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.

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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.

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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.

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Welcome to today’s episode where I’m tackling the biggest myth in the wellness industry: the idea that you can "just think positive" and bam—instant peace and perfect health! It’s not that simple, and in fact, that kind of toxic positivity is doing more harm than good. I’m starting off by discussing why honesty with yourself is the real secret to inner peace (sorry, but "good vibes only" just doesn’t cut it). And because we all know the wellness world loves a good "quick fix," we’ll also dive into how we can kick the pressure to be "always happy" to the curb, especially when living with chronic illness. Plus, stick around for a guided visualization exercise to help you discover a more peaceful, real version of yourself.

In this episode, I talk about:

• What peace really is and why it’s so important for navigating chronic illness
• The lie that is toxic positivity and how it throws us out of alignment
• A visualization exercise to define what peace is for you

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https://joymuckclub.com/blog/If you've ever set a goal, then immediately needed a nap, this episode is for you. Today I’m diving into the not-so-glamorous (but totally badass) world of goal-setting while living with chronic illness. Whether you're dealing with fatigue, flares, brain fog, or the occasional existential crisis, I’ve got tips, tricks, and some real talk to help you push through mental blocks without pushing yourself over the edge.

In This Episode, I Cover:

• Why mental blocks hit differently when your body’s already doing the most
• Journaling prompts to discover and move past those blocks
• The art of setting realistic AF goals that still feel exciting and honor where you are
• Why patience is the hardest and most important component in achieving goals with chronic illness

If it’s been a while since you let yourself plan for the future, I invite you to give it a try again. You deserve to still have dreams and goals, and I know we can get you there together!

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If you’ve been living with chronic illness, you know how easy it is to put your dreams on pause — or feel like you don’t have space for them anymore. In this episode, I’m talking about what it means to let yourself dream again — not in spite of your illness, but alongside it. Whether you’re just beginning to wonder what if? again, or you’re deep in the process of rebuilding, this episode is a reminder: your dreams still matter — and they’re allowed to look different than they did before.

We’ll explore:

• Why dreaming and goal-setting can feel so vulnerable when your body doesn’t always cooperate
• How to reconnect with desire, imagination, and possibility — even if it’s been a long time
• And I’ll go through a set of journaling prompts to help you start exploring and finding new dreams

This conversation is part gentle pep talk, part practical strategy session — for anyone who's ready to start imagining more for themselves, one doable step at a time.

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https://joymuckclub.com/blog/In today’s episode, we dive deep into the journey of self-discovery, particularly after experiencing major life changes like illness. How do you regain your footing when life as you knew it is disrupted? It can feel disorienting when we're faced with something that shakes our identity, but there’s an opportunity to rebuild and redefine who we are. In this episode, I explore the need to redefine your sense of self, the importance of understanding your core values, and how to align your life with those values in a meaningful way. Plus, I walk you through a hands-on exercise to help you identify and define your core values, setting the stage for a more purposeful and aligned life.

Key Takeaways:

• Redefining Your Sense of Self is Essential After Major Life Changes
• Core Values Are Your Foundation
• Core Values Help You Navigate Tough Times
• Identifying Your Core Values Is a Simple, Yet Powerful Exercise

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In this empowering episode, I dive into the crucial practice of separating your chronic illness from your identity. It’s easy to let your illness become who you are, but we discuss why this can limit your potential and prevent you from reaching your full capacity for growth, dreams, and healing.

In this episode, I cover:

• The impact of illness on identity: How chronic illness can sometimes feel like it defines you, and why it’s important to see yourself as more than your diagnosis.
• The dangers of becoming your illness: Why identifying as your illness can block personal growth and limit your future possibilities.
• Creating space for dreams and goals: How separating your illness from your identity can free you to pursue your passions, ambitions, and true self.
• A creative exercise: Learn how to “meet” your chronic illness monster through a fun and therapeutic drawing exercise. By externalizing your illness as a monster, you can start to shift your relationship with it and gain back control over your life.

I hope this episode inspires you to redefine your relationship with your illness and take steps toward living a life full of purpose and possibility.

Send me an email with any questions or comments

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