Hey, ChILL Ones! Spring has finally tiptoed in — and while the world may be shouting “new season, new you,” we’re whispering something more tender: new season, same soul, just softer. Here at The ChILLness Chronicles, we don’t believe in pressuring ourselves to bloom on anyone else’s timeline. We know that for those of us living with chronic illness, every step forward — no matter how slow or quiet — is sacred.

So as the flowers bloom and the sun lingers a little longer, I invite you to redefine what “new beginnings” look like for you. Maybe it’s resetting your boundaries. Maybe it’s waking up without guilt. Maybe it’s finally resting without the need to explain. Whatever it is, you deserve it.

We Bloom Different: Springing Forward With Chronic Illness

And I’ll be honest with you: I’ve stepped into a new beginning of my own. I’ve been quietly reimagining Poppy + Monarch, the brand I created for the chronically chill and their cherished ones, with fresh eyes and even deeper intention. Truthfully, this relaunch has taken longer than I planned. Not because I wasn’t ready, but because there were unforeseen delays. 

And in that waiting, I had to remind myself: good things — God things — take time. But taking my time allowed me to pour more intention, softness, and soul into every thread, phrase and detail. It’s better because it took longer. And I’m proud of that. You can see a sneak peek of one of my refreshed designs above.

If you’ve spent winter surviving — and let’s be honest, some seasons are just about making it through — then this is your invitation to let go of survival mode and embrace subtle renewal. The kind that doesn’t need to be broadcasted. The kind that unfolds on your terms.

Here are a few “chronically chill” ways to begin again this spring:

• 🌼 Start your mornings with stillness instead of strategy. Let silence be the first thing you greet.

• 🌼 Create space for joy, not just productivity. Your joy is medicine.

• 🌼 Revisit an old goal with fresh eyes — or let it go entirely. There’s strength in surrender.

• 🌼 Try something new ... even if it’s just a new flavor of tea or journaling outside. Small shifts count.

• 🌼 Say yes to something markedly small but wildly joyful. Wear the outfit for no reason. Plan a “fake holiday.” Romanticize your Tuesday. You don’t need a big moment to feel alive again.

And above all, remember this: You are not behind. You’re becoming. In your body’s time. In your soul’s season. And that kind of growth? It’s unstoppable.

Meet Diane “DJ Danga Dang” Palaganas

@_danga_dang
https://djdangadang.com
Long Beach, CA

Give us the highlights — who you are, what you’re into, and how does your chronic illness fit into your story?
My name is Danga. I used to be a professional dancer and dance educator. Ever since being diagnosed with MS, I had to give up my career and start a new life. I am now a DJ, podcaster, and an MS warrior living her best life with her husband, Mpact.

How does your illness/disability manifest? What are your main symptoms?
My main MS symptoms deal mostly with mobility. I struggle with spasticity, where my muscles get really stiff and spasm. It makes it very difficult to balance and walk for long distances. Sometimes I have severe chronic pain where my back, my legs, and my neck hurt a lot. I also deal with mental health issues. Sometimes I get depressed and feel really sad and hopeless. Sometimes I overthink and stress, trying to find control in everything I do.

What’s a small victory you’ve celebrated recently, and how did it make you feel?
I just kicked off my YouTube channel sharing many of my DJ mixes. Being a DJ is not just DJing at a bar. You can livestream, you can edit music, you can do purposeful events. There are so many ways to do be able to DJ and accommodate for my illness. It makes me hopeful for the future.

What’s the most unexpected lesson your chronic illness/disability has taught you?
You are not your disease. There are times I feel resentful that MS took away so much of my life. I feel resentful that it took away my joy. Every day I reclaim my joy and remember who I am. I am a strong, creative, loving, happy, joyful human being. I am a warrior!

What’s your “daily non-negotiable” for staying in tune with your health and happiness?
I always start my day with a workout. I love my elliptical machine because it is one of the only ways I am able to break a sweat. I always remember to take my time, breathe, and to never give up.

Who or what inspires you to keep going, even when things feel impossible?
My husband inspires me to keep fighting everyday. He supports me, hypes me up, listens to me, and reminds me of my worth when MS tries to blind me. It hasn’t been an easy journey. He’s been there before I was diagnosed with MS, and has helped me fight every step of the way since. I am so grateful for him.

What makes you poppin’?
All of my experiences, good and bad, make me poppin’. My experiences, the choices I make, the people I have crossed paths with have all shaped me into this unique person that I am. I am my ancestors, my village, the books I read, the music I listen to, the strength and resilience I have cultivated over the course of my life.

What’s your guilty pleasure self-care splurge?
Lindt LINDOR truffles — all the flavors!

🛍️ Product of the Month: Blessed and Highly Favored Crewneck

Introducing the reimagined Blessed and Highly Favored Crewneck — a luxe, cozy statement piece that’s as bold in faith as it is in fashion. This upgraded design pays homage to the original zip hoodie but brings a fresh, refined energy that’s perfect for the season. Crafted from a premium cotton blend, this crewneck offers a soft, breathable feel with a relaxed fit that drapes effortlessly. The front features the iconic “Hello, I’m Blessed and Highly Favored” name tag, while the back showcases the powerful declaration: “Drippin in Favor From My Designer.” This dope design is a nod to the divine craftsmanship of our Creator, reminding us that favor ain’t fair — but it’s ours to wear proudly.

📚 Relevant Reads: April 2025

🎥 Currently Watching

📅 April 2025 Calendar

• 🩺 National Minority Health Month

• 🦿Limb Difference Awareness Month

• 💙 Autism Acceptance Month/World Autism Month

• 😂 National Humor Month

• 🌿 National Garden Month

• 🎷 National Jazz Appreciation Month

• ✍🏾 National Poetry Month

• 😩 Stress Awareness Month

• ✋🏾 17: National High Five Day

• ✝️ 18: Good Friday

• 🎶 19: Record Store Day

• 🙋🏽‍♂️19: Husband Appreciation Day

• 🐣 20: Easter Sunday

• 🌍 22: Earth Day

• 🐧 25: World Penguin Day

• 💋 28: Kiss Your Mate Day

• 💃🏾 29: International Dance Day

• 💇🏾‍♀️ 30: Hairstyle Appreciation 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. 💛