Living with indolent systemic mastocytosis (ISM) and the brain fog that comes with it can sometimes make everyday life harder. I forget what I was about to say. I forget why I walked into the room. I can never find my glasses. It is also hard to be motivated.
I live with a checklist and a planner. I write everything down in both. The to-do list is everything that I need to do that day. My planner is for dates I have committed to, when certain bills are due, any trips coming up and of course things like birthdays and anniversaries.
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Without my planner and to-do list I would be lost. I also would not get much done.
I use this system for everything. It helps me stay motivated. Keeps me on track. And it is the only way I can get housework done. I just keep doing one thing at a time and highlighting what I have completed.
Staying focused
After seeing an ad for a cleaning app the other day, I started searching for an app that would help me to keep up with my house better. I found one that I believe is going to help me a great deal. It is for people living with ADHD — but that is okay, it is still perfect for me.
I live with anxiety and depression caused by living with ISM. I am not a lazy person. I just get overwhelmed. Once that happens, I will start asking myself questions like “What if you fail? My mind goes off on a rampage in all different directions. I end up feeling like a failure because of this disease and all it has taken from me. And my house doesn’t get clean.
Using a tool like my to-do list can help so much. It gives me focus.
The app does, too. For each room it shows me what I need to do that day. And I can check off what I have got done! Yay!
I use both now. The app for household chores and my to-do list for everything else that needs to be done or finished.
Learn more cleaning tips: Tidying up: Tips for cleaning without triggering SM symptoms
Centering what matters
Just recently, my best friend came into my home and completely redecorated for me. Our home has never looked better. It is beautiful.
She pulled out vintage items I have had packed away forever. Treasures that have been passed down for generations. They were just hidden away, and now they are all centerpieces for my home.
I love going to estate sales, thrift stores, and antique stores now. It is so much fun walking in and searching for that perfect item to bring home with me. I believe that this is going to become a passion of mine.
I am working on the spare room no one ever uses and turning it into a library. Dark colors for paint and area rug. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves with a ladder. And a chaise lounge for me to sit and enjoy.
With my mind focused on redecorating and checking off what I have done and seeing what all I have left to do, living life is easier for me. I love being productive, but living with constant pain, brain fog, extreme itching, vertigo and anything else my body throws at me makes it hard. Using these tools is helping me so much. That is why I wanted to pass the information along to you.
Read more about apps for SM: “Adding to your toolkit: Helpful apps for people with systemic mastocytosis”
