Hey hey, ChILL fam! Welcome to the fifth edition of The ChILLness Chronicles. Can you believe we’ve already made it to June? We’re officially halfway through the year, and if that feels wild to you, just know you’re not alone.

This is your gentle reminder: There’s no need to sprint just because the calendar flipped. Don’t let urgency talk you out of your peace. You don’t have to catch up, make up, or overdo. You just have to keep moving forward — one intentional step at a time. (These are words I myself need to hear.)

As always, I hope this little corner of the internet leaves you feeling seen, encouraged, and a little more grounded. You got this.

Comment at the bottom of this newsletter and tell me: What’s one word or intention that captures how you’re really feeling stepping into the second half of the year — whether it’s hope, exhaustion, curiosity, or anything in between. I’m holding space for all of it, and I’d love to hear it!

Family Is Still My Foundation

We often talk about the importance of chosen family — especially in the chronic illness space, where not everyone has supportive relatives. But there’s also something worth honoring about the roots we came from — whether they’ve been steady and nourishing, or complicated and still in process. For me, that weekend was a gift. A reminder that family, when it’s good, feeds your spirit.

For My Fellow Chronically Ill Thrivers:

I know family dynamics aren’t always simple. And I know travel, overstimulation, and overextending can come at a cost. But if you’re in a season where connection feels possible — here are a few gentle takeaways:

• Let joy interrupt your schedule. Sometimes, what you need isn’t another appointment or deadline met — it’s belly laughs with your siblings and a plate of your mama’s food.

• Take the photo. Even if you’re tired. Even if you’re not feeling your best. Memories matter more than perfection.

• Rest before and after. Being with family can be both energizing and draining — it’s okay to plan downtime around it.

• Speak your needs out loud. Let folks know what helps you feel comfortable, whether it's needing a break from the crowd or help managing your meds.

• Savor the small stuff. A shared joke, a silent hug, a moment of understanding — those quiet moments often do the loudest healing.

Chronic illness can make us feel like we have to go it alone. But we were never meant to carry everything by ourselves. Lean in. Ask for help. Make space for love — even if it looks different now than it did before.

Because whether it’s your birth family, chosen family, or a blend of both — being seen, held, and known? That’s the kind of medicine that doesn’t come in a bottle.

Meet Ashley B.

@_AshleysAnatomy
https://ashleysanatomy.com/
Atlanta, GA

Give us the highlights — who you are, what you’re into, and how does your chronic illness fit into your story?
I’m Ashley B., the founder of Ashley’s Anatomy — a blog I created in 2017 after being diagnosed with the rare autoimmune disease Myasthenia Gravis (MG). What started as a personal outlet has grown into a platform where I share the realities of living with chronic illness while celebrating my love for natural hair and beauty. I’m a writer for WebMD, an advocate for the chronic illness community, and the owner of Ashtrology, a scent-centered business designed to uplift and inspire. Through storytelling, self-care, and scent, I aim to empower others to find beauty and strength in every part of their journey.

How does your illness/disability manifest? What are your main symptoms?
Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune disease that affects how your nerves and muscles communicate, leading to muscle weakness. I like to explain it this way: Imagine your brain is trying to send a message to your muscles; like telling your legs to walk, but the signal gets lost, like a bad phone connection. My symptoms show up as blurry vision, droopy eyelids, slurred speech, chronic fatigue, and muscle weakness; especially when I use the same muscles over and over. MG affects muscles I can normally control, and on tough days, even simple tasks can feel exhausting.

What’s a small victory you’ve celebrated recently, and how did it make you feel?
A recent small victory I’m proud to celebrate is the relaunch of my scent shop, Ashtrology, and the debut of Crown Scents: a new line of hair-safe fragrances designed to uplift and empower. The response to the launch has been overwhelmingly positive, and I’m deeply grateful for the outpouring of support. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see my vision come to life and to know that others are enjoying the products I’ve poured so much love into.

What’s the most unexpected lesson your chronic illness/disability has taught you?
An unexpected lesson my chronic illness journey has taught me is that sometimes, resting is the most powerful thing you can do. In a world that glorifies constant productivity, learning to slow down and honor my body’s needs has been both challenging and transformative.

What’s your “daily non-negotiable” for staying in tune with your health and happiness?
A daily non-negotiable for maintaining my health and happiness is starting my day with morning meditation and movement. I don’t begin tackling anything until I’ve taken a moment to center myself and gather my thoughts; it sets the tone for everything that follows.

Who or what inspires you to keep going, even when things feel impossible?
When things feel impossible, it’s my cats and my community that keep me grounded. Their presence, love, and support remind me that I’m never alone on this journey.

What makes you poppin’?
I bring a rare blend of realness, resilience, and radiance. From navigating life with a chronic illness to creating spaces that celebrate beauty, healing, and authenticity. I show up fully, flaws and all. Whether I’m writing, creating, or connecting with my community, I lead with heart, purpose, and a touch of magic that’s uniquely me.

What’s your guilty pleasure self-care splurge?
Monthly massages.

🛍️ Product of the Month: Thank God I’m Poppin’ Crewneck

The new and improved Thank God I’m Poppin’ Crewneck is here — and babyyy, it’s giving bold, radiant, and chronically unbothered. With a creamy base and marigold tones that pop like springtime joy, this piece isn’t just a cozy staple — it’s a declaration. Shoulder-to-shoulder confidence. And a vibe that says, “My story is powerful, and I wear it well.” This one’s for the Spoonie who owns every room.

📚 Relevant Reads: June 2025

🎥 Currently Watching

📅 June 2025 Calendar

• 🎶 African American Music Appreciation Month

• 🧠 Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

• 🍉 Fresh Fruits And Vegetables Month

• 🤕 Migraine and Headache Awareness Month

• 🩺 Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month

• 🌈 Pride Month

• 🩻 Scoliosis Awareness Month

• 💗 Scleroderma Awareness Month

• 🎗️ 13: International Albinism Awareness Day

• 👨🏾 15: Father’s Day

• 🛫 18: National Wanna Get Away Day

• ✊🏾 19: Juneteenth

• 🩸 19: World Sickle Cell Day

• ☀️ 20: Summer Solstice

• 🧘🏾‍♀️ 21: International Day of Yoga

• 🧉 21: National Smoothie Day

• 💜 25: World Vitiligo Day

• 🕶️ 27: Sunglasses Day

• 👗 30: National OOTD Day

• 📲 30: Social Media 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. 💛