Hey, ChILL Ones! March is here, and with it comes a time that holds deep meaning for so many of us — MS Awareness Month and Autoimmune Awareness Month. Whether you’ve been on this journey for years or are still finding your footing, I want you to know that you’re seen, you’re valued, and you are not alone.

Living with a chronic illness is no small feat, and yet, here you are — pushing forward, adapting, thriving in ways that only those who truly understand can appreciate. This month is about raising awareness but it’s also about honoring our resilience, our community, and the ways we continue to show up for ourselves despite the challenges. It’s also about honoring the full spectrum of resilience, which includes both movement and rest. Yes, we must learn when to push forward and when to pause, and know when to slow down, when to recharge, and when to give ourselves grace.

At Poppy + Monarch, we believe in celebrating every victory, big or small. So as we step into this month, I hope you take a moment to acknowledge your strength, rest when you need to, and embrace the joy that still exists in the midst of it all. You deserve that and so much more.

Here’s to us and the stories we continue to write. 🧡

With love & ChILL vibes,

Celebrating in Spite of It All: Finding Joy in the Hard Things

The fatigue, the uncertainty, the way my body sometimes betrays me — it’s all real. But what’s also real is my choice to see the beauty in the midst of it all. To honor the fact that even on the hard days, I’m still showing up. I’m still building. I’m still pursuing my purpose.

As a business owner running Poppy + Monarch and working with We Are ILL, my plate is full. Some days, it overflows. And yet, every year, I carve out space to celebrate this perfectly imperfect journey, because I refuse to let the hard parts drown out the joy.

This year was no different. I marked my seventh MS anniversary on Sunday at Lost, Issa Rae’s new rooftop bar in Downtown LA, surrounded by my good friends Linda and Lola. We laughed, we toasted, we reminisced. It was a moment of pure gratitude — one that reminded me just how far I’ve come.

Celebrating doesn’t mean ignoring the struggle. It means honoring the journey, embracing the growth, and acknowledging that even in the darkest moments, there is light. There is hope. There is still so much life to be lived.

How to Celebrate During Difficult Times

If you’re going through a tough season, I want to remind you: Don’t wait until everything is perfect to celebrate. Joy isn’t just for the easy days. It belongs to you in the midst of it all. Here are some ways to find and embrace celebration, no matter what you're facing:

• Acknowledge your wins, big or small. Whether it’s making it through a tough week or hitting a personal milestone, take a moment to recognize your progress.

• Create a celebration ritual. This could be treating yourself to a nice meal, lighting a candle in gratitude and basking in the calming aromas, or playing your favorite song and dancing in your living room like no one’s watching.

• Surround yourself with people who uplift you. Invite friends or family to celebrate with you, even if it’s just a virtual toast or a heartfelt conversation.

• Do something that brings you joy. Whether it’s a spa day, baking your favorite sweet treat, a creative project, or simply taking a walk in nature with your fur baby, choose an activity that makes you feel good.

• Give yourself grace. If celebrating looks different for you this year, that’s okay. The point is to honor yourself in a way that feels right.

Find your moment. Take up space. Lift your glass to your own resilience. You deserve it. Cin cin!

Here’s to celebrating in spite of it all. 🎉

Meet Tiana Sherrod

@flowtious_soul_yoga
https://flowtioussoulyoga.com
Durham, NC

Give us the highlights — who you are, what you’re into, and how does your chronic illness fit into your story?

I’m an entrepreneur/business owner, yoga instructor (Flowtious Soul Yoga), holistic trauma therapist (The Healing Corner), and MS ambassador. At my core, I’m someone who’s deeply committed to wellness, connection, and personal growth. I believe in showing up as my true self and creating space for others to do the same. Life has always been about exploration for me — whether that’s dancing, reading, traveling, crocheting, or spending time in nature. I find joy in the simple things and romanticize myself as much as possible. I’m all about cultivating balance, authenticity, and self-discovery in everything I do.

Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) is part of my story, but it doesn’t define me. MS has been a powerful teacher, showing me how to embrace uncertainty and adapt when things feel out of my control. It's offered me the gift of learning to slow down, to listen to my body, and to honor the moments when I need to rest. At the same time, it’s given me an even deeper appreciation for my work and curating spaces for self-care and wellness — whether I’m guiding a yoga class, supporting clients in therapy, or speaking to others about my MS journey. Yoga became one of my anchors through all of this. It taught me to find stillness, to breathe through the discomfort, and to reclaim strength even on the days when my body feels weak.

MS is a challenge, but it’s not my only story. It’s a part of the narrative I carry with me as I continue to grow, learn, and show up for the people around me. Through it all, I’m finding my power in the messiness and turning my test into my testimony.

How does your illness/disability manifest? What are your main symptoms?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is like a glitch in my body’s communication system. Normally, your brain tells the rest of your body what to do — like telling your hands to move or your legs to walk. But with MS, the signals get scrambled sometimes and send mixed messages. This makes me feel weak, tired, pain, migraines, electric shocks or even feel numbness in different parts of my body. I also can’t think as clearly as I want to sometimes or not able to find the right words.

It’s not the same every day. Some days I feel fine, like I can conquer the world, and other days, I might need to rest more — especially if I overdo it.

What’s your wellness mantra?
I have a few wellness mantras that guide me through each day. “Rest is productive” reminds me that taking time to recharge is just as essential as being active and working hard. I’ve learned not to let hustle culture bully me into submission. “Honor what feels good in your body” encourages me to listen to my body’s needs and make decisions that support my overall health, regardless of what’s on my to-do list. “Give yourself grace” helps me be kind to myself and extend compassion, especially on the difficult days. And last but not least …

What’s a small victory you’ve celebrated recently, and how did it make you feel?
A small victory I celebrated recently was finding a rhythm in balancing my work, self-care, and personal time. With all of the roles I take on, it’s easy to get swept up in the hustle. I’ve made a conscious effort to honor my need for rest and play because I need both. This shift has allowed me to recharge more fully and be more present for both my clients and my personal life. It’s a victory that brings me peace and a sense of accomplishment because I can't effectively live if Im running myself into the ground. As a business owner, I need this. Especially when I promote balance to the people I serve. I strive to practice what I preach. It’s not about perfection — it’s about showing up as I am, honoring what feels good, and accepting that balance is a continual process.

What’s the most unexpected lesson your chronic illness has taught you?
The most unexpected lesson my chronic illness has taught me is the power of surrender. Before MS, I believed I had to be in control of everything, that strength meant pushing through no matter what. But MS has forced me to let go of that rigid mindset. I’ve learned that true strength comes from listening to my body, embracing vulnerability, and giving myself permission to rest and adapt when needed. MS has shown me that surrendering doesn’t mean giving up — it means finding peace in the uncertainty and allowing myself to flow with life rather than fight against it. This lesson has transformed how I approach both my health and my work, teaching me that there is wisdom in listening and a deeper strength in embracing the unknown.

What’s your “daily non-negotiable” for staying in tune with your health and happiness?
My daily non-negotiable for staying in tune with my health and happiness is my morning routine. I no longer let myself get up and go off vibes alone. Before I focus on or serve anyone else, I’ve learned the importance of intentionally centering my mind, body, and spirit. I start by reading my devotionals, followed by meditation to ground myself. I then reflect on my daily affirmations and set clear intentions for how I want the day to unfold. I remind myself that happiness is a choice, and this routine helps me choose peace, focus, and joy each day. It’s my sacred time to connect with myself and affirm that I’m worthy of both the inner calm and the energy I want to bring into the world.

Who or what inspires you to keep going, even when things feel impossible?
I’m constantly inspired by the incredible women in my life. I’m surrounded by some boss women — my girls motivate me like no other. They are my support system, always reminding me of who I am, what I have to offer, and my purpose in this world. There are times when I get wrapped up in perfectionism, anxiety, or find myself stuck in my head. But my friends offer me the space to be human and embrace the messiness of life. They encourage me to ask for help and not take the weight on alone, which is sometimes easier said than done, especially as an eldest daughter. They give me the encouragement I need to keep going, while also giving me room to breathe and heal. My mother, too, is one of my biggest cheerleaders — supporting all my wild and crazy dreams. She’s always been my rock, showing me unwavering support and love as I walk in my purpose — on purpose.

What makes you poppin’?
What makes me poppin’ is my ability to show up authentically, no matter the situation. I’ve learned that embracing my flaws, letting go of the fear of being seen or perceived, and celebrating my strengths is what makes me stand out. Whether I’m curating an event, leading a yoga class, guiding someone through a tough therapy session, or just hanging out with my friends, I bring all of myself. I find beauty in the small moments and seek joy in even the simplest things. I’m a mix of creativity, compassion, and resilience, always looking for ways to grow, connect, and inspire.

I’m constantly evolving, but something that will always remain true is my mission to empower others to honor themselves in all their messiness too. One thing I will do is romanticize my life. I have to remind myself that I’m really that girl! I love to laugh and bring lightness where I can, because I believe joy is just as important as everything else. I often tell my clients, joy is a part of the work too. And through it all, I’m honoring my testimony — the lessons, growth, and resilience that have shaped me into who I am today.

🛍️ Product of the Month: Feeling MySelf (FMS) Sweatshirt

This Feeling MySelf (FMS) Sweatshirt is a metaphoric hug to the mighty MS Warriors out there. You may have MS, but that doesn’t mean you don’t shine in your own way. Feeling MySelf, Fight MS, Find My Smile — no matter how you frame it, multiple sclerosis ain’t stopping no show! The heart shape subliminally sends love and a warm hug to all who have been affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). The bright orange center features arms and hands positioned like a hug, surrounded by positive phrases, each including the FMS acronym.

📚 Relevant Reads: March 2025

🎥 Currently Watching

📅 March 2025 Calendar

• 🧡 MS Awareness Month

• 😷 Autoimmune Awareness Month

• 💁🏽‍♀️ Women’s History Month

• 🧠 Bipolar Awareness Month

• 🫘 Kidney Awareness Month

• 🩸 Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month

• 💤 14: World Sleep Day

• 📖 19: International Read to Me Day

• ✍🏾 21: World Poetry Day

• 😁 20: International Day of Happiness

• 📝 20: World Storytelling Day

• 🦭 22: International Day of the Seal

• 🥃 27: International Whisk(e)y Day

• 🩺 30: National Doctors’ Day

• 🎭 30: World Bipolar Day

💌 Friendly Reminder

✨ The ChILLness Chronicles is a cozy corner of the internet, created with love for the chronically chill and their cherished ones. Every post is a gentle reminder that life doesn’t stop with a diagnosis — you can still create, dream, and thrive on your own terms. And, of course, community makes the journey lighter. If this space speaks to you, consider subscribing to receive new posts and support this work — then share this edition with a friend who could use a little extra ChILL in their life. 💛