Hi Smiling Sonia here. This is an audio journal where I share how I've overcome challenges to move from just living to striving with a chronic illness. In 2013 I was eventually diagnosed with Mollaret's Meningitis. I have overcome 6 recurrent episodes of viral meningitis so far in my lifetime. I got fed up of worrying every time I went off sick and returned to work early before I was fully recovered. That changed when I built an emergency fund. Now I have financial stability and the peace of mind that I have enough money to cover emergencies and future financial goals.
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 15/03/21. Welcome to day one of the five day Treasure Chest challenge The aim of the challenge is to help you build a 1 month emergency fund fast to support you through your next medical emergency. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 14/03/21. Welcome to day four of the five day Treasure Chest challenge The aim of the challenge is to help you build a 1 month emergency fund fast to support you through your next medical emergency. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 12/03/21. Welcome to day three of the five day Treasure Chest challenge The aim of the challenge is to help you build a 1 month emergency fund fast to support you through your next medical emergency. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 11/03/21. Welcome to day two of the five day Treasure Chest challenge The aim of the challenge is to help you build a 1 month emergency fund fast to support you through your next medical emergency. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 07/03/21. Welcome to day one of the five day Treasure Chest challenge The aim of the challenge is to help you build a 1 month emergency fund fast to support you through your next medical emergency. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 01/03/21. So the topic today is nurturing a wealthy mindset. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 28/02/21. I'm out on my walk in the woods as usual. I'm sharing my Jamaican fried dumpling recipe during my walk today. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 27/02/21. I'm out on my walk in the woods as usual. Today's topic is focus and distraction - I guess they are opposites. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 13/02/21. I haven't recorded in a while mainly because it's been snowing and I've not wanted to put myself at risk. I also wanted to spend some time just reviewing and monitoring myself because I've been so tired. I talk about insuring ourselves against sh** happening. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 05/02/21. Today I talk about kindness. I want to be seen as a kind person. I love it when people are kind to me. I must admit I do judge people on their level of kindness. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 04/02/21. So today I've had a lot of thoughts running around my head much like yesterday. So I'm talking about being Black, being Female and being a Lesbian and oh yes, having a chronic illness. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 03/02/21. It's a bit of mixed bag today but I had a number of things twirling in my head that I wanted to explore. Anyway let's see where it goes. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 02/02/21. One of the main things I've learned about goals is that habits are the foundation for achieving them. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 28/01/21. I've always been career minded and looking for new opportunities. However, when I was diagnosed with a chronic illness I became scared about changing my job in case I became unwell in my new role. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 26/01/21. It's been six months since my last meningitis attack. Today I recall what it was like when my family went from a two income family to a one income family. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 25/01/21. Today I speak about how we can tweak our goals without actually changing the goal itself. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 21/01/21. Today I went down a different path and discovered a secret garden I'd not seen before. Today I'm reviewing my health goal. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.comWhilst out walking today I went down a different path and came across a secret garden.
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 20/01/21. With a house move in my near future I'm back to doing some more decluttering in the house. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 19/01/21. I'm out on my walk again this morning. My thoughts are on my finances because I want to be in a position to buy a house later this year. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 18/01/21. I've taken today off work. Each year on my birthday I like to set out a plan for the year starting with the first 90 days. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 16/01/21. I went out for my walk but due to the snow overnight and the paths being slippery I decided to return home. I'm recording today's episode in my living room. I've been suffering with headaches this week and I think this is because work is full on. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 15/01/21. Today's subject is related to what I was talking about yesterday. My experience of being a Black female manager in a predominantly white organisation. Sometimes for things to change we just need to make sure we get ourselves in the game. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 14/01/21. It is my birthday today. Exactly 58 years ago I was welcomed into this world. I'm so grateful that I have reached this stage in my life and I'm still excited about the future. Today I reflect on what it is like being a Black female manager with a chronic illness. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 13/01/21. I woke up with a headache this morning which is not surprising given the pressures and demands I have on me at the morning. Again didn't know whether I'd get out on my walk but I am out. Today I'm talk about my plan for the next few months. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 12/01/21. I woke up this morning with a number of different thoughts in my mind. The first was that I was too tired to go out for my walk so I asked Alexa to give me another 30 minutes. Anyway I got up and got out so here I am walking. Today I reflect on things that have happened in my life which at the time I felt that I was unlucky, hence the title "Just my luck!" Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 11/01/21. Today I'm talking about having a morning routine. Now I've probably talked about this before on more than one occasion. I'm not going to apologise because I know that a lot of the progress I've made in my life I can put down to having a morning routine. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
10/02/21 Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 10/01/21. It is very cold out today so I've put on my Russian hat. I do look a sight but at least my ears are warm. So today I was considering whether I'm stress eating again. I've still got some what I would call Christmas food and I'm working my way through it. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 09/01/21. I had a bit of trouble getting my glove on today whilst holding my phone and attempting to record this. Today I talk about feeling out of control because there seems to be so many demands on myself. I guess this follows on from yesterday's subject about meeting other people's deadlines. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 06/01/21. The prompt for today's subject came from an incident yesterday. My laptop died no my in the middle of completing two reports that had a deadline for the end of that day. I realise that sometimes I prioritise other people's deadlines ahead of my own. It's been over a month since I published the previous episode of this podcast. I could come up with some fantastic excuse but the reality is that I was procrastinating. I recorded the first part on my walk and intended to record the second part later indoors. It didn't happen. I kept putting it off. Today 14/03/21 I decided to record the second part and then start hitting the publish button again. So I had an unintentional break but I'm not going to beat myself up about it. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 05/01/21. I'm talking about having structures and routines and how they have helped me manage and navigate some of the challenges I have had in my life. First I must mention that the UK has gone into a second lock down. I am not at all surprised and a bit concerned about how people are going to take this second time around. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 04/01/21. This is my first recording of 2021. I just want to say that 2021 is here and I have arrived here safely. I am grateful for that. I had a viral meningitis attack last year so I could be looking at this year and wishing that I don't have another attack. However, my thoughts are that I am accepting of whatever the year brings to me. I accept that I have a chronic illness that may flare up from time to time. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 29/12/20. Today I pondered over the question when to start goals. Why do we tell ourselves that we will make a change in our life from the next Monday. Is there something about Monday being the start of the week or is it an excuse to procrastinate? It may be a bit of both I think. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 27/12/20. In today's episode I talk about pleasing people and how it influences who we are and what we do. The anticipation of Christmas of over now and so things have settled down into some kind of normal although at this time it is everything but that. I've been indulging in watching TV and deep diving into box sets. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 25/12/20. Yes it is Christmas day and I'm out on my walk. I thought I'd fit one in whilst cooking the Christmas Dinner. So I had to keep it short. I decided to just talk about my Christmas Day and any random thoughts. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness. Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 24/12/20. It is the day before Christmas day. I'm walking through the woods and it is very muddy today. You may be able to hear my boots squelching as I walk along. I talk about memories today. I was prompted by Facebook sharing daily memories. One about me forgetting the swede and carrot in the microwave on Christmas day. Another was a picture taken with my dad and brother and not knowing that would be the last Christmas we would spend with our dad. Memories are an important part of our lives. Anything that happens before this point automatically becomes a memory but not always one that we remember. Before I got into my subject I share that I've been very creative with my writing over the past few weeks. I've been writing poetry I guess and then recording my voice speaking it. There is a term for it - spoken word poetry. I'm out on my walk in the woods as usual. After the rain, the ground is very muddy and slippery. I talk about why some people find it hard to save. I know that in the past when I've thought about saving it has meant making sacrifices. That is giving up on something. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 23/12/20. Today I decided to talk about how I'm benefiting from walking. It has become my new love and I try to get out for a walk each day. I don't always make it because it can depend on my energy levels. Yesterday I was feeling pretty tired and so did not get out for my walk. I'm back out today though and I'm pleased to be wearing my gaiters so mud here I come. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness. Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 22/12/20. Today I ponder the question whether or not tell people about my chronic illness. When I initially thought about this subject his morning it was about if I don't tell people about my chronic illness does that mean I'm not being honest. This is a first time exploration of this subject. I'm recording this episode in bed. I've not even brushed my teeth which is part of my morning routine before recording my audio journal. I felt very fatigued this morning it was if I was drunk. No I've not been drinking alcohol. I very rarely drink alcohol these days. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness. Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 21/12/20. Today I'm talking about having a savings goal. It is probably a good time to be thinking about the year ahead. I share the process I go through when I'm setting up savings goals. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness. Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 19/12/20. I'm out on my walk in the woods as usual. After the rain, the ground is very muddy and slippery. I talk about why some people find it hard to save. I know that in the past when I've thought about saving it has meant making sacrifices. That is giving up on something. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness. Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 18/12/20. It is one of my grandson's birthdays today. He is 10. Today I talk about worrying and I take the advice of one of my mentors. That is to stop worrying and start doing. Interesting because earlier this week I spoke about thinking versus doing. There is a link there I think! Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness. Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 17/12/20. I'm out on my walk in the woods as usual. I'm talking about dealing with disappointment today. I had a bit of a false start with the recording because I received call from my daughter. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness. Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 16/12/20. If you could see me I'm treading very carefully through the woods along a very muddy path. I'm talking about needs and wants today. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness. Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 15/12/20. It's been over a week since I've been out for a walk. Today I talk about thinking versus doing. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness. Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 09/12/20. I'm out on my walk 2 days post operation. Today I talk about the pressure to buy gifts at Christmas. I also give you an update on my recovery. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness. Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 04/12/20. I'm out on my walk in the woods as usual. After the rain, the ground is very muddy and slippery. I talk about why some people find it hard to save. I know that in the past when I've thought about saving it has meant making sacrifices. That is giving up on something. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness. Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 05/12/20. I'm out on my walk in the woods as usual and it is a particularly windy day today. I did review the recording as I said I would and there was no need for me to edit. The subject today is saving in your 50s. This tends to be the time when some people start to think about retirement planning. I realise that my life may have been different had I made different decisions about money at the age of 21 and 38, which are the ages of my son and daughter. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness. Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 04/12/20. I'm out on my walk in the woods as usual. After the rain, the ground is very muddy and slippery. I talk about why some people find it hard to save. I know that in the past when I've thought about saving it has meant making sacrifices. That is giving up on something. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness. Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 03/12/20. Today I talked about yesterday's pre assessment that took place at the hospital in preparation of my upcoming hernia operation on 07/12/20. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness. Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery was recorded on 01/12/20. I explore the subject of how young our money habits are formed and how the influence of our parents. This came out of a discussion with a colleague who said they started seriously saving at the age of 13 and this habit continued into adulthood. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness. Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode was recorded on Monday 30th November 2020. We are about to enter into Advent month as from tomorrow where many people in the UK at least will be celebrating Christmas. There will be a lot to reflect on as the year draws to an end. Along with the sadness of sickness and loss. There will be many people who have had positive experiences and have gained in some way. The year is neither good nor bad. It just is. Today I talk about saving and my struggle to spend that money on something planned. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness. Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode was recorded on Friday 27th November 2020. We are still in the grips of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdown measures have relaxed in some areas. Today I talk about my preparation for my upcoming Hernia operation on Monday 7th December 2020. I also give an update on my project which includes this podcast. I share a conversation I had with a coaching buddy who has made the transition from working in the corporate world to being a self-employed coach. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness. Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey Book a free strategy session to find out how I can hep you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
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