2023-03-07 06:09
Coach Jenni Grover offers a handful of techniques to unlearn comparisonitis, the compulsion to compare ourselves with others. Follow along to learn how you can manage your triggers, practice… Read More
Blog Directory > Health & Fitness Blogs > ChronicBabe health-and-fitness Blog >
Chronicbabe Blog
chronicbabe.com
Tags:
coach jenni grover
coach jenni
acircmeditative forestacirc
epic hexie
wellness
mental health
fierce warrior energy
creative resilience
focus
resilience
For young women with chronic illness who want to live their best lives...as Babes!
2023-03-06 09:56
At the core of my wellness coaching for makers is a concept I call the “five threads of wellness.” I’d like to share the concept in depth, along with an example from my own… Read More
2023-03-04 19:10
Creative resilience is getting in touch with your innate creativity, growing it as a strength, and using it as a tool to solve problems. This post defines the concept more deeply and offers… Read More
2023-02-27 17:22
Coach Jenni Grover shares how she chose and uses a “deadline album” to break through creative blocks. She explains how to choose your own, how to use it, and how to make sure it… Read More
2023-02-24 16:55
Coach Jenni Grover shares a story of a quilt “fail” that some would have considered a disaster. Her approach to letting go of perfectionism helped her love the quilt even with it… Read More
2023-02-21 16:39
Coach Jenni Grover offers 60 ways to boost creativity starting today, plus a handful of questions to consider when you’re feeling creatively tapped out. This post will jumpstart your c… Read More
2023-02-17 22:48
Coach Jenni Grover shares an exercise to cultivate new energy and create a mindset shift to help you feel stronger in difficult situations. She uses the Buddhist deity Shukongojin as her exa… Read More
2023-02-14 22:15
Jenni Grover, wellness coach for makers, explains how she has used focus groups to develop her work projects. She also provides 11 top tips on how to run a focus group so creative people can… Read More
2023-02-09 21:37
“Meditative Forest” is a meditation for beginners by coach Jenni Grover. She also offers guidance on getting started with meditation, things people often get wrong, best practice… Read More
2023-02-06 17:49
Coach Jenni Grover provides dozens of tips for maintaining your mental health during holidays and special occasions. She also shares a 1-hour conversation she had with renowned quilter Suzy… Read More
2019-06-18 15:45
everything i’ve created in ChronicBabe is for you. i started this project 15 years ago, aiming to make the resources i needed when *i* was first diagnosed at the age of 25… and… Read More
2019-05-01 13:09
It’s been raining a lot here in Skokie, the village I now call home since we moved a few minutes north of Chicago’s north side to gain more space and a backyard for gardening… Read More
2019-04-30 16:18
I don’t go to church, but I imagine that it feels a bit like how I felt at the HealtheVoices 2019 Conference a couple weeks ago. A deep sense of comfort and belonging. A common belief… Read More
2019-04-10 16:07
A quick note to share that today, I’m on Callie’s Chronically Well podcast, talking about creativity and chronic illness. The episode is here, or you can find it in any podcastin… Read More
2019-04-10 15:38
For a few years now, social media has taken over. When I started ChronicBabe, Facebook didn’t exist. Neither did YouTube, or Twitter, or Pinterest, or Instagram, or Tik Tok, or…… Read More
2019-03-28 15:45
do you miss feeling connected?
sometimes i do, too. and when i do, i try to make an extra effort to reach out to people and say hello. one way i do that is by sending snail mail. it&rsquo&hell…Read More
2018-12-19 20:53
It’s the winter holidays, and this time of year, many of us with chronic illness feel extra blue. We may not be able to travel because of our illnesses, or we may have less money to sp… Read More
2018-10-02 15:30
Babes, I am SO excited to share that the new ChronicBabe membership program is here: the ChronicBabe Academy!
This membership program replaces the Secret Club membership program. While I lov… Read More
2018-08-28 19:24
Salix Pharmaceuticals provided me with a stipend and paid for my travel and accommodations related to the event. However, all opinions are my own.
Most people I meet hate talking about poop… Read More
2018-08-15 17:04
Last week, I had the honor of speaking at an event organized by Katy Brennan for Suffering the Silence, where a bunch of women stood in a room together and talked about how they’re liv… Read More
2018-07-24 16:10
Hi! I’m doing something I don’t usually do today, and that is beg for you to tell other people you like me. The WEGO Health Awards are happening again (I’ve won a few in pr… Read More
2018-06-20 16:02
Do you struggle to make your mornings meaningful? Are you feeling frustrated because you’re not getting enough done early in the day, and you run out of steam by the afternoon? (I rela… Read More
2018-06-14 15:27
The other day, I sent an #AWAPwednesday email (sign up here if you’re not getting them) about “starting over” when we have chronic illness, and I think the piece belongs he… Read More
2018-05-02 14:18
SPOILER ALERT: I was NOT having a heart attack.
Last night, I was taking a shower when I had a sudden searing, clenching pain in my chest that took my breath away. It lasted for a couple min… Read More
2018-04-18 20:35
It’s not easy to talk to folks about being in a flare-up: being in constant pain, experiencing unyielding fatigue, spending hours on the toilet every day, having daily anxiety attacks… Read More
2018-02-21 22:22
Sometimes, we need to come back to a foundational practice, one which I’ve learned is just that—a daily practice. I’m talking about acceptance, one of the most powerful too… Read More
2018-02-14 19:12
Hi! It’s been a little while since I posted on my blog; the winter holidays kept me busy, I’ve traveled a lot since then, and I’m coping with a handful of acute health issu… Read More
2017-11-28 18:35
It’s always great to meet a fellow ChronicBabe who’s managed to craft a career despite serious illness. Noëlle Janka is that kind of woman; she lives with chronic lyme disea… Read More
2017-11-15 23:12
It’s mid-afternoon, and I’ve got a roaring headache. My phone just crashed in the middle of an important call. My back is sore, and I’ve still got tons of work to do—… Read More
2017-11-09 22:44
I used to really dread making it through the winter holidays with chronic illness. And I do mean “making it through”—that was the best I could hope for, never mind act… Read More
2017-11-08 16:57
Last week, I had a super-aggravating experience related to what my husband, Joe, and I jokingly refer to as one of my “fibro super powers.” But luckily, it ended in the kind of v… Read More
2017-11-07 21:15
A few months ago, I stumbled across an Instagram account that was just irresistible. Mary is a strong, creative, energetic, authentic woman talking about the benefits (and challenges) of pra… Read More
2017-11-02 14:31
Now that ChronicBabe 101 is published, I have a little more breathing room—and I want to celebrate with you!
I’m hosting a book party on Sunday, November 12 from 1-5pm in Chicago… Read More
2017-09-25 11:00
I’ll make this quick:
My new book—ChronicBabe 101: How to Craft an Incredible Life Beyond Illness—is on sale today!
Head to ChronicBabe101.com right now to buy a print copy… Read More
2017-09-25 11:00
The ChronicBabe book—ChronicBabe 101: How to Craft an Incredible Life Beyond Illness—is on sale today!
After a few years of work, I’m thrilled to offer the first-ever Chron… Read More
2017-09-21 18:13
I’m so lucky to announce that my friend Tami Stackelhouse, the Fibromyalgia Coach, is hosting a book release party for me on September 25, at 5pm ET, 4pm CT, 2pm PT. So fun!
Join… Read More
2017-09-21 14:32
Friends, I am THRILLED to announce that my new book, ChronicBabe 101: How to Craft an Incredible Life Beyond Illness, comes out September 25. Woo hoo! To be the FIRST to know when it’s… Read More
2017-08-30 21:41
Yesterday, I was relaxing in the hot tub at my gym. I had just completed an hour of strenuous water movement class, and my body was like WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO ME…so the hot tub was an… Read More
2017-08-25 21:02
I’ve been away for a bit, and a few of you have checked in to see that I’m okay—thank you! I’m just fine (well, I’m exhausted, but happy.)
The project I’v… Read More
2017-06-01 01:17
I was shopping today at Target and had a strong emotional reaction to some gym shorts.
All the women’s workout shorts were very short. As in: my derriere would be hanging out the back… Read More
2017-05-03 16:54
Babes, you know my usual way is to share lots of uplifting videos and posts, but today it’s less about uplifting and more about realism and a reminder that you are worth taking care of… Read More
2017-04-21 15:19
Hello, my friends. It’s been a while since I posted, and I wanted to give you an update—especially since a few of you have written me recently asking if I’m okay.
I’m… Read More
2017-02-15 13:14
Okay, I’ve got to remember to go to the dry cleaners, and call my health insurance about the EOB, and make sure I take my new vitamins this afternoon, and paint my nails for a photo sh… Read More
2017-02-01 20:39
Do you get tired of people asking you to justify self-care? Are you sick of answering probing questions about “what’s wrong now?” when you need to reschedule something?
Me… Read More
2017-01-25 17:26
Hello, there! I’m so happy to be back with a fresh video for the new year, all about the little things I’m doing daily to find hope:
Yesterday, I was feeling SO down. The world i… Read More
2016-11-30 18:40
Hey, sick chick! So glad you found this video. Now, press pause and go get your significant other, or your SO. I’ll wait.
OK, great! Hi there. I’m so excited to talk to BOTH of… Read More
2016-11-02 14:26
When I’m doing my morning yoga routine, I hurt. And I tend to moan and groan a little as I ease into poses. But sometimes, I get so sick of hearing myself moan and groan. And… Read More
2016-10-31 21:50
This post was guest written by Therese Kay.
What is Stone Soup?
Stone Soup is created from “nothing.” Several variations of this old folk tale exist, but here’s… Read More
2016-10-21 10:53
This time of year is the hardest seasonal transition for me. As the days grow darker and colder, I feel myself sinking into depression—and I have to work VERY hard to not let that take… Read More
2016-10-19 18:08
If you have chronic pain or illness, a decent part of your day is taken up with self-care and managing symptoms. Sometimes, you can get lost in that process, and forget that you’re als… Read More
2016-10-14 12:01
Y’all! Y’all. You’re really inspiring me with this one.
Each week, I host a community collaboration post on Facebook called Question of the Week (QOTW). This week: What&rsq&hell…Read More
2016-10-13 18:39
Hello, babelicious friends! I’m thrilled to announce ChronicBabe is up for SEVEN awards this year in the 5th Annual WEGO Health Advocate Awards. So exciting!
I need your endorsement to… Read More
2016-10-12 21:42
A lot of us are blessed with amazing friends who really want to take care of us. But sometimes, although they mean well, they cause themselves a little harm. Let me explain.
We’r… Read More
2016-10-10 12:26
This post was guest written by Dany Barrett-Santaniello.
The mysterious purple rash appeared on my upper right thigh about four months into my pregnancy. Here I was, forty-one and doin… Read More
2016-10-07 14:05
This week in our Question of the Week (QOTW)—which I post on my Facebook page—I had a little fun reading through your favorite feel-good books. I got some great ideas! Here… Read More
2016-10-05 14:50
“What if?” can really haunt us. When we live with chronic illness, every day is full of surprises, and sometimes those surprises sideline our lives. It makes planning for our lif… Read More
2016-10-03 12:10
This post was guest written by ChronicBabe Sandra Gordon.
The Olympics has just finished and we are all sitting on our couches, thinking it might just be time to get up and do something. Bu… Read More
2016-09-30 13:57
Some days, we just need a little help to de-stress. Oh, what am I saying?! Every day we need to work to de-stress! So this week, our community collab post includes tons of things y’all… Read More
2016-09-29 16:11
by Linda Kaserman, admin for Bydls.com
(editor’s note: Christine is a long-time friend of mine, and I hurt so much for her right now. She has done so much for our community and while I… Read More
2016-09-26 12:04
This post was guest written by ChronicBabe Elizabeth A. Delisi.
“He who laughs last, laughs best.” Famous saying…I don’t know who coined the phrase. I suppose it co… Read More
What’s The Worst/dumbest/most Angering Thing People Say About Your Illness? #QOTW #CommunityCollab
2016-09-22 20:02
This week, I tried an experiment. Our Questions Of The Week (QOTW) feature has been awesome this summer, and I thought I’d try asking a question about something negative (I usually go… Read More
2016-09-21 20:01
“Stealth care” is made up of all those tiny things you do throughout the day to make yourself feel better. They may not seem obvious to others, and you may not even think of them… Read More
2016-09-19 12:48
This post was guest-written by ChronicBabe Catherine Richardson.
I spent the first three years of my life with chronic illness completely unaware that I even had a chronic illness. I had da… Read More
2016-09-16 13:56
This summer, we’ve been hosting Questions Of The Week (QOTW) on our Facebook page, and it’s been great to see what our community is into! Last week, we asked: what movie do… Read More
2016-09-14 22:41
Have you ever needed to talk to a kid about your chronic illness? Not the easiest, is it? I recently got my first questions about it from one of my nieces, and I was very careful about what… Read More
2016-09-12 15:14
This summer, we’ve been hosting Questions Of The Week (QOTW) on our Facebook page, and it’s been great to see what our community is into! Last week, we asked: what’s your f… Read More
2016-09-12 12:33
This post is guest-written by Faith Cornwall.
In August of 2004 I was diagnosed with vulvodynia, a chronic pain disorder of the vulva, after what felt like five very long months. Finall… Read More
2016-09-07 12:53
Sometimes, we don’t need a lesson, or a how-to, or a pep talk. Sometimes, we just want to feel loved. Amirite?
As ChronicBabes, our lives are really hard. We have moments when we tire… Read More
2016-09-06 14:58
We’ve had such a terrific response to Kyrie-Inn’s series of emergency preparedness posts. And ironically, this babe is in the middle of the worst-hit part of Florida by Hurricane… Read More
2016-09-05 12:49
This post is guest-written by ChronicBabe HellyTheElephant.
“Pain”
It is never easy to be creative. If you have been told you are talented then there is always the fear of a… Read More
2016-09-02 23:19
This week we asked “Who’s your favorite celebrity with a chronic illness?” Sometimes it’s so nice to see people in the public eye who are open about their illness. It… Read More
2016-09-02 15:32
Special note: This is classic post appeared in 2012 on the original ChronicBabe site. And it’s an example of “getting back to the basics” we’ll be doing in the Septem… Read More
2016-09-02 12:20
A photo of you I took in August. We woke up at 5am for sunrise on the beach.
To my 17-year-old sister with Ulcerative Colitis (UC):
When you go off to college soon you will have days when y… Read More
2016-08-31 17:20
Sometimes you will just feel like crap, and no amount of pep talks from me is going to make you feel better. This is how I feel today.
No matter how much self-care you do, no matter how fait… Read More
2016-08-31 12:58
This post was guest-written by Team Blue (Kyrie-Inn Blue with help from Tao Blue, Service Dog, Canine Good Citizen; and Mijo, Service Dog In Training).
Often disabled folks are too busy t… Read More
2016-08-30 12:57
This post was guest-written by Team Blue (Kyrie-Inn Blue with help from Tao Blue, Service Dog, Canine Good Citizen; and Mijo, Service Dog In Training).
Disabled folks are often too busy t… Read More
Emergency Preparedness Issues And Solutions Series Part 1: Managing Your Phone For Crisis Situations
2016-08-29 12:54
This post was guest-written by Team Blue (Kyrie-Inn Blue with help from Tao Blue, Service Dog, Canine Good Citizen; and Mijo, Service Dog In Training).
Often disabled folks are too busy t… Read More
2016-08-26 12:20
This week’s guest post is written by ChronicBabe Christel. Christel is a blogger, certified personal trainer, bikini fitness competitor and fitness model. She has been living with type… Read More
2016-08-24 20:29
Surprise! You’re having a flare-up.
Surprise! Your insurance changed its coverage of your meds.
Sound familiar? I know it does!
Chronic illness is a daily series of surprises. Babe… Read More
2016-08-22 13:47
Post guest written by ChronicBabe Kyle Elizabeth Freeman.
It was our sixth date. I was 32, he was 40. We were roaming around one of Boston’s Italian Catholic festivals on a Satur… Read More
2016-08-19 12:46
This week we asked what water bottle do you swear by for our Question of the Week. Water bottles can be a super divisive topic and many people have specific brands they are crazy loyal to so… Read More
2016-08-17 15:04
Poop. That’s right, I said it. Poop. You can’t stop me! Poop!
We have a lot of taboos in our society, things we’re not supposed to talk about. But silence slows down progre… Read More
2016-08-15 12:12
This post was guest-written by Jennifer Kain Kilgore.
Hi! My name is Jen, and I’m a 29-year-old attorney, editor, writer, and patient advocate. I have spinal fractures from two car ac… Read More
2016-08-12 15:40
This week we asked for your favorite cocktail and mocktail recipes and you gave us some amazing ideas to try! Here are some great summer cocktail and mocktails.
Homemade Lemonade
Thanks Upa… Read More
2016-08-11 14:25
So you’ve watched yesterday’s How To Rock Your Look #AWAPwednesday video and you’re feeling inspired to get inspired! Step one of vamping up your look is drawing inspiratio… Read More
2016-08-10 14:46
One question y’all send me over and over is: How do I look less frumpy?
I get it. Many of us kind of live in PJs and sweat pants. But after a while, that’s a real drag – ki… Read More
2016-08-08 12:48
This post was guest-written by Lee-Ann Liles.
Photo taken by Lee-Ann of her island.
My health precedes my every decision. I live in Bermuda, an ideal place to work and vacation in one packag… Read More
2016-08-03 21:28
It is very easy to take the criticism of others personally. Trust me: As a public person, I receive a lot of criticism, so I’m continually learning how to NOT take it personally. In to… Read More
2016-08-01 12:07
Post written by ChronicBabe Tracy Mooney
About a year and a half ago, I was talking to one of my sewing buddies on the phone. We both have autoimmune disorders and we were discussing the w… Read More
2016-07-29 14:24
This week we asked: “What is your favorite thing a friend or family member has done for you when you’re flaring?”
Here are some of our favorite answers. Read and re-read wh… Read More
2016-07-27 17:00
Being a ChronicBabe often means we have to make sacrifices—and that can mean we spend more time managing our symptoms and less time primping and practicing good self-care.
No more! I… Read More
2016-07-25 14:48
This post is guest written by ChronicBabe Michelle R.
Hi ChronicBabes!
I’m Michelle. I’m currently attending school in Stockholm to multitask on my dreams of going back to schoo… Read More
2016-07-22 15:59
We asked, you answered! This week our Question Of The Week was “What’s your favorite podcast that gets you through the week?”
Here are some new podcasts for you to listen t… Read More
2016-07-20 12:33
Are you sick of being irritated by Facebook? Tired of getting into online arguments with jerks? Me too!
Today, I’m sharing my favorite tips for setting boundaries online so you can lov… Read More
2016-07-18 16:05
Post written by ChronicBabe Tracy Mooney
It’s been three and a half years. Three and a half years since my diagnosis, trying to learn the limits of my body, and to learn the new &ldqu&hell…Read More
2016-07-15 16:39
ChronicBabes need to take some time to indulge in self care and self love. This week we asked you What’s your favorite self-care practice?
Here are some of our favorite responses:… Read More
2016-07-14 17:42
I’m a big fan of Lisa Copen, creator of Rest Ministries. For years, she has been a beacon of light to so many people. We’ve had so many enlightening and encouraging conversations… Read More
2016-07-13 14:16
Just about everyone—chronicbabes, chronicdudes, healthy folk—struggles with asking for help. It’s not the easiest to get vulnerable, and sometimes we don’t want to fe… Read More
2016-07-11 16:04
Post written by ChronicBabe Amy Graves
In the Beginning…
I’ve dealt with different types of chronic pain for as long as I can remember. I was diagnosed with migraines and seizu… Read More
2016-07-08 16:05
Hey babes! This week’s QOTW was “What’s one thing you never leave home without?” We had a bunch of great answers and an especially funny one (that you’ll have… Read More
Subscribe to Chronicbabe
Get updates delivered right to your inbox!