Welcome to our Champion series!

At The Happy Heat Pack Co, our mission is about more than just heat packs—it’s about comfort, care, and the real stories of those who use them. That’s why we created the Champion Series—a space to amplify the voices of incredible individuals navigating life with the challenges that arise.

Each Champion has a unique journey, filled with resilience and triumphs. Through this series, we’re not just celebrating their strength—we’re also creating something special inspired by them.

Our second Champion is Hayley. 💛 She is the face behind the inspirational podcast Before you Bloom. In sharing her story, we hope to foster connection, awareness, and a sense of community for anyone walking a similar path.

Can you share a little about your journey and how you've navigated your diagnosis?

My journey with chronic illness has been long, messy, and honestly, pretty exhausting at times. Eventually, I was diagnosed with Endometriosis, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, Migraines, and an unknown neurological condition. Most of these are completely invisible to the average person, which adds another layer of complexity because often, people assume you’re okay if you “look fine.”Navigating it all has involved a lot of trial and error. I’ve spent countless hours researching symptoms, sitting in waiting rooms, trying new medications, and working through side effects. I’ve learned that no one will advocate for you quite like you so I had to find my voice and start using it.There have been moments of deep grief, grieving the life I thought I’d have, the version of myself who could “do it all” without thinking twice. But at the same time, I’ve slowly started to rebuild a life that feels softer, more intentional, and aligned with what I truly need. A life where rest is allowed. Where joy isn’t always in the big moments but in the small wins. I’ve come to accept that healing isn’t linear, and strength doesn’t always look like pushing through, it often looks like pausing, setting boundaries, and choosing myself.

How has living with your condition changed your daily life or perspective?

It’s changed everything, not just physically, but emotionally and mentally too. I used to be someone who prided myself on being busy, on saying yes to everything, on pushing through no matter what. But living with chronic illness has completely reshaped that. I’ve had to learn (sometimes the hard way) that rest isn’t a reward, it’s a requirement. Now, I move through life with a much greater awareness of my limits. I’ve had to become intentional about how I spend my time and energy, because everything comes with a cost when your body is already fighting so hard just to function.There’s a lot I’ve had to give up, or at least modify like social events, spontaneous plans, even work. Things that used to feel easy now require planning and recovery time. But I’ve become so much more in tune with my body, my needs, and what truly matters to me. I find joy in things I used to rush past. I try to celebrate the small wins and it has taught me resilience, presence, and the beauty of slowing down.

What strategies or routines help you manage your symptoms on tough days?

Honestly, it really depends on the day and the type of flare I’m dealing with. Some days, it’s all about survival mode: heat packs, horizontal rest, and doing the bare minimum. On others, I might feel well enough to step outside for a bit of sun and fresh air, do some gentle stretching, or sit quietly with a cup of tea. Listening to my body has become non-negotiable and I’ve learned that pushing through only makes things worse in the long run.On tough days, even preparing food can feel impossible, so I try to have easy to reach snacks or meals prepped ahead of time. Hydration is a big one too. I am trying to remind myself that rest is productive and that honouring my needs in the moment is essential.

Is there a particular support system or community that has made a difference for you?

Over time, my circle has become smaller, but so much more meaningful. I’ve come to deeply appreciate the people who truly see me. My family and friends are such an important part of my life, and my incredible fiancé is one of my biggest supports. He never makes me feel like a burden, even on the hard days when I’m not at my best. Just having someone who holds space for me without needing to fix things has meant more than words can say.But something I never expected to be so powerful is the connection I’ve found through my podcast and online community. When I started Before You Bloom, I wanted to create a space for people navigating pain, grief, illness, and personal transformation. A place where people could share their stories honestly, without shame or sugar-coating. What I didn’t realise at the time was just how healing that space would be for me, too.Connecting with others who live with chronic illness, invisible disabilities, and health challenges has been life changing. These are people who just get it, who understand what it’s like to cancel plans last minute, to mourn a version of yourself, to live in a body that’s unpredictable. There’s so much comfort in being able to share openly with people who don’t question or minimise your experience. No need to explain. No need to pretend.I’ve received some of the kindest messages from listeners who say the podcast made them feel less alone and that’s exactly why I keep showing up. If you’re reading this and you’re going through something, I want you to know my inbox is always open. Please feel free to send me a DM over at @beforeyoubloom whether you just need a friend, someone to vent to, or a safe space to be heard. You’re never alone here.

What advice would you give to loved ones trying to support someone with a chronic illness?

Please don’t try to fix us, just be with us. The greatest gift you can give someone with a chronic illness is your presence, not your solutions. We’re not looking for quick fixes or miracle cures, we’re often already doing everything we can behind the scenes. What we need most is to feel seen, heard, and believed.Listen without judgment, and try not to minimise our pain just because we “look okay.” So much of what we experience is invisible (pain, fatigue, brain fog, anxiety ect) things that don’t show up on the outside but impact us deeply. If you’re unsure how to help, offer something practical: a cooked meal, a lift to an appointment, a text that says, “No pressure to reply, just thinking of you.” These gestures might seem small, but they mean the world when we’re running on empty.Also, please don’t take our cancellations or silences personally. Trust me, we’re not flaking, we’re often grieving the fact that we can’t show up the way we want to. Sometimes even texting back feels like too much. It’s not about you, it’s about survival. Behind the scenes, we are doing everything we can to still be good friends, partners, siblings, or daughters even if it doesn’t always look that way in our physical presence.

Are there any misconceptions about your illness that you'd like to address or clarify?

Absolutely, and the biggest one is the idea that if I look fine, I must be fine. Chronic illness so often lives behind the scenes. What people don’t see are the mornings I can barely get out of bed, the hours I spend recovering after doing something “normal,” or the mental toll of constantly managing symptoms that never fully go away. We get really good at masking, at smiling through pain, standing while dizzy, or pushing through work even when our bodies are screaming for rest.There’s also a misconception that chronic illness is just one thing, or that it's always the same day to day. In reality, it can fluctuate wildly. One day I might be able to go for a short walk, and the next I’m wiped out from just taking a shower. That unpredictability makes planning life incredibly difficult not because we’re unreliable, but because our bodies are. Understand that just because we made it out doesn’t mean it was easy to get there. And know that we’re doing our absolute best every single day.

What message or encouragement would you give to someone who is newly diagnosed and feeling overwhelmed?

You are not alone even if it feels like it right now. I know how heavy a new diagnosis can feel. It can turn your world upside down, fill you with questions, fears, grief, and a whole lot of uncertainty. It’s okay to feel all of it. It’s okay to grieve the life you thought you’d have. It’s okay to be angry, confused, or scared. Over time, you will find your rhythm. You’ll learn what soothes your body, what triggers your symptoms, and what brings you comfort. You’ll become your own best advocate, even if it doesn’t feel like it yet.Please, be gentle with yourself. Rest is not laziness, it’s a form of strength. And you don’t have to earn it. You’re still worthy of love, joy, and good things, even on the days you feel like a shell of who you once were. Illness might shape part of your journey, but it does not take away who you are. You are still you, still enough, still valuable, still whole, even on the hardest days. The Before You Bloom community exists for a reason, to remind each other we don’t have to walk through this alone.

What's your guilty pleasure snack that you can't resist?

I love a good cheese board or some delicious movie popcorn. It’s my go to comfort snack when I’m settling in for some downtime, curled up with a good show or podcast.

Hayley, thank you for sharing your journey with such honesty and strength. Your story is a reminder that while chronic illness can feel isolating, no one is ever truly alone.

If you'd like to follow along with Hayley’s journey, you can find her on Instagram [@beforeyoubloom] and TikTok [@beforeyoubloom]. 💛 Her DMs are always open for those who resonate with her story and want to connect.

To honor her, we’ve created a limited-edition collection inspired by the colours of her Podcast