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Honestly, I don’t think having fibromyalgia has stopped me from leading a meaningful life or achieving my goals! Practicing self-forgiveness with chronic illness is really important because a lot of the people with chronic illness I know can be really hard on themselves. When it comes to making plans with friends, I try my best to keep them but when I feel that I really can’t, I’m honest with them and let them know. I also find writing very cathartic as it is often hard to share what I’m going through with family and friends simply because many of them can’t really relate to my experience with chronic illness.

That’s what makes shared meals perfect for festive occasions, from passing a vibrant crudité platter on parties to hosting a brunch. If you have picky eaters, family-style meals also take the pressure off cooking something everyone will eat by serving separate components. From breakfast boards to dessert platters, take a look at these 11 shared meals you can enjoy any time of day. Even Adults Will Love from FoodieCrush Party Platter with Chai Spiced Maple Candied Nuts from Flavor the Moments

Yes, we’ve all heard the downsides of (over)using Facebook and Instagram, but for people with chronic illness, social media can be a great way to connect with existing friends and befriend new people. One side note: Make sure you connect on more levels with your new spoonie friends than just sharing an illness. You can connect with other keen learners on Coursera, study up on Arts or Social Sciences through your country’s Open University, or join an online language learning community to immerse yourself in the French language. If you struggle to make new friends because you’re stuck at home, a buddy might just be for you.

Art therapy is a kind of therapy that uses creative self-expression in the form of painting, drawing or sculpting to support the diagnosis and treatment of psychological problems. This transformational art therapy exercise helps you express what’s happened to you, who you are today and how you’d like be in the future. It’s the most fun way to boost your mood, lower your stress levels and improve your breathing capacities. Any creative activity that combines pleasure, self-expression and/or mindfulness will help you boost your health and happiness.