If you’ve ever felt like you had to apologize for needing more rest, canceling plans, or just doing what’s best for you—this episode is for you.

As a lupus warrior, I’ve had to unlearn a whole lot of guilt. I used to feel bad for needing rest, for dreaming big, and even for protecting my peace. But I’ve reached a point in my journey where I just can’t keep shrinking myself to make others comfortable.

In today’s episode of Chronically Planned, I’m sharing the real-life things I stopped apologizing for—not because I have it all together, but because I finally realized I don’t have to explain my survival.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or deep in your healing journey, this episode is a reminder that:

You’re allowed to need rest.
You’re allowed to protect your peace.
You’re allowed to want more—even with chronic illness.

What I’m talking about today:
✨ Why rest is a life-giving rhythm, not laziness
✨ Saying “no” and meaning it—without guilt or explaining
✨ Letting go of the shame around flare days and changing plans
✨ Embracing joy as a part of healing, not something extra
✨ The moment I stopped shrinking my goals because of lupus
✨ Giving yourself permission to show up imperfect, unapologetic, and still worthy

Timestamps:
00:00 — Embracing Self-Care as a Lupus Warrior
06:41 — Prioritizing Joy and Dreaming Bigger

Takeaways:

• I stopped apologizing for needing rest.

• I no longer over-explain my boundaries.

• Choosing peace is a non-negotiable.

• Joy is not a distraction—it’s medicine.

• I’m done shrinking my vision to fit other people’s comfort.

• You can live with lupus and still build a life you love.

  
  

💌 Keep going, don’t do it alone:
→ Join the Chronically Planned Inner Circle (6-week coaching & support space)
→ Download the Plan With Your Body Starter Pack

→ Follow me on Instagram: @lupusspeaks
→ Get on my email list for weekly encouragement + planner love.