Ponder with Pamela

Tag: #DailyReflection

  • Coping with Post-Shift Fatigue: My Week in Review

    Coping with Post-Shift Fatigue: My Week in Review

    This has been a really difficult week for me. I was used to getting up and working out, and staying up all day. That DID NOT prepare me for going back to a full 8-hour shift of working.

    The first couple of days were okay, thanks to onboarding and a little time on the floor learning my new job. Wednesday rolled around, and I spent the whole day on the floor, then stood and walked around, bent, and lifted. By the time my shift was done, I was almost in tears because I was so stiff and sore it was difficult to move.

    I couldn’t even go to work on Thursday because I could barely get out of bed. I slept from 8:30 pm Wednesday until 11:00 am Thursday. I was still sore, but took some Aleve and felt a little better. I wound up taking a 2-hour nap after lunch, and then still went to bed early.

    I did go to work on Friday, and did a little better. I was more aware of what all that movement would do to me, so I went slower and took my time getting tasks done, and I sat down whenever I could.

    I was still really tired at the end of the day and a little stiff and sore. I took some Aleve when I got home and laid down for about an hour. I still went to sleep early because I was so tired.

    I slept in this morning, and then took Aleve when I got up, and I’m feeling almost back to “normal.” Thank goodness it’s a long weekend because of Labor Day.

    I don’t know what Tuesday will look like, but hopefully, my body will adjust, and I’ll be okay. If not, I’ll just have to find another job that is kinder to my body.

    Unfortunately, jobs are scarce in my area, and I seriously need the money to get back on track with all of my bills. Even remote jobs have been difficult to find that pay enough and aren’t part-time.

    Check back to see what happens in my daily life!

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

  • 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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  • Transforming Health: How I Improved My Well-Being

    Transforming Health: How I Improved My Well-Being

    I’ve been off the grid for a while, working on myself and improving my mental and physical well-being. I had a nice long talk with my doctor before he left to move out west. I’m still crying on the inside. I had finally found a doctor who listened to me and actively tried his best to help me. That is so hard to find, as I’m sure many of you know!

    I’m now working out, meditating, and doing household chores daily. It’s been a difficult road, but I’m getting stronger and doing more each day, AND I’m not having any fibromyalgia flare-ups! It’s been a while since I’ve had a flare-up. FYI, I’ve also lost 12 lbs since I started following his advice. Fingers crossed that this continues. 

    I’ve also been sending my resume out, attempting to find a job that is not a WFH position. I find that I miss going into work and seeing the same people every day. Who knew? I’ve had a couple of interviews, but so far that’s been all. I’m scared (terrified, actually), because starting a new job is difficult enough, but as someone with multiple chronic illnesses, it’s even worse. Stay tuned to find out how the job hunt goes, and hopefully, how going back to a full-time job works out for me.

    To see my full story, follow me at Chronically Hustling!

  • Facing Embarrassment: A Day of Errands with My Daughter

    Facing Embarrassment: A Day of Errands with My Daughter

    June 20, 2025

    Today was an errand day, and I’m so grateful my daughter came along with me. There’s something about having company that makes all those necessary but tedious tasks feel so much more manageable.

    I got up, did my morning routine, and my daughter and I both took a shower before we headed out. We had a list of places to hit, and everything was going smoothly until I got to the first store and my card kept getting declined. Talk about embarrassing. I was standing there at the register while the cashier tries it multiple times, other customers waiting behind me, that familiar heat creeping up my neck.

    I had to make the walk of shame back to my car to call the bank and figure out what was going on. Turns out it was just a security hold, easily fixed, but in the moment it felt mortifying. At least my daughter was there to roll her eyes and remind me that these things happen to everyone.

    Once I got the card issue sorted, I went back in and completed my purchase like nothing had happened. That’s the thing about embarrassing moments. They feel huge when you’re in them, but they pass.

    When we got home, my daughter helped me get the trash and recycling out, and then we put away all our purchases together. Those little moments of teamwork always make me appreciate having her around, especially on days when my energy needs to be carefully managed.

    Errands accomplished, embarrassment survived, and grateful for good company through it all. 💜

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

  • Finding Balance: From Work to Home Tasks

    Finding Balance: From Work to Home Tasks

    June 19, 2025

    What a difference a day makes! After the struggle with focus and that overwhelming feeling, today felt like everything clicked back into place.

    I got through my morning routine and only worked for about an hour, but then something shifted. Instead of forcing myself to sit at the desk, I decided to tackle the housework that’s been staring at me for at least a week.

    My daughter and I turned it into a team effort. She Swiffered the bathroom floor while I cleaned the rest, then vacuumed downstairs while I took care of upstairs. I finished up by Swiffering the kitchen and dining room floors. When we were done, the whole house felt fresh and organized.

    There’s something so satisfying about crossing those nagging tasks off the mental list. I felt incredibly productive, not because I worked long hours, but because I finally addressed the things that had been weighing on me in the background.

    It’s funny how housework often becomes the casualty when everything else demands attention. I get so preoccupied with work deadlines and health management that cleaning slides to the bottom of the priority list. Or some days I’m simply too exhausted to even think about scrubbing toilets or mopping floors.

    But today reminded me that sometimes shifting gears completely, from mental work to physical tasks, is exactly what I needed. And having my daughter pitch in made it feel less like a chore and more like accomplishing something together.

    Days like this feel like a reset button. 💜

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

  • Building a Balanced Routine: Exercise, Meditation, and Self-Care

    Building a Balanced Routine: Exercise, Meditation, and Self-Care

    June 18, 2025

    I’ve been working at RWS and continuing to fill out applications, since this is only a part-time position. But I’m really enjoying the rhythm I’ve built—starting each day with coffee and reading before easing into my workday.

    One of the biggest game-changers has been light exercise. I’m honestly still amazed by how much it helps. Even on the hard mornings when I wake up in pain, I feel noticeably better after moving my body.

    I’ve built a routine that alternates between Qi Gong on Mondays, Yoga on Wednesdays, and Tai Chi on Fridays. On the other days, I do light weight training, and Sundays are my “do-what-feels-good” days—whether that’s movement, meditation, or rest.

    It’s not perfect, but it’s working for me. And I’m proud of that. 💜

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

  • Navigating Down Days: Finding Clarity Through Rest

    Navigating Down Days: Finding Clarity Through Rest

    June 16, 2025

    Today was one of those days that felt like swimming upstream from the moment I woke up.

    My brain just couldn’t settle into focus mode. Every time I tried to concentrate on something, my thoughts would scatter like leaves in the wind. I kept fighting it, pushing harder, trying to force my way through the fog. But the harder I pushed, the more scattered I became.

    By afternoon, that familiar tightness started creeping into my chest. The panic was building, that overwhelming feeling when your body and mind are both rebelling against what you’re trying to accomplish. I finally had to stop fighting and listen to what my body was telling me.

    So I gave up. I took a nap. And honestly, it was probably the smartest thing I did all day.

    I didn’t get much accomplished today, and that’s hard to accept. There’s always that voice that whispers about lost time, about falling behind, about not being productive enough. But some days, the most productive thing you can do is rest when your system is overwhelmed.

    Tomorrow is a fresh start. Maybe my brain will be clearer, maybe the focus will come easier. Or maybe it won’t, and I’ll have to adapt again. Either way, I’ll show up and see what the day brings.

    Hopefully tomorrow will be better. 💜

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

  • Tai Chi and Remote Work: Finding Balance in Rainy Weather

    Tai Chi and Remote Work: Finding Balance in Rainy Weather

    June 14, 2025

    Sometimes a good day doesn’t mean everything goes perfectly; it just means you show up anyway.

    Today was one of those rainy days that seems to settle into your bones, and my knees definitely felt it. That familiar ache that reminds you your body has its own weather system. But I still rolled through my morning routine, and when it came time for exercise, I chose Tai Chi instead of my usual workout.

    There’s something about Tai Chi on days when your joints are protesting. Those slow, flowing movements that work with your body instead of demanding things from it. It felt like exactly what I needed.

    I managed a full day of work for RWS, and even had an afternoon meeting. It’s such a gift to work for a company that actually gets remote work. They provide so much helpful information and support for their remote employees. Not everyone understands that working from home doesn’t mean working in isolation, especially when you’re managing health stuff alongside everything else.

    Days like today remind me that “good” doesn’t have to mean pain-free or perfect. Sometimes it just means adapting, showing up, and appreciating the support systems that make it all possible.

    The rain is still coming down, but I’m calling today a win. 💜

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

  • 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 Day with Short Breaks

    Transform Your Day with Short Breaks

    June 11, 2025

    Today turned out to be one of those good days that just seemed to flow naturally from one thing to the next. I started with my usual morning routine, and then actually managed to dive into some real work for RWS.

    I’ve been experimenting with breaking up my work hours differently. Instead of trying to power through long stretches at my desk, I’m weaving in my 10-minute workout and little household tasks throughout the day. Getting up, moving around, doing something with my hands, then settling back into work.

    And you know what? It worked out really well. I wasn’t fighting that familiar stiffness and soreness that comes from sitting for too long at one time. My body felt better, my mind felt clearer, and I got things done both for work and around the house.

    It’s funny how sometimes the simplest adjustments can make such a difference. I’m already planning to reshape the rest of this week’s schedule to match what worked today.

    These are the kinds of days that remind me why it’s worth paying attention to what my body is telling me, and why it’s okay to do things differently than everyone else might. If breaking up work with movement and household tasks works better than the traditional “focus blocks,” then that’s what works for me.

    Here’s to more days like today. 💜

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