about burnout and what actually helps long-term.
bit.ly/3ZwC77o
It’s often a pattern created by ongoing demands, limited energy, and systems that weren’t built for fluctuating capacity.
In this post, I share what I understand about burnout and what actually helps long-term.
bit.ly/3ZwC77o
Burnout With Chronic Illness: Why It Isn’t a Phase
Burnout with chronic illness isn’t a phase. Learn why burnout happens for spoonies and what actually helps.
bit.ly
January 27, 2026 at 4:24 PM
#Burnout with #chronicillness isn’t a phase to push through.
It’s often a pattern created by ongoing demands, limited energy, and systems that weren’t built for fluctuating capacity.
In this post, I share what I understand about burnout and what actually helps long-term.
bit.ly/3ZwC77o
It’s often a pattern created by ongoing demands, limited energy, and systems that weren’t built for fluctuating capacity.
In this post, I share what I understand about burnout and what actually helps long-term.
bit.ly/3ZwC77o
It’s not easy to go against #medicaladvice—but sometimes, the full story isn’t so clear-cut.
This deeply personal post explores why the author stopped taking #seizure meds and what came next.
buff.ly/Nmsv9OQ
#ChronicIllness
This deeply personal post explores why the author stopped taking #seizure meds and what came next.
buff.ly/Nmsv9OQ
#ChronicIllness
Why I Stopped Taking Seizure Medication Against My Doctor’s Advice
Disclaimer: I wrote this post to share the side effects of a medication I was taking. It should be used for informational use only because I am not a doctor and is not a substitute for professional…
buff.ly
January 27, 2026 at 3:05 PM
It’s not easy to go against #medicaladvice—but sometimes, the full story isn’t so clear-cut.
This deeply personal post explores why the author stopped taking #seizure meds and what came next.
buff.ly/Nmsv9OQ
#ChronicIllness
This deeply personal post explores why the author stopped taking #seizure meds and what came next.
buff.ly/Nmsv9OQ
#ChronicIllness
What do chronically ill patients wish future doctors knew?
This post offers thoughtful, firsthand advice for aspiring physicians—rooted in lived experience and a call for deeper compassion in #healthcare.
buff.ly/XgAjR2p
#ChronicIllness
This post offers thoughtful, firsthand advice for aspiring physicians—rooted in lived experience and a call for deeper compassion in #healthcare.
buff.ly/XgAjR2p
#ChronicIllness
Advice for Aspiring Doctors: What You Need To Know
If you’re in medical school or thinking about it, you might want to help people or solve mysteries. You’ve probably talked to doctors about what the job is like. But have you talked to chronic…
buff.ly
January 23, 2026 at 3:05 PM
What do chronically ill patients wish future doctors knew?
This post offers thoughtful, firsthand advice for aspiring physicians—rooted in lived experience and a call for deeper compassion in #healthcare.
buff.ly/XgAjR2p
#ChronicIllness
This post offers thoughtful, firsthand advice for aspiring physicians—rooted in lived experience and a call for deeper compassion in #healthcare.
buff.ly/XgAjR2p
#ChronicIllness
Searching for reliable medical info when you're chronically ill can be overwhelming.
This review explores MediSearch, an AI tool designed to give clear, accurate answers to complex health questions.
buff.ly/q7v03Lk
#ChronicIllness
This review explores MediSearch, an AI tool designed to give clear, accurate answers to complex health questions.
buff.ly/q7v03Lk
#ChronicIllness
January 22, 2026 at 3:05 PM
Searching for reliable medical info when you're chronically ill can be overwhelming.
This review explores MediSearch, an AI tool designed to give clear, accurate answers to complex health questions.
buff.ly/q7v03Lk
#ChronicIllness
This review explores MediSearch, an AI tool designed to give clear, accurate answers to complex health questions.
buff.ly/q7v03Lk
#ChronicIllness
Feeling overwhelmed by resolutions?
This post suggests focusing on *just one* intention for the new year—and why that might actually help you cope better when living with #chronicillness.
This post suggests focusing on *just one* intention for the new year—and why that might actually help you cope better when living with #chronicillness.
New Year’s resolutions for chronically ill people: just one will do
New Year’s resolutions for chronically ill people. How about just one? With some thought, just one can make a big difference for next year.
buff.ly
January 20, 2026 at 3:05 PM
Feeling overwhelmed by resolutions?
This post suggests focusing on *just one* intention for the new year—and why that might actually help you cope better when living with #chronicillness.
This post suggests focusing on *just one* intention for the new year—and why that might actually help you cope better when living with #chronicillness.
If you’re always planning to “catch up” later, this one’s for you.
Catch-up days often backfire with #chronicillness, not because you’re doing it wrong, but because the system itself doesn’t work for fluctuating energy.
I wrote about what to build instead.
👉 bit.ly/4jUyIZE
Catch-up days often backfire with #chronicillness, not because you’re doing it wrong, but because the system itself doesn’t work for fluctuating energy.
I wrote about what to build instead.
👉 bit.ly/4jUyIZE
A Better Alternative to “Catching Up” When You Have Chronic Illness
Always trying to catch up with chronic illness? This post explains why it doesn’t work and offers a more sustainable alternative.
bit.ly
January 20, 2026 at 1:51 PM
If you’re always planning to “catch up” later, this one’s for you.
Catch-up days often backfire with #chronicillness, not because you’re doing it wrong, but because the system itself doesn’t work for fluctuating energy.
I wrote about what to build instead.
👉 bit.ly/4jUyIZE
Catch-up days often backfire with #chronicillness, not because you’re doing it wrong, but because the system itself doesn’t work for fluctuating energy.
I wrote about what to build instead.
👉 bit.ly/4jUyIZE
Ever wonder what would happen if you stopped taking your meds?
This post explores that question with honesty, vulnerability, and lived experience—because for many of us, it’s not a simple choice.
buff.ly/w685pPN
#ChronicIllness
This post explores that question with honesty, vulnerability, and lived experience—because for many of us, it’s not a simple choice.
buff.ly/w685pPN
#ChronicIllness
What Would Happen If I Stopped Taking My Medication?
When you are disabled or chronically ill, sometimes you need medication to manage your health condition. Some people in your life know that medication sometimes is necessary for improved health and…
buff.ly
January 16, 2026 at 3:05 PM
Ever wonder what would happen if you stopped taking your meds?
This post explores that question with honesty, vulnerability, and lived experience—because for many of us, it’s not a simple choice.
buff.ly/w685pPN
#ChronicIllness
This post explores that question with honesty, vulnerability, and lived experience—because for many of us, it’s not a simple choice.
buff.ly/w685pPN
#ChronicIllness
#chronicillnessmanagement isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s trial, error, and a lot of adjusting.
This post shares practical tips and lived experience to help you find what works *for you*.
This post shares practical tips and lived experience to help you find what works *for you*.
Chronic Illness Management: 5 Things New Patients Need To Do
One of the trickiest things about chronic illness management is just how much stuff there is to do. And it’s not one size fits all! Sure, there are some things that are common across illnesses, but…
buff.ly
January 15, 2026 at 3:05 PM
#chronicillnessmanagement isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s trial, error, and a lot of adjusting.
This post shares practical tips and lived experience to help you find what works *for you*.
This post shares practical tips and lived experience to help you find what works *for you*.
#chronicillness doesn’t just change your body—it can unravel your sense of self.
This powerful post explores the quiet #grief of identity loss and what it means to rebuild who you are.
This powerful post explores the quiet #grief of identity loss and what it means to rebuild who you are.
Loss of Identity with Chronic Illness & The Plot Twist: Sharpened Self-Worth
The loss of identity with chronic illness is an inevitable trauma experienced with a new diagnosis. Here's how to regain your self-worth.
buff.ly
January 13, 2026 at 3:05 PM
#chronicillness doesn’t just change your body—it can unravel your sense of self.
This powerful post explores the quiet #grief of identity loss and what it means to rebuild who you are.
This powerful post explores the quiet #grief of identity loss and what it means to rebuild who you are.
#selfcompassion with #chronicillness often feels out of reach, not because you’re failing, but because you’ve been surviving. I wrote about why that makes sense—and what’s actually going on beneath the guilt.
www.thethrivingspoonie.com/why-self-com...
www.thethrivingspoonie.com/why-self-com...
Why Self-Compassion Feels Out of Reach With Chronic Illness
Self-compassion with chronic illness can feel out of reach. Learn why this struggle makes sense and isn’t a failure.
www.thethrivingspoonie.com
January 13, 2026 at 2:07 PM
#selfcompassion with #chronicillness often feels out of reach, not because you’re failing, but because you’ve been surviving. I wrote about why that makes sense—and what’s actually going on beneath the guilt.
www.thethrivingspoonie.com/why-self-com...
www.thethrivingspoonie.com/why-self-com...
The holidays can amplify everything—especially pain.
This post gets real about why this season is often harder for people with #chronicpain, and why compassion matters more than ever.
This post gets real about why this season is often harder for people with #chronicpain, and why compassion matters more than ever.
Why The Holidays Are More Difficult For People With Chronic Pain
Merry Christmas! Holidays are stressful for everyone because there is so much that needs to get done for Christmas Day and only so much time to get it all done. It can be even more stressful for pe…
buff.ly
January 8, 2026 at 7:25 PM
The holidays can amplify everything—especially pain.
This post gets real about why this season is often harder for people with #chronicpain, and why compassion matters more than ever.
This post gets real about why this season is often harder for people with #chronicpain, and why compassion matters more than ever.
Working from home with #chronicillness sounds ideal—until the #fatigue, flares, and #brainfog hit.
This post shares smart, realistic tips for making WFH more manageable when your body has limits.
This post shares smart, realistic tips for making WFH more manageable when your body has limits.
The Best Tips for Working from Home with Chronic Illness
A blogger shares her best tips for working from home with 7+ chronic illnesses and 20+ years of chronic pain.
buff.ly
January 8, 2026 at 4:24 PM
Working from home with #chronicillness sounds ideal—until the #fatigue, flares, and #brainfog hit.
This post shares smart, realistic tips for making WFH more manageable when your body has limits.
This post shares smart, realistic tips for making WFH more manageable when your body has limits.
Looking for a gentle way to reflect, grow, or just make sense of your day?
These 365 #mindfulness journaling prompts are perfect for self-discovery, pacing, and emotional clarity—one small step at a time.
achronicvoice.com/365-mindfuln...
#ChronicIllness
These 365 #mindfulness journaling prompts are perfect for self-discovery, pacing, and emotional clarity—one small step at a time.
achronicvoice.com/365-mindfuln...
#ChronicIllness
365 Mindfulness Journaling Prompts for Self-Improvement
Here are 365 mindfulness journaling prompts for self-improvement, self-care and personal growth. Plus some bonus journal prompts as well!
achronicvoice.com
January 7, 2026 at 4:12 PM
Looking for a gentle way to reflect, grow, or just make sense of your day?
These 365 #mindfulness journaling prompts are perfect for self-discovery, pacing, and emotional clarity—one small step at a time.
achronicvoice.com/365-mindfuln...
#ChronicIllness
These 365 #mindfulness journaling prompts are perfect for self-discovery, pacing, and emotional clarity—one small step at a time.
achronicvoice.com/365-mindfuln...
#ChronicIllness
Reposted by April Smith | The Thriving Spoonie
"Many of those who are on #medications know how 1 tiny pill..can manipulate your current state of #wellbeing, for better or for worse..Many chronic & #MentalIllnesses are also of an invisible nature, which can be both a blessing & curse.": buff.ly/7aMCgAq
#ChronicIllness #InvisibleIllness
#ChronicIllness #InvisibleIllness
Are You a Capable Person? What Does That Even Mean?
Are you a capable person? What does that even mean with chronic illness? Here's why modern society's definition of capability is incomplete.
buff.ly
January 6, 2026 at 3:30 PM
"Many of those who are on #medications know how 1 tiny pill..can manipulate your current state of #wellbeing, for better or for worse..Many chronic & #MentalIllnesses are also of an invisible nature, which can be both a blessing & curse.": buff.ly/7aMCgAq
#ChronicIllness #InvisibleIllness
#ChronicIllness #InvisibleIllness
If you’re feeling exhausted after the holidays instead of relieved, you didn’t do anything wrong. For many people with #chronicillness, post-holiday #fatigue is a delayed response once the momentum fades. I wrote a new post explaining why this happens.
www.thethrivingspoonie.com/post-holiday...
www.thethrivingspoonie.com/post-holiday...
Post-Holiday Fatigue With Chronic Illness: Why You Feel Wiped Out
Learn why post-holiday fatigue with chronic illness happens and how understanding the “why” can ease self-blame.
www.thethrivingspoonie.com
January 6, 2026 at 4:36 PM
If you’re feeling exhausted after the holidays instead of relieved, you didn’t do anything wrong. For many people with #chronicillness, post-holiday #fatigue is a delayed response once the momentum fades. I wrote a new post explaining why this happens.
www.thethrivingspoonie.com/post-holiday...
www.thethrivingspoonie.com/post-holiday...
Getting back into a #routine after the #holidays can feel impossible with #chronicillness.
This post offers a gentle, realistic approach to rebuilding your daily rhythm—without guilt or pressure.
www.thethrivingspoonie.com/how-to-gentl...
This post offers a gentle, realistic approach to rebuilding your daily rhythm—without guilt or pressure.
www.thethrivingspoonie.com/how-to-gentl...
How to Gently Rebuild Your Daily Rhythm After the Holidays When You Have a Chronic Illness
A gentle guide to rebuilding routines with chronic illness after the holidays, focused on rhythm, pacing, and sustainable daily structure.
www.thethrivingspoonie.com
December 30, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Getting back into a #routine after the #holidays can feel impossible with #chronicillness.
This post offers a gentle, realistic approach to rebuilding your daily rhythm—without guilt or pressure.
www.thethrivingspoonie.com/how-to-gentl...
This post offers a gentle, realistic approach to rebuilding your daily rhythm—without guilt or pressure.
www.thethrivingspoonie.com/how-to-gentl...
The holidays aren’t always merry when you’re managing #chronicillness, pain, or disability.
This post offers grounded, thoughtful strategies to help you protect your energy and prioritize what truly matters.
achronicvoice.com/survive-the-...
This post offers grounded, thoughtful strategies to help you protect your energy and prioritize what truly matters.
achronicvoice.com/survive-the-...
How to Survive the Holidays When Chronic Illness & Disability Cause Pain
Insight from 18 people with chronic illness, chronic pain and disability. On what hurts them the most and how to survive the holidays.
achronicvoice.com
December 23, 2025 at 1:20 PM
The holidays aren’t always merry when you’re managing #chronicillness, pain, or disability.
This post offers grounded, thoughtful strategies to help you protect your energy and prioritize what truly matters.
achronicvoice.com/survive-the-...
This post offers grounded, thoughtful strategies to help you protect your energy and prioritize what truly matters.
achronicvoice.com/survive-the-...