> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://achronicvoice.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # April 2018: Marvelling at the Miracle of Life & Splurging for My Birthday - URL: https://achronicvoice.com/marvelling-miracle-of-life-splurging-birthday-april-2018/ - Published: 2018-04-01T06:06:21.000Z - Updated: 2025-10-29T13:33:27.000Z - Author: Sheryl Chan - Tags: Diary Entries, Pets, Chronic Illness, Home & Lifestyle, Creativity *\*Note: This article was originally written for my monthly linkups, which I've archived as it was taking too much out of me. However, I've kept most of the posts written as I realise it's much like a diary with memories that make me nostalgic or smile. I hope you enjoy reading them, too! 🙂* ## Marvelling at the Wonders of Nature, and Miracle of Life My young parrotlets have been up to no good, and produced six eggs (well seven, but one cracked 🙁). It's been wondrous to discover a new hatchling in the nest box every 2 days, and I was lucky to watch a live birth as well! The parents have been pretty chill for newbies, although we found the firstborn lifeless at 1 week old. I think it would have been blue like its father, judging from the minuscule feathers that were starting to grow. I also believe that the fourth chick should be an albino; we'll see how they go in a few short weeks! 🙂 *\*Disclaimer: This article is meant for educational purposes, and is based on my personal experiences as a patient. *I am not a doctor, and nothing in this article should be substituted for medical advice.* Please consult your own doctor before changing or adding *any* new treatment protocols. This post may also contain affiliate links. It will cost you nothing to click on them. I will get a small referral fee from purchases you make, which helps with the maintenance of this blog. Read our* [***Privacy Policy***](https://achronicvoice.com/privacy-policy/)*page for more information. Thank you!* Pin to Your Chronic Illness Life Boards: ![April 2018 Prompts: Marvelling, Splurging, Continuing, Balancing and Investing](https://storage.ghost.io/c/fe/94/fe943d06-f105-4c71-af52-25403dcbb0b8/content/images/2025/08/pin_prompts_18-04-1-2-1-1-1-1-1.jpg) > [ View this post on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/p/BglWc%5F-D45o/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) > > [A post shared by Sheryl Chan (@achronicvoice)](https://www.instagram.com/p/BglWc%5F-D45o/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) ## Splurging, Because It's My Birthday Month! So I'm using it as an excuse to spoil myself 😛 I know that many of us with chronic illnesses out there are sensitive to scents, and I'll be more than happy to lay off the perfumes if we ever met! As for myself, I love perfumes and sampling scents, they make me happy. It's a pretty expensive hobby, which I've had to curb since I stopped working full-time 😉 ### More About My Perfume Hobby I have a collection of perfumes at home, and enjoy selecting one based on my mood for the day. The art and science of perfumery is fascinating, and I highly recommend these two books if you're curious to learn more: [ ![The Secret of Scent: Adventures in Perfume and the Science of Smell](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/315-rVql40L._SL360_.jpg) ](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0061133841?tag=achronicvoice-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1) [The Secret of Scent: Adventures in Perfume and the Science of Smell](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0061133841?&linkCode=ll1&tag=achronicvoice-20&linkId=fa6f6624f420a99cfd84fa516bac2d3f&language=en%5FUS&ref%5F=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl) [ ![The Emperor of Scent: A True Story of Perfume and Obsession](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41JxsyMh24L._SL360_.jpg) ](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0375759816?tag=achronicvoice-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1) [The Emperor of Scent: A True Story of Perfume and Obsession](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0375759816?&linkCode=ll1&tag=achronicvoice-20&linkId=20a16b2b43d37baa9bfa6d895f72154f&language=en%5FUS&ref%5F=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl) ### Current Favourite Perfumes, and What's on the Wish List My current favourites are [Rose Barbare by Guerlain](https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Guerlain/Rose-Barbare-1020.html), and [Velvet Rose & Oud by Jo Malone](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A2UCWJ0?th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=achronicvoice-20&linkId=937a79520e31936bd1bd22ed3e874405&language=en%5FUS&ref%5F=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl), but my bottles are running dry after all these years! I've had my eye on a new one for a couple months - [Oud du Jour by Amouroud](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CP69AL6?&linkCode=ll1&tag=achronicvoice-20&linkId=abcbf81e42fadfd6981b6d2d2ff11a1a&language=en%5FUS&ref%5F=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl) \- which should make a nice birthday present 😉 (P.s. I have it now!) I just wrote three (now four) paragraphs on perfumes, so you can probably tell that it's something I take pleasure in 😉 Out of curiosity, what sort of perfumes do you like, if any? Read Related Posts: - [Dangerous Gifts for People with Chronic Illnesses (and Gift Ideas to Swap Them With)](https://achronicvoice.com/dangerous-gifts-chronic-illness/) - [Curated Chronic Illness Gift Ideas for Christmas, Birthdays & Other Occasions!](https://achronicvoice.com/chronic-illness-gift-ideas/) - [Invisible in Florence: Life with Chronic Illness in Italy](https://achronicvoice.com/invisible-florence-chronic-illness-italy/) - [“It’s in My Blood”: Cheyanne Perry – Living a Full Life with Deadly Allergies](https://achronicvoice.com/cheyanne-perry-life-allergies/) - [Uplifting Activities to Do While Recovering in Bed](https://achronicvoice.com/uplifting-activities-to-do-while-recovering-in-bed/) ## Continuing My Goals to Wake Earlier in the Mornings [**Last month**](https://achronicvoice.com/sorting-medications-hike-little-adams-peak-march-2018/), I wrote that I wanted to wake up earlier. I’ve managed to sustain this so far, and couldn’t have felt happier! It makes the days feel less like a pressure cooker, and more like a slow simmer of goodness. I’ve had plenty of aches and downtime come late afternoon, but so far I much prefer this lifestyle. I love to write in the wee hours of the morning, when the sky is dark, the air is fresh, and my thoughts are clear. I finish up as I watch the sky transition to a pale, sun-tinged hue, which instills in me a sense of peace and contentment. I hope to be able to continue with this habit in April and beyond. ## Balancing My Health and Time My energy and time management skills may be non-existent.... I think it’ll be a lifelong lesson for me 😉 Before I fell chronically ill, I liked to cram all of my school or job assignments into four days, after which I'd reward myself with a ‘long break’. Basically work hard then relax hard, if that even makes sense! This isn't wise when you live with chronic illness and in truth, is [**unhealthy for the average person**](https://achronicvoice.com/chronic-stress-silent-assassin/), too. ### The Effects from the Bustle in March March was a pretty busy month by my standards, where I attended a wedding, and paid my respects to my ancestors (an annual Chinese tradition). Whilst my parrotlets nurtured new lives into being, one of my budgies was sick. March was also filled with the usual doctor appointments, fun outings, and work – which I hope will increase as time goes by! As such, my fatigue levels are building up, and I also just found out that I’m back to being anaemic, so I definitely need to rest up. ### How Do You Manage When You Actually Enjoy What You're Working on? I'm also obsessed with blogging, or working on related tasks such as [**content curation for Twitter**](https://achronicvoice.com/meeting-collaborating-chronically-ill-real-life-november-2018/). I enjoy doing all these things, so it never feels like work and I dabble with them all day, every day, which isn't healthy either. The irony of blogging about health to an unhealthy level 😉 'Balance' is a life mission which I'll need to practice more often. Do you have a tip or hack for maintaining a well-balanced lifestyle? Read Related Posts: - [Why ‘Easy’ Part-Time Jobs are Not That Easy for Those with Chronic Illness](https://achronicvoice.com/part-time-jobs-not-easy-chronic-illness/) - [Why I Need to See More Than 10 Different Types of Doctors Regularly](https://achronicvoice.com/why-need-see-different-types-of-doctors/) - [We Want to Have Fun Just Like You, But Here’s What it Takes with Chronic Illness](https://achronicvoice.com/want-to-have-fun-chronic-illness/) - [It is \*Always\* Possible to Make Time for What Matters Most](https://achronicvoice.com/make-time-what-matters-most/) - [The Eternal Spoonie Struggle: Justifying Rest & Recovery Time](https://achronicvoice.com/spoonie-justifying-rest-recovery-time/) ## Investing More Effort into Blogging as a Business Whilst I already spend a significant portion of my day doing blog-gy things, I think it’s time to take it a step further after 2 years. It would be thrilling if I could earn a sustainable income through writing and blogging somehow. I have some product ideas underway for an online shop. It's been strangely difficult so far. I've approached three different artists to commission some work, but haven't had any good or conclusive experiences. Not to worry, I promise to get them out at some point! ### My New Podcast, “Sick Lessons” I will also launch a new website soon - “[Sick Lessons](https://www.sicklessons.com/)” will be a podcast where people can share life lessons they've gained from living with chronic illness. I want to use this as a means to reach out to both the healthy and sick alike. Wisdom and emotions transcend individual experiences to connect us as human beings, no matter where we may be. Well, that's it from me for April 2018! You can [**continue with May 2018 here**](https://achronicvoice.com/memory-parrotlets-designing-my-days-may-2018/) 🙂 ## Sign Up for My Free Newsletter Be the first to get the latest post updates in your inbox, and unlock the comments section. You will also receive an e-book full of uplifting messages, quotes and illustrations as a token of appreciation! [Browse more membership plans here](#/portal/), or [make a one-off donation](https://achronicvoice.com/#/portal/support) instead. Sign Up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Read Related Posts: - [The Power and Purpose of Blogging, and Why You Should Write](https://achronicvoice.com/purpose-of-blogging/) - [MediSearch Review: A Medical AI Search Engine for Patients, Clinicians & Medical Writers](https://achronicvoice.com/medisearch-review-medical-ai-search-engine/) - [Useful Things to Do While on Bed Rest After Surgery: Education, Advocacy & Volunteering](https://achronicvoice.com/useful-things-to-do-while-on-bed-rest/) - [Why I Moved from SiteGround to Cloudways (and Couldn’t be Happier). Plus Cute Puppy Pics & A New Pacing Strategy.](https://achronicvoice.com/moved-from-siteground-to-cloudways/) - [August 2018: Boredom Can be Stimulating & Cuddling My Pet Birds](https://achronicvoice.com/boredom-stimulating-cuddling-birds-august-2018/) ### Comments Archives: Comments imported from previous WordPress site. - [ Lisa Ehrman ](https://chronicallycontent.com) Apr 30, 2018 I wish you all the best with “Sick Lesson”. It really sounds like a great idea for a site 🙂 - [ Sheryl Chan ](https://achronicvoice.com/) Apr 30, 2018 Thanks Lisa, trying my best to keep it afloat! I do like learning life lessons from everyone, too! - [ Albert Romero ](https://lowerbackpaincommunity.wordpress.com/) Apr 12, 2018 It truly is wonderful to see the the miracle of new life. Congratulations on the hatchlings, and Happy Birthday. Its great that you made goal, stuck to it, and are now so happy with what that goal has brought that you are going to stick to it. I think it is important to change daily routines, even if just to keep our sanity. I definitely think it is possible to earn a sustainable income from blogging. You are a very genuine person and I think that will go a long way in helping you grow your blogs as a business. If you want some more info on how to go about doing this one of my professors has a blog, a podcast, and an online course all about content strategy. [https://michaelboezi.com/ ](https://michaelboezi.com/) - [ Sheryl Chan ](https://achronicvoice.com/) Apr 13, 2018 Hi Albert, Thank you! Unfortunately three of the chicks have passed, but apparently it’s quite common for birds, especially the first batch 🙁 That’s life, but sad… Yes I really need to try and stick to it. It can be ‘difficult’ (first world problem :p), but definitely worth my sanity in the long run! And thanks, I’d love to be able to earn from writing, that would be the dream, healthy or sick 😉 Thanks for the link, I’ll check it out! - [ Chronically Hopeful Char ](https://chronicallyhopeful.com) Apr 11, 2018 What a wonderful season of rebirth and new beginnings! Such a treat to witness new life coming into this big world. They are so tiny. I’m not really a perfume person. I love fresh floral scents, but they smell awful on my skin lol… it must be a reaction with the ph of my skin. I do currently have a lotion somebody gave me and it smells lovely. I think it’s shea butter and magnolia or something like that. Love it! I am very excited about your new website and hope to contribute soon. Wishing you a very happy birthday month! - [ Sheryl Chan ](https://achronicvoice.com/) Apr 11, 2018 Yes, it was marvellous to see the births. Unfortunately, one of the babies died again today 🙁 He died in my hands while I stroked his little head. But apparently that’s the life of birds and breeding, especially for the first clutch. 🙁 As for perfumes, they’re really fascinating because the same one can smell so different on two different people. It isn’t just the perfume itself, but its wearer, too 🙂 Shea butter and magnolia sounds nice – those two scents don’t go well on me but they smell nice! 😀 Thank you, I look forward to your contribution, I’m sure it will be very enlightening and interesting! x - Selina Apr 7, 2018 So happy to see new friends have joined you! So sweet! I’m not a perfume gal but enjoy a bath & body fruity spray occasionally. I’m looking forward to the “sick lessons” site. Good look with its start-up. - [ Sheryl Chan ](https://achronicvoice.com/) Apr 7, 2018 Thanks Selina! Nice to know what scents others like, I find it interesting! 😉 And thank you! I’m also excited to build it up and add more voices and life lessons to it 😀 x - Kathy Apr 4, 2018 I loved watching your video! I was shocked at how big there eyes were. - [ Sheryl Chan ](https://achronicvoice.com/) Apr 5, 2018 Haha yes, big blind eyes 😉 I love it when he ‘pops’ out! 😉 - Marya Apr 4, 2018 Wishing you much success with Sick Lessons! It’s good to read about other chronic bloggers. I’m trying to get my blog going to..so much perseverance needed. But it does keep my mind off things. - [ Sheryl Chan ](https://achronicvoice.com/) Apr 4, 2018 Thanks Marya! Yes, and it’s also necessary to enjoy the process, or it may not last 🙂 It definitely gives me something to do! 😉 - Kirsten (Graphic Organic) Apr 3, 2018 The parrotlets are adorable. It’s really the little things in life that make us happy. As for perfume, I’m a huge fan of the Miss Dior collection. Good luck with the Sick Lessons platform, it sounds amazing! x - [ Sheryl Chan ](https://achronicvoice.com/) Apr 3, 2018 Thanks Kirsten! They’re the cutest, but also the meanest 😉 They have a pretty strong bite when they want to haha. Nice! Miss Dior does have a rather lovely, feminine collection there 🙂 Thanks, I hope the platform grows in a positive way! x - Emma England (Not Just Tired) Apr 2, 2018 Happy Birthday to you this month, Sheryl! I hope you manage to do something nice to mark the occasion! Glad you’re gong to treat yourself 🙂 My favourite perfume is Daisy by Marc Jacobs! I find it fresh, light and summery! Very exciting about the birth of your chicks. Nature truly is amazing! Great to read these as always and loving your new “Sick Lessons” site ? - [ Sheryl Chan ](https://achronicvoice.com/) Apr 3, 2018 Dear Emma, Thanks so much!! As I grow older, I celebrate less haha. But it’s still a nice feeling to have a birthday for sure 🙂 Nice! Daisy is such a refreshing, happy scent! 😀 It would really suit your personality 😉 Thanks for your support with the Sick Lessons project…hope I get energy to keep at it…I tend to start well and maintain not so well 😉 Sending hugs! - [ Kat ](https://writerkatgn.wordpress.com) Apr 2, 2018 Congratulations on the new birds, your birthday month, and the new avenues with the blog! All so exciting! - [ Sheryl Chan ](https://achronicvoice.com/) Apr 2, 2018 Thank you Kat! Yes, exciting in the good way, for once haha! 😉 x - Shannon Fahey Apr 2, 2018 I always get so inspired when reading other people’s monthly intentions so thank you so much! I especially liked the one about balancing your time and your health. I was definitely the same way before getting too ill to function, and I honestly think that’s what took me to my breaking point. Also, I really want to treat blogging more like a business as well and develop an income from it! Thanks again for the inspo! - [ Sheryl Chan ](https://achronicvoice.com/) Apr 2, 2018 Hi Shannon, thank you for your encouraging words, they are also inspirational 😉 Yes I really enjoy reading everyone’s prompts too, very interesting especially when in parallel to other spoonies! x **Start a new conversation in the Member Comments below!**