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
#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...
Learning to pace with #chronicillness isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing differently. In this post, I’m sharing the simple weekly check-in that helps me prevent burnout, plan around unpredictable energy, and stay grounded in what my body actually needs.
#lifewithchronicillness
bit.ly/46Gbm4R
#lifewithchronicillness
bit.ly/46Gbm4R
How to Catch Yourself Before You Burn Out: Pacing With Chronic Illness Made Simple
Learn simple ways to pace with chronic illness using a weekly self-check-in to manage energy, prevent burnout, and plan with awareness.
bit.ly
October 7, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Learning to pace with #chronicillness isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing differently. In this post, I’m sharing the simple weekly check-in that helps me prevent burnout, plan around unpredictable energy, and stay grounded in what my body actually needs.
#lifewithchronicillness
bit.ly/46Gbm4R
#lifewithchronicillness
bit.ly/46Gbm4R
Disabled people are often overlooked in hiring because of harmful myths—not facts.
This post breaks down the biggest misconceptions about hiring disabled workers and why inclusion matters.
myrockindisabledlife.org/2024/10/20/m...
#disabilityrights
This post breaks down the biggest misconceptions about hiring disabled workers and why inclusion matters.
myrockindisabledlife.org/2024/10/20/m...
#disabilityrights
Myths People Often Believe When Hiring Disabled People
If You Liked This Post, Please Subscribe For Weekly Updates Disabled people often have a harder time finding employment than non-disabled people because we face discrimination in job interviews tha…
myrockindisabledlife.org
October 2, 2025 at 7:22 PM
Disabled people are often overlooked in hiring because of harmful myths—not facts.
This post breaks down the biggest misconceptions about hiring disabled workers and why inclusion matters.
myrockindisabledlife.org/2024/10/20/m...
#disabilityrights
This post breaks down the biggest misconceptions about hiring disabled workers and why inclusion matters.
myrockindisabledlife.org/2024/10/20/m...
#disabilityrights
What if living authentically with chronic illness isn’t about being bold—but about not abandoning yourself?
New post on the quiet, complicated truth of showing up as you are.
#chronicillness #spoonie #disabledvoices
bit.ly/48F2Jc2
New post on the quiet, complicated truth of showing up as you are.
#chronicillness #spoonie #disabledvoices
bit.ly/48F2Jc2
What It Really Means to Live Authentically With Chronic Illness—And Why It’s So Hard to Do
Discover what it really means to live authentically with chronic illness—and why it’s so challenging to let go of expectations.
bit.ly
September 30, 2025 at 3:33 PM
What if living authentically with chronic illness isn’t about being bold—but about not abandoning yourself?
New post on the quiet, complicated truth of showing up as you are.
#chronicillness #spoonie #disabledvoices
bit.ly/48F2Jc2
New post on the quiet, complicated truth of showing up as you are.
#chronicillness #spoonie #disabledvoices
bit.ly/48F2Jc2
September is Pain Awareness Month 💜 Living with chronic pain isn’t always visible—and that’s what makes it so often misunderstood. Community, advocacy, and compassion matter more than ever.
#PainAwarenessMonth
#PainAwarenessMonth
September 26, 2025 at 2:05 PM
September is Pain Awareness Month 💜 Living with chronic pain isn’t always visible—and that’s what makes it so often misunderstood. Community, advocacy, and compassion matter more than ever.
#PainAwarenessMonth
#PainAwarenessMonth
The hardest part of chronic illness fatigue isn’t always the crash itself. It’s the spiral that follows—guilt, shame, feeling like you’ve failed.
Your worth isn’t measured by your energy level. A bad day doesn’t erase your reliability, your care, or your value.
#ChronicIllness #SpoonieLife
Your worth isn’t measured by your energy level. A bad day doesn’t erase your reliability, your care, or your value.
#ChronicIllness #SpoonieLife
September 25, 2025 at 3:08 PM
The hardest part of chronic illness fatigue isn’t always the crash itself. It’s the spiral that follows—guilt, shame, feeling like you’ve failed.
Your worth isn’t measured by your energy level. A bad day doesn’t erase your reliability, your care, or your value.
#ChronicIllness #SpoonieLife
Your worth isn’t measured by your energy level. A bad day doesn’t erase your reliability, your care, or your value.
#ChronicIllness #SpoonieLife
Anaphylaxis is terrifying on its own—add a rare reaction to a chronic illness treatment, and it’s a whole new level.
This powerful story from @achronicvoice sheds light on the risks, the aftermath, and the resilience it takes to keep going.
This powerful story from @achronicvoice sheds light on the risks, the aftermath, and the resilience it takes to keep going.
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.
buff.ly
September 25, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Anaphylaxis is terrifying on its own—add a rare reaction to a chronic illness treatment, and it’s a whole new level.
This powerful story from @achronicvoice sheds light on the risks, the aftermath, and the resilience it takes to keep going.
This powerful story from @achronicvoice sheds light on the risks, the aftermath, and the resilience it takes to keep going.
Energy crashes aren’t just physical—they take an emotional toll too. The guilt, shame & self-doubt can feel heavier than the fatigue itself.
I wrote about how I stopped blaming myself for unpredictable energy & started rebuilding self-trust.
Read here 👉 bit.ly/42tPzLp
#ChronicIllness #SpoonieLife
I wrote about how I stopped blaming myself for unpredictable energy & started rebuilding self-trust.
Read here 👉 bit.ly/42tPzLp
#ChronicIllness #SpoonieLife
The Emotional Toll of Unpredictable Energy (And How I Stopped Blaming Myself)
Learn how to manage the emotional toll of fatigue and build self-trust with chronic illness energy management.
bit.ly
September 23, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Energy crashes aren’t just physical—they take an emotional toll too. The guilt, shame & self-doubt can feel heavier than the fatigue itself.
I wrote about how I stopped blaming myself for unpredictable energy & started rebuilding self-trust.
Read here 👉 bit.ly/42tPzLp
#ChronicIllness #SpoonieLife
I wrote about how I stopped blaming myself for unpredictable energy & started rebuilding self-trust.
Read here 👉 bit.ly/42tPzLp
#ChronicIllness #SpoonieLife
Chronic pain isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, mental, and deeply complex.
This post explores the layers of living with pain that others often overlook, and why compassion matters more than ever. Read it here:
ift.tt/lMZeRH1
This post explores the layers of living with pain that others often overlook, and why compassion matters more than ever. Read it here:
ift.tt/lMZeRH1
September 16, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Chronic pain isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, mental, and deeply complex.
This post explores the layers of living with pain that others often overlook, and why compassion matters more than ever. Read it here:
ift.tt/lMZeRH1
This post explores the layers of living with pain that others often overlook, and why compassion matters more than ever. Read it here:
ift.tt/lMZeRH1