Ponder with Pamela

Tag: chronic-illness

  • Finding Your Way Back: Personal Support for Your Chronic Illness Journey

    Finding Your Way Back: Personal Support for Your Chronic Illness Journey

    Living with fibromyalgia and other chronic conditions, I know firsthand how isolating and overwhelming this journey can feel. I’ve walked the path of losing activities I loved, struggling with daily tasks that once felt effortless, and feeling like no one truly understands what it’s like to live in a body that feels like it’s working against you.

    But I’ve also learned something important along the way: small, consistent steps can lead to meaningful improvements in how we feel and what we’re able to do.

    I’m Here to Walk Alongside You

    After sharing my journey through my daily and weekly blogs, many of you have reached out asking for more personalized support. I’ve heard your stories, your frustrations, and your hopes for feeling even a little bit better.

    That’s why I’m excited to offer one-on-one support for people navigating chronic illness. This isn’t medical advice or a miracle cure. It’s just one person offering practical, compassionate guidance to someone who truly needs it.

    What I Offer

    Monthly Support Package – $10/month

    • Weekly check-ins via your preferred method (email, video call, or phone)
    • Personalized strategies for pacing, energy management, and activity modification
    • Help setting realistic, achievable goals that honor where you are right now
    • Support for navigating flare-ups and setbacks
    • Someone who listens without judgment and celebrates your wins, no matter how small

    I’ve kept the price intentionally low because I know how chronic illness can impact our ability to work and our finances. Everyone deserves support, regardless of their financial situation.

    Let’s Start With a Free Conversation

    Before you commit to anything, I’d love to offer you a completely free 30-minute consultation. We’ll get to know each other, talk about what you’re hoping to achieve, and see if working together feels like the right fit for both of us. No pressure, no sales pitch. Just two people who understand this journey and are having an honest conversation.

    You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone

    I won’t promise you a complete transformation or claim that I can take away your pain. What I can offer is understanding, practical strategies that have helped me and others, and most importantly, the knowledge that you’re not alone in this.

    Your pace is the right pace. Your small victories matter. And your journey, with all its ups and downs, is valid and worthy of support.

    Ready to take the next step?

    Send me a message to schedule your free consultation. Let’s talk about how we can work together to help you reclaim some joy and activity in your life, one gentle step at a time. Times are in the EDT time zone (UTC-4).

    Please note: This support is complementary to, not a replacement for, professional medical care. Always consult with your healthcare providers about your treatment plan.

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  • 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. 💜

  • 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. 💜

  • 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. 💜

  • How Weather Affects Chronic Conditions

    How Weather Affects Chronic Conditions

    May 31, 2025

    Today was one of those days that reminded me just how much weather affects everything when you’re living with chronic conditions. The sun finally came out and it almost made it up to 70 degrees – what a difference that made!

    Career Development on a Good Day

    I spent a good portion of the day working on certifications through OneForma so I can get back to work. There’s something hopeful about investing time in professional development, especially when you’re navigating the job market with chronic illness considerations. Every certification feels like another tool in the toolkit, another way to show potential employers your value and capabilities.

    It felt good to focus on something forward-looking and productive, particularly with the mental clarity that seems to come with better weather days.

    The Laundry Victory

    The real victory of the day? I managed to do three full loads of laundry AND actually got it all put away! Anyone with chronic illness knows this is no small feat. Laundry has this sneaky way of becoming an overwhelming multi-day project when energy is limited.

    But feeling better with the change in weather gave me just enough sustained energy to tackle the whole process from start to finish. There’s something deeply satisfying about conquering a household task completely rather than having it hang over you in various stages of completion.

    Signs of Spring Joy

    The ice cream trucks were even out and about today! There’s something so cheerful about hearing those familiar melodies drifting through the neighborhood. It’s one of those simple sounds that signals warmer weather and better days ahead.

    After so many gray, cool days, these little signs of seasonal normalcy feel extra special.

    Balancing Productivity and Rest

    Even with all that energy, I made sure to include some downtime – coloring while watching TV. It’s become such an important part of my routine, providing that perfect blend of gentle creativity and relaxation that works even when I’m tired.

    The key is learning to ride the wave of good energy days without completely depleting tomorrow’s reserves. Today felt like I found that sweet spot – productive but sustainable.

    Weather as Medicine

    It’s amazing how much difference sunshine and warmer temperatures can make when you’re dealing with chronic conditions. The improved mood, increased energy, and reduced pain levels all seemed to align today. It’s like the weather itself became medicine.

    Days like today remind me why it’s so important to maximize the good moments when they come, while also being gentle with myself when the gray days return.

    Here’s hoping this is the start of more consistent spring weather – my body and spirit are definitely ready for it! 💜

    Sometimes the best therapy is sunshine, productivity that feels manageable, and the simple joy of ice cream truck melodies in the distance.

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

  • Finding Comfort in Routine Amid Chronic Illness

    Finding Comfort in Routine Amid Chronic Illness

    May 28, 2025

    Today was much like yesterday – a pattern that’s becoming familiar and, honestly, kind of comforting. Sometimes when you’re managing chronic illness, finding a sustainable routine is actually a victory in itself.

    The Daily Rhythm

    Once again, I split my energy between job applications and working on new RedBubble designs. There’s something to be said for having a routine that works within your limitations. No dramatic ups and downs, no overexertion followed by crashes – just steady, manageable progress on the things that matter.

    Job hunting continues to be its own unique challenge when you’re balancing chronic conditions. Each application feels like a small act of hope and determination.

    Creative Energy

    The RedBubble design work continues to be such a positive outlet. Creating graphics that speak to the chronic illness experience feels meaningful in a way that’s hard to describe. Every new design is a chance to put something beautiful and validating into the world.

    There’s already been such encouraging engagement – favorites coming in quickly after uploads, and knowing that these designs are resonating with people who understand the journey.

    Small Contributions Matter

    I helped my husband with dinner tonight – well, I made the cheesy garlic bread that went with it. It might seem like a small thing, but when you’re managing limited energy, being able to contribute to the household in any way feels good.

    Sometimes the wins aren’t dramatic. Sometimes they’re just consistently showing up within your means, adding what you can, and finding satisfaction in the small contributions.

    Finding Balance in Routine

    There’s something to be said for days that look similar when you’re living with chronic illness. Not every day needs to be an adventure or a major accomplishment. Some days, the victory is simply maintaining a rhythm that works for your body and your goals.

    Consistency might not be glamorous, but it’s sustainable. And sustainable is exactly what I need right now.

    Here’s to finding comfort in routine and progress in small, steady steps. 💜

    Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is find a rhythm that actually works for your body and energy levels.

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

  • Finding Productivity on Rainy Days with Chronic Illness

    Finding Productivity on Rainy Days with Chronic Illness

    May 27, 2025

    Today is another cool, gray day here in Ohio with periods of rain all day long… ugh. There’s something about these dreary, overcast days that just seems to settle into your bones when you’re already dealing with chronic pain and fatigue.

    But while I didn’t accomplish much physically today, I decided to channel my energy in other directions and actually made up for it in productivity in different ways.

    Job Application Marathon

    I spent a good chunk of the day filling out job applications. And by “a good chunk,” I mean what felt like an endless stream of online forms, cover letters, and that soul-crushing question: “Can you perform the essential functions of this job with or without accommodation?”

    Job hunting with chronic illness is its own special kind of challenge. You’re trying to present yourself as capable and enthusiastic while also being realistic about your limitations. It’s a delicate balance between honesty and hope.

    Creative Energy Outlet

    After all that job application work, I needed something more inspiring to focus on. So I decided to add some new designs to my RedBubble store today. There’s something therapeutic about creating graphics that speak to the chronic illness experience. Turning our struggles into something beautiful and meaningful.

    You should definitely stop by and check out the new designs I added! Each one comes from a place of understanding what it’s like to navigate this journey, and I hope they resonate with others walking similar paths.

    Here’s a few of the designs that I created earlier today.

    Different Kinds of Productivity

    Today reminded me that productivity doesn’t always have to look like checking off a traditional to-do list. Sometimes it’s about:

    • Taking care of necessary but draining tasks (job applications)
    • Nurturing your creative side (new designs)
    • Building something meaningful for your community (RedBubble store)
    • Working within your energy levels instead of fighting against them

    Weather and Chronic Illness

    These rainy, cool days always seem to affect how I feel physically. The barometric pressure changes, the lack of sunshine, and the general dreariness all compound the usual fatigue and pain. But I’m learning to work with these limitations rather than against them.

    Indoor productivity days have their own value. Sometimes the weather forces us to slow down and focus on the things we can control from the comfort of our homes.

    Here’s to making the most of rainy days and finding productivity in unexpected places. Tomorrow’s forecast looks a bit brighter, literally and figuratively.

    Productivity looks different when you’re managing chronic illness, and that’s perfectly okay.

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

  • Navigating Life with Chronic Illness: A Journey of Acceptance

    Navigating Life with Chronic Illness: A Journey of Acceptance

    May 26, 2025 – Evening

    I saved up all my energy today to shower this afternoon, giving me some time for those deep thoughts that only seem to come when you’re standing under warm water. Today’s shower thoughts were heavy ones. I’m actively saying goodbye to the life I used to have and trying to embrace and be okay with the life I have now.

    But honestly? It’s hard. Really, really hard.

    The Life I Used To Live

    I used to be able to work 12-hour days and still have energy left over to grocery shop, clean the house, and do laundry. All in the same day. I was a productivity machine, checking things off my to-do list like it was a competitive sport.

    My days look so completely different now. My energy level lets me do one main event per day, and sometimes even that feels like I’m pushing it. Today’s main event was a shower. That’s it. And I had to plan for it and rest up beforehand.

    I don’t even know the person that I have become.

    The Small Losses That Add Up

    I used to have long hair, and I absolutely loved it. I don’t like having short hair. Honestly, I think it looks terrible on me. But I cut it recently because I just don’t have the energy to deal with having long hair anymore. The washing, the drying, the styling, it became this insurmountable task that would wipe me out for hours.

    I have moments when I look around my house and desperately want to clean and organize, and put things away. The desire is there, the motivation is there. But then reality hits. I don’t have the energy to just get up and do that anymore. The spirit is willing, but the body has other plans.

    Living Within New Limits

    Everything requires planning now. Every single thing. I have to strategically think about my limited energy reserves and high pain levels before making any decision. Should I shower today or save my energy for that phone call I need to make? Can I handle a trip to the store, or do I need to ask someone else to pick up what I need, or have it delivered?

    It’s like living life with a constantly dying phone battery, except you can’t just plug yourself into a wall charger and be back to 100% in an hour.

    The Path Less Understood

    This journey of chronic illness is one that’s difficult to explain to people who haven’t walked it themselves. It’s grieving your old self while trying to build a relationship with your new reality. It’s finding ways to feel productive and valuable when your definition of accomplishment has completely changed.

    Some days, taking a shower IS the accomplishment. Some days, making it through without crying is a victory. Some days, finding a moment of gratitude despite everything is the biggest win of all.

    A Message for the Healthy World

    So if you’re someone who knows someone with a chronic illness, please give them a hug the next time you see them. We’re walking a path that’s completely different from everyone else’s, and it’s an extremely difficult one.

    We’re not the same people we used to be, and we’re still figuring out who we’re becoming. That takes tremendous courage, even when it doesn’t look like much from the outside.

    Sometimes the bravest thing we do is simply keep going, one limited-energy day at a time.

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

  • Finding Comfort: Coping with Chronic Pain and Flare Days

    Finding Comfort: Coping with Chronic Pain and Flare Days

    May 25, 2025

    Today was a necessary rest day after overdoing it yesterday. I knew I had pushed too hard, and my body made sure to remind me of that fact. So today was all about damage control. I did everything I could to manage the flare-up before it got any worse.

    My daughter and I spent the entire day curled up watching Netflix together. Sometimes the best medicine is just giving yourself permission to do absolutely nothing productive except heal and spend time with the people you love most.

    Despite feeling rough, I did manage to get some posts scheduled for Chronically Hustling from bed (thank goodness for laptops and the ability to work horizontally!). I also completely revamped my Patreon – you should definitely head over and check out what I’ve put together. Even on flare days, sometimes those little bursts of creative energy surprise you.

    My Flare Day Dream Team

    Today my lifelines were:

    • My daughter (who also happens to be my best friend) – nothing beats quality time with your favorite person
    • My puppies – because cuddles from furry friends always help more than any medicine
    • My husband – who continues to be amazing by handling almost all the cooking (seriously, what would I do without him?)
    • My trusty neck massager – during flare-ups, my worst pain always settles in my neck and shoulders, and this device is worth its weight in gold

    The Reality of Chronic Illness Management

    This is what living with chronic conditions actually looks like. The constant balance between pushing yourself when you feel good and paying for it later. Yesterday felt manageable, so I did more. Today, my body is asking for that energy back with interest.

    But here’s what I’ve learned: rest days aren’t failures. They’re part of the management strategy. They’re investing in tomorrow by taking care of today.

    Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is recognize when your body needs you to stop and listen. Today was one of those days. I’m grateful I had the support system and tools to make it through reasonably comfortably.

    Here’s to hoping tomorrow brings a little more energy and a little less pain. For now, I’m signing off from my cozy Netflix nest.

    Living with chronic illness means some days are for doing, and some days are for healing. Both are equally important.

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