April Reset: Planning Softly, Faithfully, & With Purpose
Lupus Speaks & Chronically Planned Podcast | Hosted by Shedrica Shant’eThe Shift into Q2 & Personal ReflectionThe truth is — this past season was heavy. As women navigating chronic illness, we often face seasonal depression, mental health shifts, and the pressure to “keep up” when our bodies simply say otherwise.

In this episode, I share openly about how I’ve been moving through functional depression, and why as we step into Spring, I’m focusing on soft planning — choosing to refresh, reorganize, and give myself grace without the guilt of starting over.

Whether you’re dealing with health challenges, family responsibilities, or just feeling overwhelmed, this is your gentle reminder:
You don’t have to hustle your way into Q2 — you have permission to slow down and still make progress.

What’s Coming on the Podcast This MonthThis season is about alignment, not pressure. Here’s what you can expect in April:

✔ April 9 — Planning with Your Body
How I’ve been learning to plan based on my cycle, energy, and capacity — instead of forcing productivity.

✔ April 16 — Guest Interview with Andria Singletary
Andria is a wife, mom, and marketing strategist helping moms and entrepreneurs market without relying on social media. If you’re tired of “doing the most” online just to get your business seen, you’ll love this conversation.

✔ April 23 — The Power Hour Method
I’ll walk you through the planning method I personally use as a mom, lupus warrior, and woman managing limited energy — helping you find margin without following rigid routines.

✔ April 30 — Choosing the Right Planner & Building Your Soft Planning System

Whether you’re team paper, team digital, or trying to figure it out, I’ll help you build a system that moves with you, not against you.

Ways to Work with Me + Resources

If you’re sitting there wondering how to actually build your own soft planning system, I have some things just for you:✔ Dear God... Prayer & Reflection Journal
This journal was once a handmade product I used to ship out personally. Now, it’s available as a printable and digital journal for you to use for quiet reflection, prayer, and spiritual reset. [Get the Journal →]

✔ Plan With Your Body Starter Pack
Your free toolkit for daily and weekly planning around your capacity. Perfect for lupus warriors and anyone navigating unpredictable energy. [Download the Starter Pack →]

✔ Power Hour Sessions
If you’re ready for me to help you build a custom, flexible, grace-filled planning system — book a private 1:1 session with me. We’ll map it out together. [Book a Power Hour →]

✔ Be a Guest on the Podcast
Applications for guest interviews are OPEN until April 21st.

If you have a story about faith, chronic illness, planning, or personal growth — I’d love to hear from you.

[Apply to be a Guest →]

✔ Connect with Andria
Want to work with Andria after hearing her episode?

Learn more about Andria & her offers →

✨ Takeaways from this Episode:

• You don’t have to hustle your way into Q2.

• You are allowed to adjust the plan.

• Planning with your cycle can change how you show up.

• Reflecting, soft planning, and faith-based routines allow you to reset without shame.

• God is not grading you on performance, but gently guiding you.

  
  

Resources Mentioned:

• [Dear God... Prayer & Reflection Journal]

• [Plan With Your Body Starter Pack]

• [Book a Power Hour Session]

• [Apply to be a Guest]

• [Andria Singletary — Mama Turned Mompreneur]

Loved today’s episode?
→ Drop a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
→ Or leave me a personal voice message on SpeakPipe

(yes, I actually listen to them all!)

Still Feeling Foggy? This Might Be the Missing Piece in Your Routine

In this week’s episode of Lupus Speaks & Chronically Planned, I’m joined by my dear friend, Roxanne Lerner — a yoga teacher, holistic health coach, and lupus warrior who’s been on this journey since 2010.

Roxanne opens up about how lupus changed her life — from subtle symptoms to a full diagnosis — and how she slowly started to rebuild her wellness through yoga, mindfulness, and connection. What started as a personal journey has now become a powerful mission: helping others living with chronic illness find calm, clarity, and confidence in their bodies again.

We talked about the unique challenges that come with planning for pregnancy while managing lupus, how stress directly affects our health (and even fertility), and the postpartum flare no one tells you about. Roxann shares how yoga helped her slow down, breathe through her fears, and ultimately feel empowered in her body again.

She also shares the heart behind her virtual wellness studio, RL Wellness, where she offers accessible, virtual yoga classes tailored to people with chronic conditions — no pressure, no judgment, just space to heal and connect.

This conversation is a beautiful reminder that healing doesn’t always mean doing more. Sometimes, it means doing less with more intention.

3 Takeaways from This Episode:

💜 Yoga isn’t about doing perfect poses — it’s about listening to your body and creating space to breathe.

💜 Stress management is vital when living with chronic illness, especially if you’re planning for a family.

💜 You don’t have to do this alone. Community, support, and a little humor go a long way.

✨ Favorite Quote from Roxann:

"Yoga became a part of my lupus journey. It wasn’t about perfection — it was about listening, breathing, and honoring my body again."

📲 Connect with Roxann + Book a Session:
Website: www.roxannlerner.com
Instagram: @roxann.lerner
Book a class, workshop, or private session directly through her website.

🎙️ Be part of the podcast!
Leave a review or send me a voice message and you could be featured in a future episode:
→ www.speakpipe.com/LupusspeaksIf you’ve been trying to get clear but still feel overwhelmed or disconnected — this episode might just be the gentle nudge you’ve been waiting for. You deserve to feel safe in your body and supported in your wellness journey.

Let this conversation be your invitation to breathe again — one moment, one movement at a time.

Stop Waiting for Validation & Get Clear on Your Vision 🎙️

Have you ever felt like you’re constantly waiting for someone to validate your dreams before taking action? You have the vision, the idea, and the desire to move forward—but something stops you. You start looking around, wondering if others will agree, support, or confirm what you already know deep down.

The problem? God didn’t give the vision to them. He gave it to YOU.

In this week’s episode of Lupus Speaks & Chronically Planned, we’re talking about how to break free from the cycle of seeking outside approval and instead gain the clarity you need from God to move forward with confidence.

Why Do We Wait for Validation?Many of us struggle with clarity not because we don’t know what to do, but because we’re waiting for someone else to co-sign our purpose.

• “What if they don’t think it’s a good idea?”

• “What if I fail?”

• “What if I’m not ready?”

Sound familiar? We end up paralyzed, stuck in a loop of second-guessing. But Jeremiah 33:3 reminds us:

"Call to me and I will answer you, and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."

That means when you feel uncertain, you don’t need to run to other people for confirmation—you need to go straight to God.

Faith, Planning, & Execution: The Key to Moving ForwardThe reason I created Chronically Planned is because so many of us are trying to execute without clarity—and that’s exactly why we feel stuck.

✔️ Faith – Trust that what God has for you is already done. Stop overcomplicating it.
✔️ Planning – Make your vision clear, intentional, and faith-based.
✔️ Execution – Move in alignment, not hustle.

This isn’t about doing more—it’s about getting clear on what actually matters and making decisions that align with your purpose.

The Power of a Faith-Based Vision BoardOne of the most powerful ways to gain clarity is through intentional vision planning—but not in the way most people think.

This isn’t just about pasting pictures on a board and “manifesting” things. This is about seeking God first and asking Him:

• What should I be focusing on in this season?

• What distractions do I need to remove?

• How can I align my vision with my faith?

  
  

That’s why my vision board process includes five key areas:

1️⃣ Faith & Spiritual Growth – Strengthening my relationship with God
2️⃣ Health & Well-Being – Taking care of my physical and emotional health
3️⃣ Family & Relationships – How I show up for my loved ones
4️⃣ Business & Purpose – The impact I want to make
5️⃣ Finances & Stability – Becoming a good steward of my resources

✨ When you get intentional about seeking clarity first, everything else falls into place.

Ready to Get Clear? Here’s Your Next Step!🎙️ Listen to Episode 53: Stop Waiting for Validation & Get Clear on Your Vision

💡 Not sure which planning system works best for you? Take the Chronically Planned Quiz and find out!
📌 Take the quiz here

💜 If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear your biggest takeaway! DM me on Instagram or hit reply to this email and let’s chat.

📩 Stay Connected: [email protected]
📲 Follow me on Instagram: @lupusspeaks
📩 Join the email list for exclusive resources:
🛍️ Shop planning tools for chronic illness warriors:

If this episode helped you, don’t forget to subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support means everything.

🚨 Are You Stuck in Hustle Mode? Why Clarity Matters More Than Effort 🚨

Episode Summary:
Are you constantly busy but never really making progress? You might be experiencing functional depression—where you're going through the motions but feeling completely stuck. In this episode, Shedrica Shant’e breaks down the dangers of hustle culture, the power of faith-based planning, and why clarity is the missing piece in your productivity puzzle.

She shares personal insights on how faith and alignment can help you move from overwhelm to purposeful action, plus practical steps to build sustainable life and business structures. If you've been feeling like you're on a treadmill—working hard but going nowhere—this episode is for you.

🔥 Key Takeaways:
✅ Functional depression can make you feel like you're busy but never truly progressing.
✅ Hustle culture can make you feel like you're falling behind, even when you're doing "all the things."
✅ Clarity beats effort—if you don’t know where you’re going, no amount of work will get you there.
✅ Productivity without clarity is just busyness.
✅ Faith is a foundation, not an afterthought—when God is in your planning, your execution is more aligned.
✅ Believing in your vision is essential—if you don’t believe in it, who will?
✅ Creating structure is the key to sustainable execution.
✅ Life is unpredictable, but your planning should be adaptable.
✅ Chronically Planned is designed to provide clarity, structure, and faith-driven guidance.
✅ Your best decisions come when you're engaged with God, not just grinding blindly.

📌 Notable Sound Bites:
🗣️ "You can't do anything without faith."
🗣️ "We need clarity from the Lord."
🗣️ "God doesn't need to be a part of your life—He IS your life."

Episode Breakdown:

⏳ [00:00] Understanding Functional Depression & Why You Feel Stuck

• The silent struggle of functional depression—when you're doing everything but feel like you're getting nowhere.

⏳ [02:03] The Dangers of Hustle Culture & Why It’s a Trap

• Why constantly grinding without purpose leads to burnout and self-doubt.

⏳ [03:09] Faith-Based Planning: The Missing Piece in Your Productivity

• How faith-based planning provides clarity, peace, and direction.

⏳ [05:59] Creating a Sustainable Life & Business Structure

• The difference between just being busy vs. building something that lasts.

⏳ [08:41] Overwhelm, Clarity & Trusting the Process

• How to get unstuck and align your planning with your reality.

⏳ [10:03] Faith in Planning: Aligning Your Steps with God’s Plan

• Why faith is a necessary part of execution—not just an afterthought.

⏳ [12:36] Outro & Next Steps

• How Chronically Planned is creating resources for clarity and intentional planning.

If you're tired of feeling overwhelmed and ready to take aligned action, join the movement!

🔗 Sign up for updates & resources → Lupus Speaks Newsletter

Complete the Planner Style Quiz

📲 Follow on Instagram → @lupusspeaks
🎙️ Listen to More Episodes →Lupus Speaks Podcast

💬 What resonated most with you in this episode? DM me or leave a review—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

💡 Feeling Stuck? Here’s Your Next Step

🎉 50 Episodes Strong! In this special milestone episode of the Lupus Speaks Podcast, host Shedrica Shant’e shares her personal journey with lupus and her recent diagnosis of functional depression.

For years, she believed she was just pushing through—until she realized she had been operating in survival mode. This episode is an honest and raw conversation about the connection between chronic illness, mental health, and healing.

💜 In This Episode, We Cover:✔ What is functional depression? Understanding the signs & symptoms✔ How lupus impacts mental health & emotional well-being✔ The difference between survival mode & truly living✔ The small changes that make a big impact on healing✔ Why self-care, nutrition, & mindset matter in your wellness journey✔ Celebrating 50 episodes & the power of community support

✨ Key Takeaways:

✔ Living with lupus isn’t just about managing symptoms—it’s about reclaiming your life✔ Mental health struggles don’t happen overnight—our bodies send signals we need to listen to✔ Depression doesn’t mean you’re broken, but it does mean your body & mind need care✔ Nobody’s coming to save us—but we have the power to take control of our healing✔ Engaging with a supportive community makes the healing journey easier

🔗 Resources & Links:

✨ Join the Lupus Speaks Community: Challenge for Change✨ Follow Shedrica on Instagram for More: @lupusspeaks

💬 Join the Conversation!

✔ Have you ever felt like you were running on autopilot? Drop a 💜 in the comments & share your thoughts.✔ Tag a friend who needs to hear this episode!✔ DM me on Instagram (@LupusSpeaks) if this episode resonated with you!

Navigating Chronic Illness, Mental Health & Youth Empowerment

In this episode of the Lupus Speaks Podcast, I sit down with Sophia Galvis, a 17-year-old lupus warrior who has been living with lupus since she was diagnosed at age 12.

Despite facing the challenges of a chronic illness at a young age, Sophia has turned her journey into one of advocacy, resilience, and inspiration for others.

She opens up about:
✔️ The emotional and physical toll of lupus as a teenager
✔️ The crucial role of family support in her journey
✔️ How mental health and creative outlets help her cope
✔️ Using social media as a tool for advocacy
✔️ Her dreams of pursuing a career in communications & performing arts

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating life with a chronic illness, especially young people looking for inspiration, community, and hope.

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more

Key Takeaways:

✅ Diagnosed at 12—Sophia’s journey began on her 12th birthday, changing her life forever.
✅ Family first—The unwavering support of her loved ones helped her find strength in tough times.
✅ Mental health matters—Sophia highlights the emotional challenges of living with a chronic illness.
✅ Advocacy is powerful—She is passionate about raising awareness for lupus, especially among young people.
✅ Creativity heals—Music and performing arts serve as a therapeutic escape.
✅ Better treatments are needed—She hopes to see more personalized medications for lupus in the future.
✅ Social media connects—Platforms like Instagram and TikTok allow her to share her story and empower others.
✅ Dreaming big—Sophia aspires to a career in communications and performing arts to continue her impact.

Memorable Quotes from Sophia:

💜 "There is another side."
💜 "I love talking to people."
💜 "I would like to see a lot actually."

Episode Breakdown:

⏳ 00:00 – Introduction to Sophia’s Journey with Lupus
👨‍👩‍👧 03:12 – The Role of Family in Recovery
💬 05:15 – Advice for Young Lupus Patients
📢 06:36 – The Power of Advocacy in Raising Awareness
💊 08:53 – Challenges in Finding the Right Treatment
🧘‍♀️ 10:15 – Mental Health & Self-Care Strategies
🎶 11:19 – Finding Strength in Music & Creativity
🌍 13:36 – Sophia’s Vision for the Future & Advocacy
🙏 15:16 – Gratitude & Personal Growth
📱 16:28 – Using Social Media to Inspire Others

Follow & Connect:

🔗 Follow Sophia Galvis
📸 Instagram: @sophiargalvis
🎵 TikTok: @sophiagalvis_watkins

🎙️ Follow Lupus Speaks Podcast for more inspiring stories!
🌍 Website: LupusSpeaks.org
📩 Join our newsletter for updates & resources:Sign up here

Lupus awareness, chronic illness advocacy, teen lupus warrior, mental health and chronic illness, lupus in young people, resilience with chronic illness, family support for chronic illness, self-care for lupus, youth empowerment, social media for advocacy

Embracing the Dance in Functional Medicine with Tiffany Kaloustian

In this episode of the Lupus Speaks Podcast, host Shedrica Shant’e sits down with Tiffany Kaloustian, a functional and integrative health practitioner, to discuss her transformational healing journey with lupus.

After years of being dismissed by doctors, Tiffany took her health into her own hands—turning to functional medicine, holistic healing, and self-advocacy to regain control of her well-being.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ The struggle of delayed diagnosis and why self-advocacy is essential.
✔️ How functional and holistic medicine helped Tiffany manage lupus symptoms naturally.
✔️ The connection between trauma and autoimmune disease—and why healing is more than just medicine.
✔️ Faith, community, and mindset shifts that played a role in her journey.
✔️ Lifestyle and dietary changes that allowed her to transition off medications.

Tiffany’s story is a powerful reminder that healing is possible when we take charge of our health, listen to our bodies, and explore holistic approaches.

Resources & Links:🌿 Connect with Tiffany Kaloustian:
🔗 Website: Embracing the Dance
📲 Instagram: @tiff_ara_kal

Support Lupus Speaks & Get Involved!💜 Love the show? Support Lupus Speaks by making a donation to help amplify the voices of lupus warriors and keep these conversations going.

Every contribution helps us connect, educate, and inspire!
👉 Donate here

🎙️ Have a Story to Share?

I want to hear from YOU! Drop me a voice message on SpeakPipe to share your thoughts on the episode, a topic idea, or just to say hi—you might be featured on the show!
👉 Send a voice message here

📩 Want to be a guest on the podcast?
Reply to this email or reach out directly at [email protected] if you have a story, insight, or resource that can help the lupus community. Let’s connect!

🎧 Listen Now & Subscribe for more inspiring conversations!

#LupusSpeaksPodcast #LupusAwareness #FunctionalMedicine #HolisticHealing #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneWarrior #SelfAdvocacy #HealingJourney #LupusWarrior

In this insightful episode of theLupus Speaks Podcast, we welcomeShamekka Marty, a dedicated advocate, mom, and lupus warrior. Shamekka shares her powerful journey from being a caregiver for her mother with lupus to receiving her own lupus diagnosis at 30.

Her experiences have fueled her passion forpatient advocacy, healthcare reform, and data privacy within the chronic illness community.

Shamekka sheds light on the challenges of growing up as a caregiver, the emotional and physical toll of lupus, and the importance of understanding and navigating the healthcare system.

She also emphasizes the role ensuring individuals with chronic illnesses have control over their medical information.

Throughout the conversation, we discuss:

• The significance of patient advocacy and how individuals can take charge of their healthcare journey.

• Mental health awareness in the lupus community and the importance of seeking support.

• The intersection of data privacy and healthcare, including the risks and benefits of genetic testing.

• Upcoming advocacy initiatives and resources designed to support lupus patients and caregivers.

Shamekka’s story is a testament to resilience, empowerment, and the strength of community support.

Whether you are living with lupus, caring for someone with a chronic illness, or passionate about healthcare advocacy, this episode provides valuable insights and inspiration.

Where to Find Shamekka Marty:

🌍 Website:www.shamekkamarty.com
📲 Instagram & TikTok:@prettysicklupuschick

Tune in now to gain a deeper understanding of lupus advocacy, data privacy, and the mental health challenges faced by lupus warriors.

Connect with Us:

Subscribe to the Lupus Speaks Podcast for more inspiring stories and expert insights.

Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @LupusSpeaks, and join our community for ongoing support and advocacy efforts.

🎧Listen Now!

Lupus, advocacy, healthcare, patient experience, chronic illness, resilience, caregiving, data privacy, autoimmune diseases, Shamika Marty, ethical hacking, patient advocacy, lupus awareness, health education, mental health, support groups, community resources, genetic testing, lupus advocacy.

Whew! January had me in a CHOKEHOLD, y’all. Between the snow, my kids being sick, and my body acting up, I had to remind myself—rest is productive too. If you’re already feeling like you’re behind this year, let me tell you right now: you are NOT behind. We’re moving at our own pace, and that’s okay. 💜

In this episode, I’m giving you a real-life check-in—the highs, the challenges, and how we’re keeping this Chronicpreneur movement going.

I’ll be sharing how I’m managing my energy while building my business, why community matters, and what’s coming up inside the Chronicpreneur Inner Circle.

✨ Inside this episode:

📩 Let’s Connect!
👉 DM me on Instagram @lupusspeaks and let me know your biggest win this month!
👉 Ready for more support? Book a strategy call with me to map out your next move!
👉 Want to join the Chronicpreneur Inner Circle and grow with a supportive community? Email me at [email protected] to get on the waiting list for founding members!

🎧 Tune in now and let’s keep this movement going! 🚀

Breaking Free from People-Pleasing

In this powerful episode of the Lupus Speaks Podcast, I’m sharing something deeply personal from my therapy journey: how people-pleasing behaviors can stem from trauma responses and the emotional toll it takes—especially for those of us living with chronic illness like lupus.

As Lupus Warriors, we often find ourselves caught between prioritizing our health and meeting the needs of others. It’s easy to get lost in the cycle of people-pleasing, but the cost to our mental and emotional well-being can be steep. In today’s episode, I’ll break down:

This episode is packed with valuable insights to help you recognize and break free from people-pleasing habits. If you're ready to take steps toward setting boundaries and prioritizing your self-care, this episode is for you.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!