Let’s be real. The world feels like it’s spinning sideways most days. The news is loud, the group chats are louder, and somehow everything’s urgent again. But here in this little corner of the internet, we’re slowing it all the way down.

At The ChILLness Chronicles, we’re making a soft but deliberate choice: to find joy anyway. In tiny ways. In quiet moments. In whatever makes us laugh, exhale, or feel a little more like ourselves.So exhale. You made it here. That counts for something.

Let this newsletter bring you a sense of calm and optimism as you read the story of Latoya Johnson from MS Scents Candle Co. in our Thank God I’m Poppin’ Spotlight, and soak in all the goodness we’ve gathered for you this month, which also happens to be World Candle Month.

You’re Still Here and That’s Worth Celebrating

But despite all of that? You're still here. And that matters. We live in a world that applauds bounce-backs and big wins. But what if the biggest win is simply not giving up on yourself? Not letting the doctor’s disbelief harden your hope. Not letting the fatigue swallow your joy. Not letting the pain convince you that you’re broken beyond repair. Not letting your health challenges sideline your progress in pursuing your dreams.

Continuing isn’t glamorous. It’s often invisible. But at Poppy + Monarch, we see you. We see you managing symptoms while chasing purpose. We see you in infusion chairs, waiting rooms, bed rest, and business meetings. We see you loving yourself out loud, even when your body doesn’t behave. And we want you to know: Just being here is more than enough.

Practical Tips for Chronic and Disabled Babes Learning to Just Continue:

• Make your bed, then lay in it proudly. Small routines can be powerful, but if all you do is make the bed and climb back in, that’s still a win.

• Let your “no” be soft but firm. Boundaries don’t need to be loud. They just need to be clear. “I can’t today” is a full sentence. So is, “No, thanks.”

• Track your energy, not your output. Spoonie life means energy is currency. Notice what drains you and what restores you. Not just what gets crossed off your list.

• Don’t just hydrate. Nourish. Whether that’s spiritual, emotional, or physical nourishment, feed your full self. A prayer, a poem, a protein shake. They all count.

• Find a “mirror” that talks back with love. That could be a best friend, a therapist, or your own journal. Somewhere safe where your reflection is always affirmed.

You’re not behind. You’re not failing. You’re adapting in real time. And that’s a win we’ll always celebrate.

What’s one small but powerful way you continue, even when it’s hard? Drop it in the comments below or respond to the email. Your everyday courage might be the reminder someone else needs today.

Meet Latoya Johnson

@msscentscandleco
www.msscentscandleco.com
Baltimore, MD

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

I’m LaToya Johnson, a woman who loves candles, coffee, and community. I created MS Scents Candle Co. to blend wellness with purpose and give back to the MS community.

I’m into building connections, sharing my story, and creating things that bring comfort and joy. Candles, fragrance, and self care are my favorite ways to do that.

I live with multiple sclerosis, but it’s only part of me. MS pushed me to slow down, listen to my body, and still show up with strength. I like to say, I have MS. MS doesn’t have me.

My illness reminds me daily to choose advocacy over pain, to laugh often, and to create beauty in the middle of challenges. It also makes me passionate about encouraging others who may be living with something invisible.

At the end of the day, I’m just a Black woman learning, growing, and lighting the way for others while keeping my own flame burning.

How does your disability manifest? What are your main symptoms?

I have something called multiple sclerosis, or MS. It’s like when the wires in a video game get a little fuzzy and the controller doesn’t always work right.

Sometimes my legs and feet feel tingly or numb, like they’ve “fallen asleep.” Walking can be tricky too, because of something called foot drop. My brain can get a little cloudy, kind of like thinking through fog.

Every once in a while, I also get a quick, sharp pain in my face, which is just another way MS shows up. Even with all that, I keep moving and keep smiling.

What’s your wellness mantra?

I have MS. MS doesn't have me!

What’s a small victory you’ve celebrated recently, and how did it make you feel?

A small victory I celebrated recently was submitting an feature article to the MS Focus magazine, where I got to share as a Black woman living with MS. That made me feel proud to further share my story and connect with others living with MS like myself.

What’s the most unexpected lesson your chronic illness/disability has taught you?

The most unexpected lesson being diagnosed with MS taught me was to take my health seriously and advocate for yourself. For many prior to being diagnosed with MS, I would have symptoms visit and I would go into the urgent care or the ER and was told it was anxiety or panic attacks, so much that over time I ignored some symptoms and issues myself. I learned to keep pushing, keep asking, keep showing up for myself and any symptoms because no one knows my body like I do.

What’s your “daily non-negotiable” for staying in tune with your health and happiness?

My daily non-negotiable is self-care. Whether it’s taking time to rest, lighting a candle, going for a walk, or just giving myself a quiet moment, I make sure I do something every day that centers me.

It keeps me in tune with my body and reminds me that caring for myself is just as important as caring for others. Walking is something I never take for granted!

Who or what inspires you to keep going, even when things feel impossible?

My dad, Wayne Johnson, inspires me to keep going. His strength, love, and the way he always believed in me remind me that I can push through anything, even when life feels impossible.

What’s your guilty pleasure self-care splurge?

Anything beauty (makeup) or skin care. I secretly wanted to be an esthetician and makeup artist growing up.

🛍️ Product of the Month: Fatigued & Fly Girl Gang Denim Jacket

Tap into your truth and wear the Fatigued & Fly Girl Gang Denim Jacket boldly. The Fatigued & Fly Girl Gang Denim Jacket is your next-level armor: a wearable anthem for chronic illness thrivers who still show up, shine bright, and sparkle — yes, even on the hardest days. Faux pearl‑studded from chest pockets to collar (front and back included!), it’s a bold declaration: “I may be tired, but I’m still thriving. And I look gorgeous doing it.” Plus, it’s the perfect landing spot for the Fatigued & Fly Girl Gang Enamel Pin. And while we’re at it, round out the look with the companion tote bag.

📚 Relevant Reads: September 2025

🎥 Currently Watching

📅 September 2025 Calendar

• 🩸Blood Cancer Awareness Month

• 🎉 Hispanic Heritage Month

• ♥️ National Sickle Cell Awareness Month

• ♋ Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

• 💆🏾‍♀️ Self-Improvement Month

• 🎗️ Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

• 🧠 World Alzheimer’s Month

• 🕯️ World Candle Month

• 🔎 20: Locate An Old Friend Day

• 👩‍❤️‍👨 20: Love and Friendship Day

• 🧹 20: National Cleanup Day

• 💃🏾 20: National Dance Day

• 👰🏾‍♀️ 21: Wife Appreciation Day

• 🧑🏽‍💼 22: Business Women’s Day

• 🐘 22: Elephant Appreciation Day

• 🍁 22: First Day of Autumn / Fall Equinox

• 🤟🏾 23: International Day of Sign Languages

• 🦵🏽 23: Restless Legs Awareness Day

• ⁉️ 24: National Punctuation Day

• 🏋🏾‍♀️ 24: National Women’s Health and Fitness Day

• 👧🏾 25: National Daughters Day

• 🎶 25: National One-Hit Wonders Day

• 💌 26: Love Note Day

• 🙏🏾 26: National Day of Praise and Worship

• 👵🏽 27: Ancestor Appreciation Day

• 💖 29: World Heart Day

• 🎙️ 30: International Podcast 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. 💛