Joy Muck Club

Hey friends, This is a quick note to let you know that I'm taking a short pause with the podcast and my newsletter. In this brief episode, I let you know why and what I'll be up to in the mean time. While I'm on this pause, I would love to hear from you to know what information you want me to cover here and how I can best help you move forward to a happier and healthier life. Drop me a comment her...

Living with chronic illness can feel isolating, but you don’t have to go it alone. In this episode, I talk about building your resilience circle: the people, resources, and relationships that support you through the tough days and help you hold on to hope. From chosen family to online communities, from professionals to quiet supporters behind the scenes – your circle matters. Because resilience is...

In this episode, I’m getting real about why the body positivity movement, while helpful for some, just didn’t fit once chronic illness came into the picture. The pressure to love a body that constantly hurts, lets you down, or limits your life? Yeah, that felt like a whole new kind of shame. That’s where body neutrality comes in. I’m sharing: * Why body positivity can feel toxic or performative wh...

If the word routine makes you roll your eyes or cringe a little, you’re not alone. Most traditional advice around routines assumes a body that works the same way every day, and that’s just not the reality for those of us living with chronic illness. In this episode, we’re breaking down why rigid routines often don’t work for us and how to reimagine routines as adaptive rhythms that can flex with y...

There’s a big difference between using mindset tools to support your well-being and expecting them to magically cure you. In this episode, we’re calling out the toxic side of “mind over matter” culture and the harmful idea that your thoughts alone are responsible for your health. If you’ve ever felt guilty for not “thinking positively enough” or been told to just visualize your way out of a flare-...

On the hard days when pain, fatigue, or overwhelm take over, peace can feel out of reach. In this episode, I explore creative and gentle ways to invite peace in, especially during flare days or emotional lows. You'll learn how creativity can be a healing tool, not just a hobby, and how even the tiniest act of self-expression can create a sense of calm and grounding I’ll also talk through some acce...

In this episode, I talk about what acceptance really means for those living with chronic illness and why it’s not the same as giving up. I talk about how making peace with your limitations can open the door to new choices, greater empowerment, and even unexpected joy. I walk you through the simple and powerful steps to practicing acceptance no matter the situation. Acceptance isn’t resignation – i...

Living with chronic illness is already exhausting — physically, emotionally, and mentally. But what happens when your own brain starts piling on with a steady stream of unhelpful, critical, or downright rude thoughts? That’s where ANTs come in — Automatic Negative Thoughts — and they’re sneaky little jerks. What you’ll hear in this episode: * What ANTs actually are (no, not the bug kind) * How the...

Welcome to today’s episode where I’m tackling the biggest myth in the wellness industry: the idea that you can "just think positive" and bam —instant peace and perfect health! It’s not that simple, and in fact, that kind of toxic positivity is doing more harm than good. I’m starting off by discussing why honesty with yourself is the real secret to inner peace (sorry, but "good vibes only" just doe...

If you've ever set a goal, then immediately needed a nap, this episode is for you. Today I’m diving into the not-so-glamorous (but totally badass) world of goal-setting while living with chronic illness. Whether you're dealing with fatigue, flares, brain fog, or the occasional existential crisis, I’ve got tips, tricks, and some real talk to help you push through mental blocks without pushing yours...

If you’ve been living with chronic illness, you know how easy it is to put your dreams on pause — or feel like you don’t have space for them anymore. In this episode, I’m talking about what it means to let yourself dream again — not in spite of your illness, but alongside it. Whether you’re just beginning to wonder what if? again, or you’re deep in the process of rebuilding, this episode is a remi...

In today’s episode, we dive deep into the journey of self-discovery, particularly after experiencing major life changes like illness. How do you regain your footing when life as you knew it is disrupted? It can feel disorienting when we're faced with something that shakes our identity, but there’s an opportunity to rebuild and redefine who we are. In this episode, I explore the need to redefine yo...

In this empowering episode, I dive into the crucial practice of separating your chronic illness from your identity . It’s easy to let your illness become who you are , but we discuss why this can limit your potential and prevent you from reaching your full capacity for growth, dreams, and healing. In this episode, I cover: * The impact of illness on identity : How chronic illness can sometimes fee...

In this episode, I dive into an essential yet often overlooked part of healing after a chronic illness diagnosis: grief. Losing the old version of yourself – the person you were before your illness – can be heartbreaking. But allowing yourself to grieve is the first step to embracing joy and rebuilding a life that feels fulfilling and meaningful. We’ll explore why grief is a necessary part of the...

What if success wasn’t about meeting society’s expectations but about honoring what truly matters to you ? In this episode, we’re rewriting the rules and creating a personal definition of success—one that reflects your values, your journey, and your unique wins. We’ll dive into why tracking small victories can shift your mindset, how to notice and celebrate the good in your daily life, and journal...

In this episode, I explore the transformative power of taking time to pause and celebrate—whether it’s big accomplishments or small everyday moments. I talk about how celebration can be a game-changer in building momentum toward your goals, creating lasting habits, and improving both your physical and mental health. By making celebration a regular habit, you can not only celebrate what you’ve achi...

In this short but impactful episode, we dive into the power of celebrating yourself—especially when navigating the challenges of chronic illness. I share why it's so important to take a moment to honor yourself, even when things feel tough, and how celebrating can shift your mindset to foster healing and empowerment. We explore: * The importance of celebrating yourself and acknowledging your victo...

Living with a chronic illness means navigating unique challenges, including managing your energy, protecting your mental health, and maintaining relationships. One of the most powerful tools for thriving despite chronic illness is setting boundaries —but that can be easier said than done. In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into: ·        Why boundaries are essential for managing chronic illness...

In this episode of the Joy Muck Club podcast, I dive into the tough but crucial word: “No.” I explore why it can be so challenging to say “no,” the guilt that often follows, and how to release that guilt. If you're looking to build more strength and confidence in saying “no” to things that aren’t serving you, this episode is for you. Key topics covered: It’s hard to say “no” due to conditioning, l...

Boundaries aren’t about shutting people out – they’re about letting the right kind of love in. In this episode, we’re diving deep into why boundaries are a fundamental act of self-love, how setting and honoring them impacts your emotional well-being, and what they have to do with creating more joy in your life. If you’ve ever struggled with setting boundaries—or keeping the ones you set—this episo...

In this episode of the Joy Muck Club podcast, we explore the essential role of boundaries in building and maintaining healthy relationships. I break down the idea that boundaries aren’t walls but guidelines for how to love yourself and others in a respectful, balanced way. We’ll discuss the signs of unhealthy boundaries, including when relationships feel draining or imbalanced, and how recognizing...

In this episode of the Joy Muck Club podcast, we dive deep into the powerful and often challenging journey of loving your body when you're living with a chronic illness. We discuss the importance of redefining your sense of self-worth beyond physical health and how to release guilt about your limitations. Rest isn’t a luxury; it's an essential part of self-love, and we explore how to incorporate r...

In this episode of the Joy Muck Club podcast, I explore why self-love can be so difficult and why it’s okay to take a break when you need to. It’s normal to struggle with loving yourself, and sometimes, it’s important to lean on others for support. I’m here to remind you that it’s okay if you can’t love yourself today — I’m here to love you when you can’t. Key topics covered: Self-love is a worthy...

In this episode of the Joy Muck Club podcast, I dive into the power of focusing on how you want to feel for the year ahead. It’s not about resolutions or doing more—it's about being and embracing the emotions that will guide you to a fulfilling year. I explore the importance of loving yourself exactly as you are and how that mindset can be a game-changer for your well-being. I’ve also got a super...

In this episode of the Joy Muck Club podcast, host Jenn Williams talks about the idea of self-love and why it’s an important step in the healing process. She talks about starting off the new year with a practice of self-love, and offers the following mantras as a way to begin your practice: I am enough, and I am deserving of all the love and happiness life has to offer. I choose to love myself tod...