The art of justifying your day!

I’d like to talk about a topic that is often seen through a narrow lens but deserves a more compassionate and adaptable perspective – productivity. I understand that many people with Fibromyalgia or other chronic illnesses face daily challenges that may not align with the traditional 9-5 work structure that society often emphasises.

Not just for office workers!

Productivity, in its essence, is not about conforming to a specific schedule or achieving a certain output. It’s about making the most of the resources and energy you have in a way that contributes positively to your well-being and personal goals. For each of us, this will manifest differently, and that’s not only okay but truly remarkable.

Productivity can be as simple as taking care of your physical and mental health, managing your symptoms effectively, and finding ways to enjoy life despite the challenges you face. It’s about recognising your accomplishments, no matter how small, and acknowledging the strength it takes to face each day.

Productivity could be a hobby

Your journey might involve pursuing hobbies that bring you joy, learning new skills at your own pace, connecting with others who understand your experiences, and advocating for yourself and your needs. Sometimes, productivity means taking a step back to rest and recharge, recognising that self-care is a vital and valid use of your time.

Remember, your worth is not measured by conventional standards of productivity. It’s measured by your resilience, your ability to adapt, and the positive impact you have on your own life and the lives of those around you.

So, let’s redefine productivity as an individualised path that reflects your unique circumstances, strengths, and aspirations. Embrace the progress you make, no matter how unconventional it may seem. You’re all achieving remarkable things every day, and your journey is an inspiration to us all.

My path to productivity

In a world that’s rapidly evolving, designing and writing the blog(s) has become a way for me to both channel my creativity and make a meaningful contribution to society. As a blogger, I’ve discovered that producing content isn’t just about sharing thoughts; it’s about sparking conversations, raising awareness, and fostering connections with a global audience.

Making Connections

Raising awareness of Fibromyalgia and chronic illness and the reality of living with them was the reason I began the blog Living Creatively with Fibro back in 2016. At the time when I had to leave my paid employment the blog gave me a place to hang my hat in terms of feeling productive. The added bonus was making connections with others in the “Spoonie” Community, whether fellow bloggers or those I connected with on social media.

Inspiration and Empowerment

Through my content, I have the privilege of occasionally inspiring and empowering others. Sharing personal stories, overcoming challenges, and offering solutions can motivate people who are facing similar situations. Knowing that my words and ideas have positively impacted someone’s life is an incredible source of motivation for me.

I can’t tell you how many times over the years, especially when my Fibro was really playing up or I was feeling low, that I wondered if it was still worth blogging. Like all small scale bloggers it can feel like you are talking to a void, but then I stumbled upon a comment that someone found an idea helpful or appreciated what I had said and all the initial enthusiasm returned.

Productivity led to Personal Knowledge Management

It was through my interest in productivity that I came across the Personal Knowledge Management (PKM) community. This instantly resonated with me and I can see many ways the PKM can help anyone living with a Chronic Illness. That is why I decided it was important to share this subject matter with you on the Personal Knowledge Management Page.

The rise of productivity Apps

In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, apps have become indispensable tools for enhancing productivity. They offer a range of functionalities that streamline tasks, organise schedules, and assist with communication like never before. Whether it’s managing to-do lists, setting reminders, collaborating with friends of family in real-time, or accessing valuable information on the go, productivity apps provide a seamless way to optimise our time.

With the ability to personalise settings, integrate with various devices, and adapt to individual preferences, apps help us to work smarter, not harder. This is vital for those of us living with Fibromyalgia. Embracing the power of productivity apps can significantly transform our daily routines, allowing us to achieve more, stay focused, and ultimately lead a more balanced and efficient life. Therefore I felt it was important to keep the community up to date with many of the Apps that are available and can help us. You can find out more on the Apps Page.

A world of technology and Gadgetry

Of course all productivity Apps requite something to run on. So it made perfect sense to feature the tech and gadgetry I have found helpful or just fun. The Tech Page is the place to go. As spoonies thank goodness we don’t live in the era of our ancestors, imagine living with a chronic illness in a time when hard manual labour was a daily expectation for much of society. Well, let’s have a reality check living would probably not be on the cards for many of us. There is alway a silver lining if you look for it.

Genealogy is Productivity

Some thirty years ago when I began my genealogical research I realised that it was full on productivity, it could easily become a full time job if I let it, and at times it battles with Blogging, or my other creative past times to take all the time and energy I can give it. On the Genealogy Page you can find out more.

Back to the Blogging

Creating content has become more than a pastime; it’s my way of contributing to society while embracing my own journey of growth. Through expression, education, connection, and dialogue, I’ve found a means to be productive that aligns with my passions and values. As a blogger, I’m committed to crafting content that resonates, informs, and inspires – an endeavour that brings meaning to my life and, I hope, to the lives of those who engage with my work. Because of this I thought I would begin to share some advice for any of you that feel compelled to begin blogging too.

Until next time,
Susan