On the hard days when pain, fatigue, or overwhelm take over, peace can feel out of reach. In this episode, I explore creative and gentle ways to invite peace in, especially during flare days or emotional lows. You'll learn how creativity can be a healing tool, not just a hobby, and how even the tiniest act of self-expression can create a sense of calm and grounding

I’ll also talk through some accessible, low-energy activities designed with chronic illness in mind—things you can try even when you’re stuck in bed or navigating brain fog. This episode is packed with supportive ideas to help you build your own Flare Day Toolkit.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• What a "Flare Day Toolkit" is and how to make one that actually helps

• The role of creativity in healing, processing emotion, and building resilience

• Ways to make art without any pressure or skill

• Simple, spoonie-friendly activities that foster calm (even if you have no energy)

Loved this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow spoonie or soul in need of some peace.

Interested in working with an arts therapist? Click here to find one near you

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Living with chronic illness is already exhausting — physically, emotionally, and mentally. But what happens when your own brain starts piling on with a steady stream of unhelpful, critical, or downright rude thoughts? That’s where ANTs come in — Automatic Negative Thoughts — and they’re sneaky little jerks.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• What ANTs actually are (no, not the bug kind)
• How they impact your physical and emotional health, especially with chronic illness
• How to start noticing, questioning, and gently shifting those thoughts — without toxic positivity or shame

You’ll walk away with practical ways to start quieting your inner critic, reclaim a little mental space, and give yourself the compassion you actually deserve.

Because your brain doesn’t have to be one more thing you’re fighting against.

Send me an email with any questions or comments

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If you’d like to join in the community, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook

In this episode, I talk about what acceptance really means for those living with chronic illness and why it’s not the same as giving up. I talk about how making peace with your limitations can open the door to new choices, greater empowerment, and even unexpected joy. I walk you through the simple and powerful steps to practicing acceptance no matter the situation. Acceptance isn’t resignation – it’s a courageous, compassionate step that allows you to stop fighting yourself and start living in alignment with your truth.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• What acceptance really means (and what it doesn’t)
• How resisting your reality can keep you stuck
• Why making peace with limitations is a form of empowerment
• How acceptance helps you see options you couldn’t see before
• Ways to embrace acceptance without letting go of hope for healing, change, or joy

Acceptance is the foundation for making aligned choices that support your well-being, your worth, and your joy.

Send me an email with any questions or comments

Subscribe to my Substack for an archive of all my podcast episodes and newsletters

Subscribe to the Joy Muck Club newsletter for even more great info on how to lead your healthiest and most joyful life

If you’d like to join in the community, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook