Chronically Planned: Faith, Planning and Healing With Chronic Illness

Building Community and Setting Boundaries

Show Notes

In today’s episode of Lupus Speaks, Shedrica Shant’e dives deep into the transformative power of community and connection in the new year. The holidays have passed, and as we embrace the fresh start of 2025, it’s time to reflect on the importance of surrounding ourselves with the right people who uplift, inspire, and support us.

Living with lupus or any chronic illness can sometimes feel isolating, but finding your tribe can make all the difference in how you navigate life’s challenges and celebrate your victories.

Join me as we discuss actionable tips for identifying and nurturing relationships that align with your values and goals. We’ll explore the power of boundaries, how to create spaces where you feel truly supported, and what to do when it’s time to build your own community from scratch.

Whether you’re looking to strengthen existing relationships or start fresh with a new circle, this episode will equip you with the tools to do so intentionally in 2025.

We’ll also introduce the Lupus Speaks Wellness Bingo, a fun and interactive way to track your wellness and business goals throughout the year.

This episode is packed with encouragement, strategies, and resources to help you make 2025 your most connected year yet.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

Lupus Speaks Wellness Bingo: Download your free bingo card to track your 2025 goals. Get Your Card Here

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Stay tuned for next week’s episode—let’s continue to thrive together!

In this episode of Lupus Speaks, Shedrica Shant’e reflects on her podcasting journey, sharing why she started, the tools that have supported her, and the importance of consistency and planning. As she prepares for a well-deserved break, Shedrica highlights the power of community and offers words of encouragement for aspiring podcasters: start with what you have, stay true to your vision, and take it one step at a time.

Links to Tools Mentioned:

• ​ Riverside.fm – Record Your Podcast with Ease
• ​ Podcast Microphone – TONOR TC-777 USB Mic
• ​ Headphones – Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
• ​ Tripod – UBeesize 67” Camera/Phone Tripod

Tune in for all this and more in this jam-packed episode of

⁠Lupus Speaks Monthly Audio Newsletter!⁠

Click the links to all the things mentioned in the episode below:

⁠Lupus Speaks Digital Biz:

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⁠⁠Lupie Boss Academy Facebook Group⁠⁠

The Girlfriend's Guide To Lupus By: Amanda Chay⁠

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🗣️ Want to share your journey? I’m always looking for inspiring stories. Reach out via email to be a guest on the show.

💻 Explore freebies & get Lupie Gems: Visit Beacons.ai Store for free downloads and to sign up for my monthly newsletter.

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In this episode of Lupus Speaks, Shedrica Shant’e dives into the art of planning with intention. As the year comes to a close, she reflects on how planning has been a cornerstone in managing life with lupus, balancing motherhood, and building a business.

Shedrica shares the tools and methods she uses—both paper and digital—that have helped her stay organized and focused, even through the ups and downs of chronic illness.

You’ll hear practical tips on how to:

Whether you’re a planner newbie or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice to help you step into the new year with clarity and confidence.

Episode Description:

"Navigating the Holidays with Lupus: Reflection, Support, and Self-Care"

The holiday season is here, and while it’s a time of joy, it can also feel overwhelming—especially for lupus warriors and those managing chronic illnesses. In this episode, we dive into how to navigate this reflective season with intention, self-care, and grace.

Here’s what you’ll take away:

This episode is your midweek refuel, packed with encouragement and practical tips to help you close out 2024 strong and step into 2025 with clarity and confidence.

Episode Summary: Faith Over Lupus: Navigating Resilience, Community, and Purpose with Tommia B

In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Tommia B, the visionary behind The Brave Ball Lupus Gala and founder of The Brave Inc. Diagnosed with lupus at just 19, Tommia shares how her faith, resilience, and passion for community have shaped her journey.

We discuss the challenges of living with lupus, the importance of creating spiritual routines, and how open communication strengthens relationships during tough times.

Tommia also opens up about her transition from teaching to event planning, the inspiration behind The Brave Ball, and how she uses her testimony to uplift and empower others. This episode is full of wisdom, encouragement, and actionable advice for anyone living with lupus or navigating chronic illness.

🎉 About The Brave Ball
The Brave Ball Lupus Gala is a special event honoring everyday lupus warriors, raising awareness, and fostering community. Don’t miss this inspiring evening of celebration and connection!

📅 Event Details:
Date: December 13, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: 56-B Selig Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30336

🎟️ Purchase Tickets Here: Brave Ball Lupus Gala

🌟 Connect with Tommia B

📣 Don’t forget to follow the podcast for more inspiring stories and resources!

In this episode of the Lupus Speaks Podcast, Shedrica Shant’e sits down with Kim Peacock to hear her powerful story of resilience while living with lupus and navigating multiple health challenges. Kim opens up about her recent battles with chronic illness, including hospitalizations and surgeries, and shares how she’s learned to advocate for herself in the face of complex medical diagnoses.

This conversation goes beyond the physical aspects of lupus, diving into the emotional toll and mental health struggles that often accompany chronic illness. Kim shares her journey with cervical cancer and HPV awareness, highlighting the importance of early detection and the interconnectedness of various health issues. She also speaks openly about her struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts, emphasizing how vital it is to bring these discussions into the open. Kim discusses her path to recovery through therapy, medication, and the essential role her support system has played in her healing.

Together, Kim and Shedrica explore the importance of understanding mental health as a fundamental part of overall well-being, particularly within the chronically ill community. This episode is a reminder that no one has to go through these challenges alone, and it encourages listeners to find strength in support, community, and self-advocacy.

Resources for Mental Health Support
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. Below are some resources that can offer immediate support:

Connect with Kim Peacock
To learn more about Kim’s journey or connect with her on social media, find her on Instagram: @KimiPeacock.

📲 Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lupusspeaks/
✉️ Email me at: [email protected]
🌐 Visit my website: www.lupusspeaks.org
💜 Show your support: Love what you’re hearing? Please take a moment to leave a review—it really helps!
🗣️ Want to share your journey? I’m always looking for inspiring stories. Reach out via email to be a guest on the show.
💻 Explore freebies & get Lupie Gems: Visit Beacons.ai Store for free downloads and to sign up for my monthly newsletter.
Need an all-in-one link for your social media bio? 🌐
I use Beacons for my link in bio to keep all my resources, podcast episodes, and social links in one spot.

If you're looking to organize yours, get started with my referral link: beacons.ai/signup?c=lupusspeaks

In this special episode, I sit down with my sister to share my lupus diagnosis journey and the experiences that shaped who I am today. Many of you have asked about my story, so I thought it was the perfect time to revisit this heartfelt conversation.

We discuss the challenges, the lessons learned, and how I’ve navigated life with lupus while balancing my role as a mom and entrepreneur.

Whether you’re a fellow lupus warrior or simply looking for inspiration, I hope my story resonates with you and sheds light on the realities of living with a chronic illness.
Have a story to share or want to be a guest on the show? We’d love to hear from you!

Please reach out to us at [email protected]. If you have an event you’d like to promote, feel free to include that information in your email as well.

Connect with us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Lemon8 at @lupusspeaks for more inspiration and community engagement. And be sure to check out Lupus Speaks Digital Biz for digital products and freebies that can help you in your journey!

Stay empowered, and remember, together we can create a brighter future!

For more information about myself and life with lupus go to www.lupusspeaks.org

To participate or attend the Lupus Ball December 13, 2024 in Atlanta, Ga. then check out the link here Brave Inc.

In this episode of the Lupus Speaks Podcast, host Shedrica Shant’e speaks with Jodie Young, who shares her 30-year journey with lupus, from her initial symptoms to her eventual diagnosis.

Jodie discusses the challenges she faced growing up with the disease, including severe pain and fatigue, and how she learned to manage her health over the years.

The conversation also delves into the importance of community support, the establishment of lupus support groups, and the ongoing challenges of balancing work, family, and health. Jodie emphasizes the significance of self-care, communication, and adapting to life's changes while living with a chronic illness.

In this conversation, Jodie shares her experiences managing lupus and the importance of mindfulness and stress management. She discusses her journey in writing the book 'Fabulupus' and her hopes for the future of the lupus community, emphasizing the need for better support and understanding.

Jodie encourages listeners to take care of themselves and to share their stories, as they can help others navigate their own challenges with chronic illness.

You can follow Jodie and her lupus journey

✉️ Email me at: [email protected]

🌐 Visit my website: www.lupusspeaks.org

💜 Show your support: Love what you’re hearing? Please take a moment to leave a review—it really helps!

🗣️ Want to share your journey? I’m always looking for inspiring stories. Reach out via email to be a guest on the show.

💻 Explore freebies & get Lupie Gems: Visit Beacons.ai Store for free downloads and to sign up for my monthly newsletter.

In this solo episode with Shedrica, we’re talking about the common wellness tips we know can help us manage lupus, but many of us tend to skip. Whether it's journaling our thoughts and emotions, getting outdoors, eating clean, or sticking to routines, these tips may seem simple, but they’re powerful tools in taking control of our health.

We’ll dive into how these wellness practices can impact our lupus journey and why it’s time to stop putting them off.

Plus, I’m celebrating a personal milestone this week—16 years living with lupus. I’m sharing how I’m honoring my journey, the lessons I’ve learned along the way, and how embracing these wellness tips has played a role in my story.

Journaling, going outside, eating clean, and creating routines aren’t just ‘nice-to-haves’—they’re essential tools that can support your health journey. And don’t forget to celebrate your milestones—each year, each day, is a victory.

Ever wish you had a personal coach helping you balance your health and business? With AI, you can! In this episode, we’ll show you how AI can act as your personal guide, helping you set boundaries, stay organized, and prioritize your health while still crushing your business goals.

From automated scheduling to task management, learn how AI can make balance feel less like a dream and more like a reality.

Takeaway Lupie Gem: Let AI coach you into a more balanced life where both your health and business thrive.

ChatGPT Prompt from the Episode:
"Help me create a weekly plan that balances my health and business priorities, factoring in time for rest and personal care."

Connect with me:
📲 Follow me on Instagram: @LupusSpeaks
✉️ Email me at: [email protected]
🌐 Visit my website: www.lupusspeaks.org

💜 Show your support: Love what you’re hearing? Please take a moment to leave a review—it really helps!

🗣️ Want to share your journey? I’m always looking for inspiring stories. Reach out via email to be a guest on the show.

💻 Explore freebies & get Lupie Gems: Visit Beacons.ai Store for free downloads and to sign up for my monthly newsletter.