Notes from ThriveNinety
You don’t need big changes to feel better — you need the right small ones, delivered with care. These weekly notes offer simple tools, steady encouragement, and clear next steps you can take without overwhelming your system.
Tags: real life experience
Showing 12 results:
Helping Family Understand Long COVID
Symptoms feel different for everyone, making them hard to describe. Here’s how to explain Long COVID to family and friends. (written 09/21/2025)
One of the many challenges about living with Long COVID or another infection-induced chronic condition is explaining what it really feels like to frie...
by Katie Brennan —
Nov 14, 2025
real life experience
How Ankle Tilts Saved My Day
No matter where you are in recovery, small moves like this create capacity for more. (written 07/13/2025)
This week, we’re excited to share something a little different: a guest blog post from Simon — Katie’s husband!
Simon hasn’t experienced Long COVID or other post-infection conditions, but l...
by Andrea Henkel Burke, Katie Brennan, Simon Shergold —
Nov 13, 2025
real life experience
What Golf Taught Me About Recovery
The thing about having good fundamentals is that you can hit a bad shot and still be okay. (written 6/15/2025)
After many years away from the game, I recently found myself back on the golf course—relearning my swing and rediscovering a sport I enjoyed growing up. But what really struck me wasn’...
by Katie Brennan —
Nov 12, 2025
real life experience
A Cookie You Can Enjoy—Even with Long COVID
In Honor of World Baking Day: A Feel-Good Cookie Recipe (written 05/18/2025)
Yesterday was World Baking Day—a celebration of warmth, comfort, and tradition. For those managing Long COVID, though, traditional baked goods can be tough. High in refined sugar and simple carbs, they can spike blood ...
by Andrea Henkel Burke —
Nov 12, 2025
real life experience
symptom management
Recovery isn’t Just About You. It’s about Who You Love, Too
It’s Mother's Day, and my goal at some point was to be the mom my daughter deserves. (written 05/11/2025)
Today it’s Mother’s Day. When I first experienced Long COVID, I was a relatively new mom. We were just coming toward the end of that first incredible (and exhausting) year- the tiny baby ph...
by Katie Brennan —
Nov 12, 2025
real life experience
Living with Long COVID – A Partner’s Perspective
Long COVID has a significant impact on the people who are experiencing it and on their families. (written 11/03/2024)
Living with Long COVID brings unique challenges, not only for those experiencing symptoms but also for their loved ones. This week, we’re sharing a special post from Simon, Katie’...
by Simon Shergold —
Nov 10, 2025
real life experience
Embracing Decisions in Recovery
You don’t have to be impacted by the full range and severity of Long COVID or other post-infection conditions. (written 10/27/2024)
Two weeks ago, I mentioned my trip to Germany, where I spent time visiting family and reconnecting with friends. Now, I’m back home in Lake Placid, NY. Whether here...
by Andrea Henkel Burke —
Nov 10, 2025
real life experience
The Pathway of Recovery
Understanding Recovery: Long COVID vs. Injuries - Pathways and Lifelong Management. (written 09/22/2024)
Katie loves playing soccer. From early on in her life she was part of soccer teams, and continued in both High School and College. She spent her summers working at a locally based soccer camp ...
by Andrea Henkel Burke, Katie Brennan —
Nov 09, 2025
real life experience
How Does This Summer Compare To Past Summers?
Prioritizing activities is necessary for everyone, from people experiencing post-viral conditions to high-performing athletes. (written 09/01/2024)
Summer has a lot to offer. Longer days allow more time outside, the weather is warm, water activities and BBQ gatherings are in full flow. Summer inc...
by Andrea Henkel Burke, Katie Brennan —
Nov 09, 2025
real life experience
symptom management
Stairs Were My nemesis!
Overcoming Daily Challenges with Long COVID. Plus, the knock on consequence of this made everything else in my life more challenging. (written 08/25/2024)
In our latest blog post, The Tyranny of Stairs, I dive into the everyday struggles faced by those living with Long COVID. For many, something ...
by Katie Brennan —
Nov 09, 2025
real life experience
Long COVID and Noise Sensitivity
Read about my own experience and a very simple solution to manage symptoms. (written 07/08/2024)
Noise sensitivity is one of the over 200 symptoms reported by some people experiencing Long COVID. This can mean that your symptoms are worse after exposure to very loud noises. It can also mean that ...
by Katie Brennan —
Nov 09, 2025
managing symptoms
real life experience
This Can Happen When You Start Feeling Better
As you start to feel better, it is easy to fill your time with all the things to do, and sometimes face a little backslide in your recovery path. It's a good reminder to keep doing the little things that worked to get you there in the first place. (written 06/23/2024)
As many people experiencing ...
by Katie Brennan —
Nov 09, 2025
real life experience
Notes from ThriveNinety