Ponder with Pamela

Author: Pamela Hurley

  • How Working from Home Enhances Mental Health

    How Working from Home Enhances Mental Health

    June 10, 2025

    Today was a good day, boring, but good. And honestly? I’m learning to really appreciate boring good days when you’re managing chronic illness. Boring means no crisis, no flares, no unexpected challenges. Boring can be beautiful.

    Morning Routine Success

    I enjoyed my morning routine, which continues to set such a positive foundation for everything that follows. The consistency is becoming automatic now, and I can feel how much my body and mind have come to depend on this gentle, nurturing start to each day.

    There’s something deeply satisfying about having a routine that actually serves you rather than feeling like another obligation to check off a list.

    Professional Development Progress

    I spent most of the day continuing my onboarding at RWS, which consisted of watching training videos, reading policies, and taking tests on all the information they’ve provided. It’s methodical work, but I’m making steady progress.

    I still have one more section to complete tomorrow, and then I’ll be finished with the onboarding process and hopefully getting to actually start doing some real work. There’s anticipation building around transitioning from preparation to actual productivity.

    The Gift of Working from Home

    Today was a beautiful, sunny day, and I absolutely love that I can sit at my dining room table, look outside, and feel the fresh breeze coming through the windows while I work. This is such a dramatically better work environment than being stuck in a stuffy office or trapped on a production floor with no windows.

    The mental health benefits of working from home can’t be overstated, especially when you’re managing chronic conditions. Being able to control your environment, including the lighting, air flow, noise level, and seating arrangement, makes a difference in how your body feels throughout the day.

    Natural Light and Well-Being

    Having access to natural light and fresh air while working feels like a luxury, but it’s actually essential for my well-being. The sunshine streaming in helps with my ongoing battle against Seasonal Affective Disorder, and the breeze keeps the space from feeling stagnant.

    When you spend years working in windowless environments or offices where you can’t control the temperature or air quality, the simple pleasure of fresh air becomes something you never take for granted again.

    Appreciating the Mundane

    There’s something to be said for pleasantly uneventful days. No drama, no health crises, no major obstacles, just steady progress on necessary tasks while feeling physically comfortable and mentally calm.

    When you live with chronic illness, you learn that boring days are actually precious. They’re the days when your body cooperates, your energy is steady, and you can simply focus on moving forward without having to manage symptoms or navigate unexpected challenges.

    Building Sustainable Work Life

    This combination of working from home, having flexible scheduling, and being able to maintain my morning self-care routines feels like the foundation for a sustainable work life that actually supports my health rather than undermining it.

    Tomorrow I’ll finish the onboarding and hopefully start the actual work. But today’s “boring” progress feels like exactly what I need, which is steady, manageable, and peaceful.

    Here’s to more boring good days and the appreciation that comes from knowing how valuable they really are! 💜

    Sometimes the most beautiful days are the unremarkable ones where everything just works quietly and smoothly in the background.

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜

  • Managing ADHD and Chronic Illness: My Journey to Better Mornings

    Managing ADHD and Chronic Illness: My Journey to Better Mornings

    June 9, 2025

    Today was another genuinely good day, despite the rainy weather that usually brings challenges. But here’s the amazing thing: I’ve started noticing that when I wake up, I’m not nearly as stiff and sore as I used to be. I honestly can’t even begin to tell you what a relief that is!

    The Gift of Better Mornings

    Starting your day feeling miserable makes everything that follows so much more difficult. When you wake up already fighting pain and stiffness, it’s like beginning each day from behind. But lately, I’m waking up feeling more like a normal human being, and it’s transforming everything.

    This change has to be connected to the consistent gentle exercise routine I’ve been maintaining. A week and a half of daily 10-minute sessions of Qi Gong, yoga, Tai Chi, and strength training, and my body is already responding with less morning stiffness. That’s incredible progress! I would never have thought that such a minor thing could make such a major improvement!

    Morning Routine Mastery

    I completed my full morning routine and got my Qi Gong session done, and even managed to meditate for 10 minutes afterward. For someone with ADHD, sitting still and concentrating solely on breathing is genuinely challenging because my mind wants to race off in a million different directions at once.

    But I’m learning that meditation doesn’t have to be perfect. Even when my thoughts are bouncing around, the attempt to focus and breathe mindfully seems to have value. It’s about practice, not perfection.

    Professional Progress

    I got all my email sorted and started my onboarding process at RWS! It feels so good to be moving forward professionally while also taking care of my health. The combination of feeling physically better and having new opportunities creates this upward momentum that’s been missing for so long.

    Having sustainable morning routines in place makes handling new work responsibilities feel much more manageable. I’m starting from a place of strength rather than trying to catch up from exhaustion.

    Productive Energy

    I even managed to complete three loads of laundry between everything else today. For anyone managing chronic illness, you know that’s not a small accomplishment. It’s running up and down stairs to wash, dry, fold, AND put away multiple loads while handling other responsibilities.

    I’m feeling genuinely productive today, and it’s the good kind of productivity. Energizing rather than depleting. When your body feels better, everything else becomes more possible.

    The ADHD and Chronic Illness Intersection

    Managing both ADHD and chronic illness creates unique challenges. The hyperactive mind that wants to do everything at once, combined with a body that has limited energy reserves, requires careful balance and realistic expectations.

    But I’m finding that gentle, consistent routines actually help both conditions. The physical movement supports my chronic illness management, while the structured routine helps my ADHD brain stay focused and organized.

    Hope for More Days Like This

    I’m feeling incredibly hopeful about having many more days like this one. The combination of reduced morning stiffness, successful meditation despite ADHD challenges, professional progress, and sustained energy throughout the day feels like a new normal I could actually maintain.

    The best part is knowing that these improvements are coming from sustainable changes. Gentle exercise, consistent routines, and realistic expectations, rather than pushing myself beyond my limits.

    Here’s to waking up feeling human and building on this momentum! 💜

    Sometimes the biggest victories are the ones that happen before you even get out of bed. Waking up without that familiar morning battle against your own body.

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜

  • Finding Balance: Yoga, Work, and Problem-Solving

    Finding Balance: Yoga, Work, and Problem-Solving

    June 8, 2025

    Today was a pretty good day despite starting with rain this morning. Fortunately, it cleared up in the afternoon, giving us some of that sunshine my body craves. There’s something about seeing blue sky after gray morning clouds that just lifts the spirit.

    Sunday Yoga Success

    I got up and completed my daily routine, and I did follow through with yoga this morning as planned. Adding gentle movement to what was supposed to be my rest day felt exactly right. My body was asking for it rather than needing to skip it.

    A full week of consistent 10-minute exercise sessions, and I’m still amazed at how much better I feel overall. The yoga was the perfect choice for today because it was gentle, restorative, and energizing without being demanding.

    Productive Work Day

    I spent a significant portion of my day working on tests and qualifications for different job opportunities online. It’s encouraging to have multiple irons in the fire now, especially after landing the RWS position yesterday. Building options feels like building security.

    Then I spent some relaxing time doing surveys on Branded Surveys and InboxDollars. I don’t make much money from them, but they’re easy to complete while watching TV with my daughter. It’s the perfect low-energy activity that still feels somewhat productive, quality time plus a little extra income.

    Appliance Adventures

    The universe decided to test my problem-solving skills today: both ice machines in my refrigerator have decided to stop working properly now that the weather has warmed up. We have an ice machine in the door and another one down in the freezer, and both are acting up simultaneously.

    It’s particularly weird because they’re both filling the trays and freezing the ice just fine, but they won’t drop the ice unless you manually hit the reset buttons. Murphy’s Law strikes again! Appliances always seem to break when you need them most!

    Practical Solutions

    I’ll be calling for a repair service tomorrow to get this sorted out. In the meantime, thankfully we have old-fashioned ice cube trays, so we’ve been freezing ice manually. Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most reliable ones.

    It’s funny how dealing with minor household inconveniences feels so much more manageable when you’re feeling physically better. A week ago, this kind of problem would have felt overwhelming. Today, it’s just a minor blip that needs handling.

    Flexibility and Adaptation

    Today reinforced some important lessons about flexibility, both in exercise routines and in daily life. Adding yoga to my planned rest day felt right, just like adapting to ice machine problems with manual solutions feels manageable.

    When you’re living with chronic conditions, learning to roll with unexpected challenges while maintaining your self-care routines becomes an essential life skill.

    Here’s to problem-solving, productive days, and the reliability of good old ice cube trays! 💜

    Sometimes the best days are the ones where you handle whatever comes your way while still taking care of yourself first.

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜

  • The Benefits of Strategic Rest and Gentle Exercise

    The Benefits of Strategic Rest and Gentle Exercise

    June 7, 2025

    I’ve been working hard to maintain consistent sleep and wake times, so I was up early this morning. This allowed me to complete my full morning routine AND take a shower before heading out grocery shopping with my husband. There’s something so satisfying about feeling prepared and accomplished before the day’s errands even begin.

    The Power of Strategic Rest

    I did wind up getting so tired in the mid-afternoon that I took a one-hour nap to carry me through until bedtime. It was exactly what I needed. It was just enough rest to feel refreshed and make it through the remainder of the day without crashing.

    I’m being a lot more forgiving with myself when I feel that I need rest, and my body is responding so much better because of it. Instead of pushing through exhaustion and paying for it later, I’m learning to honor what my body needs in the moment.

    A Week of Transformation

    I honestly can’t believe how much better I’ve felt this entire week! The combination of consistent routines, gentle exercise, and listening to my body’s needs has created this upward spiral of wellness that feels almost too good to be true.

    It hasn’t been easy to build new habits while managing chronic conditions that require intention and flexibility, but the 10 minutes I’ve dedicated to working out each day has helped tremendously. Those small daily investments in movement are paying dividends in reduced pain and increased energy.

    Expanding What Works

    The exercise routine has been so beneficial that I’m actually planning to do yoga tomorrow, even though Sunday was supposed to be my rest day from working out. I figure I’ll just pick either Qi Gong, Yoga, or Tai Chi since I did strength training today.

    Maybe I’ll rotate through all three gentle practices on Sundays, or maybe I’ll just choose whichever one calls to me when the day arrives. The beauty is that I’m not hating any of it, and my aches and pains are slowly diminishing the more consistently I move.

    Sustainable Growth Goals

    I do want to work up to 30 minutes of exercise daily eventually, but I’m committed to not rushing the process. Right now, I’m just taking the wins I’m having and celebrating this incredible week of feeling better.

    The 10-minute sessions are sustainable, enjoyable, and clearly effective. There’s no need to push beyond what’s working just because I feel good. That’s how you sabotage progress, by getting excited and overdoing it.

    Lessons in Self-Compassion

    This week has taught me so much about the power of:

    • Consistent but gentle routines
    • Strategic rest without guilt
    • Listening to my body’s wisdom
    • Celebrating small wins
    • Building on what works rather than forcing what doesn’t

    The combination of better sleep habits, morning routines, gentle exercise, and self-forgiveness is creating a foundation for sustainable wellness that I haven’t experienced in a long time.

    Here’s to taking things slow, honoring rest, and continuing to build on this momentum! 💜

    Sometimes the biggest breakthrough comes from doing less but doing it consistently, and giving yourself permission to rest when you need it.

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜

  • Transform Your Morning Routine: Tips for Daily Success

    Transform Your Morning Routine: Tips for Daily Success

    June 6, 2025

    Today was actually not a bad day despite the cloudy skies hanging overhead. We had some rain early this morning, but it’s just been overcast since then. Which is much more manageable than the stormy weather I was bracing for.

    Morning Routine Evolution

    I got my daily routine completed, even with the exciting new additions I’ve made. I decided to expand my morning rhythm by adding journaling and meditation, and I’m absolutely loving how it’s all coming together.

    My new morning flow feels like the perfect way to start each day:

    • 30 minutes of reading and coffee (my original grounding ritual)
    • 10 minutes of journaling (new addition for mental clarity)
    • Today’s exercise: Tai Chi (gentle, flowing movement)
    • Then: settling into work mode

    I really love starting my day this way now. There’s something so intentional and nurturing about giving myself this comprehensive morning self-care routine. Each element serves a different purpose. The reading feeds my mind, journaling clears mental clutter, and the exercise prepares my body for the day ahead.

    Exciting Job News!

    The best part of today: I got a job with RWS! After all those applications, testing, and qualifications, something finally came through. I spent a good portion of the day getting everything set up for this new opportunity.

    It’s only a part-time position, but it’s a steady paycheck every two weeks. It’s definitely better than nothing, and I’m still looking.

    It feels so good to have forward momentum on the career front, especially knowing that I’ve been building sustainable routines that will support me in managing work alongside my chronic conditions.

    Productive Day Management

    After handling all the job setup requirements, I worked through my email backlog. Having that organized morning routine actually made the transition into work tasks feel smoother and more manageable.

    The combination of feeling mentally clear from journaling and physically prepared from Tai Chi seems to be setting me up for better focus and energy throughout the workday.

    Evening Appreciation

    Now it’s almost dinner time, and my awesome husband is making cheeseburger pasta. Which is absolutely amazing, and I honestly can’t wait! There’s something so perfect about ending a productive, positive day with comfort food made by someone who loves you.

    Having a partner who handles most of the cooking makes such a difference when you’re managing chronic illness and building new work routines. It’s one less thing to worry about and one more way to feel supported.

    Building on Success

    Five days into this expanded morning routine and I can already see how much it’s enhancing my overall well-being. The consistency is becoming automatic, and even on cloudier weather days like today, I’m maintaining better energy and mood stability.

    Adding the journaling and meditation feels like the missing pieces that make everything else work even better. Here’s to sustainable routines, new opportunities, and supportive partners who make amazing comfort food! 💜

    Sometimes the best days aren’t defined by perfect weather, but by personal growth, new opportunities, and the love that surrounds you at home.

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜

  • Building Resilience: Exercise and Routine in Pain

    Building Resilience: Exercise and Routine in Pain

    June 5, 2025

    Rain and clouds brought some familiar pain along with them today, just as predicted. It’s remarkable how accurately my body can forecast weather changes – sometimes I feel like a human barometer when those pressure drops hit.

    Persistence Despite the Weather

    Even though I was definitely feeling the weather shift with increased pain and fatigue, I still got up and completed my daily routine and strength training this morning. That felt like a real victory, especially knowing how easy it would have been to skip it when my body was already protesting.

    Four days into this exercise routine and I’m learning that consistency matters even more on the difficult days. Maybe especially on the difficult days. The movement didn’t magically erase the weather-related symptoms, but it did provide some counterbalance to the stiffness and discomfort.

    Professional Development on a Pain Day

    The rest of my day was spent working on testing and qualifications for various job positions. Trying to focus and perform well on assessments when you’re dealing with increased pain and brain fog adds an extra layer of challenge to an already stressful process.

    But I pushed through and completed what I needed to do. Sometimes that’s what chronic illness management looks like. Showing up and doing what needs to be done even when your body isn’t cooperating fully.

    The Weather Reality Check

    This wasn’t a bad day, but it definitely wasn’t as good as the amazing few days I’ve had recently. The contrast is striking. Just yesterday, I was walking three blocks and feeling energized, and today the simple act of concentrating on work tasks felt more challenging.

    I definitely felt the change in weather with that familiar combination of minor pain increases and subtle fatigue. It’s a reminder that progress with chronic illness isn’t always linear, and external factors like weather will always be part of the equation.

    Building Resilience Through Routine

    What I’m proud of is that even on a weather-affected day, I maintained my new routines. The exercise happened. The work got done. I adapted to how I was feeling without abandoning my commitments to myself.

    This is exactly why building sustainable habits matters, because they carry you through the harder days when motivation alone wouldn’t be enough.

    Tomorrow’s Forecast

    The weather is supposed to continue being stormy through Monday, so I’m mentally preparing for some more challenging days. But I’m also feeling confident that I have tools now. The exercise routine, better planning, and realistic expectations. With these tools I will navigate weather-related flares more successfully.

    Here’s to maintaining momentum even when the skies are gray. 💜

    Progress isn’t measured only on the good days – sometimes it’s most evident in how you show up when conditions aren’t ideal.

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜

  • Yoga, Family, and Wellness: My Journey to Better Health

    Yoga, Family, and Wellness: My Journey to Better Health

    June 4, 2025

    Today was a pretty good day, filled with gentle movement, quality time, and taking care of our little family. There’s something so satisfying about days that flow naturally from one meaningful activity to the next.

    Morning Yoga Bliss

    I did my morning routine and then followed it with a short yoga practice that left me feeling incredibly relaxed! It’s truly amazing what just 10 minutes of yoga can do for both body and mind. The stretching, the focused breathing, the mindful movement. It sets such a peaceful tone for the entire day.

    Three days into this new exercise routine and I’m already seeing how different types of movement serve different purposes. Yesterday’s strength training built physical capability, today’s yoga brought calm and flexibility.

    Vet Visit and Mother-Daughter Time

    My daughter and I took Zoey to the vet and dropped her off for her 6-month check-up. Having a companion for errands like this makes everything more manageable and enjoyable. Plus, Zoey always does better when we’re both there to reassure her before we have to leave.

    When we got home, we decided to make the most of the beautiful weather and went for a walk around 3 blocks! This was definitely the longest walk I’ve taken in quite a while. My hips and feet were definitely hurting by the time I got home, but it felt so good to be out walking around and enjoying the sunshine and warmth.

    The Balance of Challenge and Comfort

    That post-walk discomfort in my hips and feet tells me I pushed my limits in the best possible way. It’s that “good hurt” that comes from beneficial challenge rather than harmful overexertion. Building up walking endurance takes time when you’re managing chronic conditions, and three blocks feels like real progress.

    The fact that it felt good to be outside and moving, despite the physical feedback afterward, reminds me why gentle exercise is so important for chronic illness management.

    Zoey’s Anxiety and Family Priorities

    My daughter and I had just finished fixing lunch and were getting ready to sit down when the vet called to say Zoey was done and could be picked up anytime. Without hesitation, we put lunch on hold and went to get our little girl.

    Zoey gets so anxious at the vet, and I never want to leave her there any longer than absolutely necessary. She’s family, and family takes care of each other. We warmed up lunch when we got back and ate together. It was a perfect day of taking care of each other.

    Movement and Connection

    Today reminded me that wellness isn’t just about individual exercise routines. It’s about movement, connection, fresh air, and the love we share with family (both human and furry). The yoga grounded me, the walk challenged me, and caring for Zoey reminded me what really matters.

    Even though my body is feeling the effects of increased activity, my spirit feels nourished by a day well-lived. That’s exactly the kind of balance I’m hoping to build with this new approach to health and movement.

    Tomorrow brings more weight training. A gentle practice to look forward to! 💜

    Some days are perfect not because everything goes according to plan, but because love and care guide every decision along the way.

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜

  • Embracing Good Days: Managing Chronic Conditions

    Embracing Good Days: Managing Chronic Conditions

    June 3, 2025

    Today was another wonderfully good day for me. It happened to be my daughter’s birthday, which made everything feel extra special. There’s something magical about feeling well on days that matter most.

    Morning Rituals and Birthday Prep

    I got up and enjoyed my usual morning routine of reading while drinking my coffee. There’s something so grounding about starting the day quietly before the activities begin.

    Then I dove into making my daughter’s birthday cake. One of those mom moments that feels important, no matter how your body is feeling. I’ve been making this cake for years, and we don’t have it often. So when we do, it’s a special occasion. I get a box of devil’s food cake mix and then add in a can of cherry pie filling. It’s so good!

    Being able to bake for someone you love when you’re feeling good is such a gift. The kitchen felt like a place of celebration rather than a source of exhaustion.

    Day of Strength Training

    I managed to squeeze in time for my strength training workout, and overall it went really well! I’m discovering that these beginner videos for people over 50 are perfectly calibrated for my needs and limitations.

    I did have trouble with the squats because my knees and hips aren’t quite ready for that movement yet. Everything else felt manageable and even empowering. It’s okay to modify or skip exercises that don’t work for your body. That’s the beauty of working out at home with videos.

    Birthday Celebration Simplicity

    My daughter and I had pizza for lunch and spent time binge-watching Netflix together. Sometimes the best celebrations are the simple ones. Good food, quality time, and zero pressure to be anywhere or do anything elaborate.

    Having the energy to enjoy relaxed time together without feeling guilty about not being productive felt like its own kind of birthday gift.

    Small Victories Add Up

    I even managed to take the trash cans out to the curb for tomorrow’s pickup, and it’s been quite a while since I’ve been able to handle that task. It might seem small, but when you’re managing chronic conditions, completing routine household tasks without exhaustion feels like a real achievement.

    These little signs of increased capability are so encouraging.

    Weather Appreciation and Reality

    I’m absolutely loving all this beautiful weather we’ve been having! The sunshine and warmth seem to be contributing significantly to these good days. Unfortunately, we have storms coming our way again from Thursday through Saturday, so I’m planning to enjoy these nice days while I can.

    Weather awareness becomes such an important part of chronic illness management. Appreciating the good weather days while preparing mentally and physically for the challenging ones.

    Building on Success

    Two days into this new exercise routine and I’m already seeing real benefits. More energy, less pain, and the ability to accomplish daily tasks that have been difficult lately. Even with the squat modification needed, I feel proud of what my body accomplished today.

    Tomorrow brings Yoga Wednesday. Another gentle practice to look forward to. Here’s to riding this wave of good days and building strength one workout at a time! 💜

    Sometimes the best birthday gift you can give someone you love is showing up fully present because you feel good enough to be there completely.

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜

  • How Gentle Movement Eases Chronic Pain

    How Gentle Movement Eases Chronic Pain

    June 2, 2025

    Today was a good day, and I’m already seeing the benefits of adding gentle exercise to my routine. Even though I got up late, I managed to ease into the morning with coffee and some reading before tackling my first day of the new exercise plan.

    First Qi Gong Session Success

    I did my first 15 minutes of Qi Gong this morning, and it left me feeling really good! There’s something special about those slow, flowing movements combined with focused breathing. Even though it was gentle, I could feel my body responding positively to the movement.

    The timing worked out perfectly, even with sleeping in. The beauty of having 10-15 minute routines is that they’re flexible enough to fit into your day regardless of when it starts.

    Quality Time and Birthday Prep

    My daughter and I went for a short walk together and then headed to the store to get supplies for her birthday tomorrow. There’s something so special about those pre-birthday shopping trips. The excitement of planning something meaningful for someone you love.

    Being able to do both the walk AND the shopping trip felt like a real win. Usually one or the other would wipe me out for the day.

    The Exercise Effect

    I felt a lot less pain today, and while the sunny, beautiful weather certainly helped, I really think the exercising made a significant difference. There’s something about gentle movement that seems to ease the chronic pain in a way that just resting doesn’t accomplish.

    The Qi Gong movements were perfect for my body. They were challenging enough to feel beneficial, but gentle enough that I didn’t aggravate anything. It’s exactly what I was hoping for.

    Listening to My Body

    By the time dinner rolled around, I was so tired that I actually fell asleep waiting for it. But here’s the thing, it felt like the good kind of tired. The kind that comes from a day well-lived rather than the crushing fatigue that chronic illness usually brings.

    My body was telling me it had used its energy well today and was ready to rest and recover.

    Early Night, Early Success

    I’m planning to call it an early night, which should set me up perfectly for another good day tomorrow, especially since it’s my daughter’s birthday and I want to have energy to celebrate with her properly.

    One day into the new exercise routine and I’m already feeling optimistic about the changes it might bring. If 15 minutes of gentle movement can make this much difference in how I feel, I’m excited to see what consistency might accomplish.

    Sweet dreams and here’s to building on today’s success tomorrow! 💜

    Sometimes the best days are the ones where your body surprises you with what it can do, and gentle exercise opens the door to feeling just a little bit better.

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜

  • Intentional Living for Chronic Illness Management

    Intentional Living for Chronic Illness Management

    June 1, 2025

    Today was another beautiful, sunny day; even better, it was a pretty good fibromyalgia day too! There’s something magical about when good weather and good symptom days align. It feels like the universe is giving you a little gift.

    Working on My Book

    I spent some meaningful time working on my book today. Writing has become such an important creative outlet, especially when I’m feeling good enough to really focus and dive deep into the work. On days when brain fog is minimal and energy is available, I try to make the most of those precious windows of clarity.

    There’s something deeply satisfying about making progress on a project that feels bigger than just daily survival. The book represents hope, purpose, and the possibility of reaching even more people who might need to hear these stories and insights.

    Getting Organized with Simplified

    I also started using an app called Simplified and spent time setting up my planner for the week. This felt like such a positive step toward being more intentional with how I use my time and energy.

    When you’re managing chronic illness, organization isn’t just about productivity, it’s about survival. Having a clear plan helps me make the most of good days like today while also preparing for the inevitable challenging days that will come.

    Intentional Living with Limited Energy

    I’ve realized that wanting to be more organized and intentional with my time isn’t about cramming more into my days. It’s about making sure the energy I do have gets spent on things that truly matter. Like working on my book, building my chronic illness advocacy platforms, and spending quality time with the people I love.

    Planning also helps reduce that constant mental load of trying to remember everything. When you’re already dealing with brain fog and fatigue, having systems in place becomes essential rather than optional.

    The Sunday Setup

    Taking time on Sunday to plan the week ahead feels like investing in future success. I can look at the week realistically, anticipate what I can handle, and build in appropriate rest periods alongside productive goals.

    It’s also exciting to have my new exercise routine starting tomorrow morning – Qi Gong at 6am! Having that mapped out in my planner makes it feel more real and achievable.

    Sunshine and Possibility

    Days like today remind me why good planning matters. When I feel well enough to be productive and creative, I want to make sure I’m ready to maximize those opportunities. And when the harder days come, having systems in place means I don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time.

    The combination of sunshine, manageable symptoms, creative progress, and getting organized for the week ahead feels like the perfect Sunday foundation.

    Here’s to intentional living, good planning, and making the most of the energy we have when we have it. 💜

    Being organized isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what matters most with the energy you have available.

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜