Ponder with Pamela

Tag: #BlogUpdate

  • Finding Your Ideal Morning Routine

    Finding Your Ideal Morning Routine

    June 12, 2025

    Another morning routine, another chance to see if yesterday’s approach would hold up. Turns out, it did.

    I had the opportunity to tackle some more RWS tasks today, and I stuck with the same broken-up schedule I tried yesterday. Weaving work time with movement and little household moments. Two days in a row now, and it’s feeling less like an experiment and more like something that might actually stick.

    There’s something really satisfying about finding a rhythm that feels both productive and sustainable. Not that frantic, overwhelming kind of productive where you’re racing against your own energy levels, but the kind where you’re working with your body instead of against it.

    I’m starting to trust this pattern. Morning routine, work, movement, household task, back to work, repeat. It’s like my day has a gentle pulse to it instead of that all-or-nothing approach I used to default to.

    It’s only been two days, but I’m cautiously optimistic. Sometimes the best changes are the ones that don’t feel like huge overhauls – they just feel like finally listening to what was already working.

    Here’s hoping this rhythm keeps carrying me forward. 💜

    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. 💜

  • When You Know the Answer… and Still Fail the Quiz

    When You Know the Answer… and Still Fail the Quiz

    May 9, 2025

    Today was frustrating.

    I’m in the middle of training for a new company I’d really like to work for. There are four training modules, each with a quiz, and after that, I get two detailed manuals to study before I take a final test and (hopefully) start working on projects.

    I passed the first two quizzes, but honestly? I thought I would do better. This company is a lot more detail-oriented than I’m used to.

    So when I got to the third module, I slowed down. I took notes. I double-checked everything. I even did great on the two practice questions.

    When I went to take the quiz, I felt confident! I thought I nailed it. But then? I didn’t pass.

    When I looked at the results, I was stunned. I could’ve sworn I clicked the correct answers. My notes matched. My understanding was solid. And yet… There it was. Wrong.

    I’m disappointed in myself — even though logically, I know I shouldn’t be. I knew the answers. I just don’t know what went wrong. I’ll probably try again tomorrow, but today? I’m letting myself feel it.

    Sometimes it’s not about failing. It’s about feeling like you did everything right and still didn’t get the result you deserved.

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