Planning With A Chronic Disease

[@girliesmart1]

I've had fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome for 15 years and I work full time so I completely understand and agree! My planning advice for those of us with chronic pain, illness or disability is this... (1) give serious consideration to what is a must do and what can wait if it has to. Be brutal and prioritize! (2) understand your typical energy threshold and plan within your means whatever that is as much as possible. (3) get comfortable with saying no or at least not today. (4) understand that with chronic pain and illness sometimes the most productive thing you can do is rest. Write that on your planner when you feel unproductive if it helps. It's my mantra! (5) postpone at will with no guilt. (6) Make wellness one of your goals and priorities and plan for it such as plan a nap, plan a bath, home facial or other self care that helps you feel better, plan time to be quiet and journal, draw or create. Make a list of productive things you can do when you don't feel well (7) Focus on what you did accomplish not what you didn't. Also look at your planning style. I have a shortlist of daily routine must do's and plan no more than 1-2 other tasks. Everything else goes on a "this week" list and I do them as I can on days that I feel up to it. And if they don't get done this week I move them forward to next week. I only put truly day specific tasks on my days and I limit them. This approach to planning has really helped to ease my anxiety with trying to do all the things I think I should do versus how much I am physically capable of handling on any given day. Sorry so long but this is really a passion of mine. Above all be kind and gentle with yourself.

[@CindyGuentertBaldo]

girliesmart1 I’m going to pin this comment. This is SO helpful.

[@Nayomee1213]

This is perfect!!!

[@freckleslappat5862]

girliesmart1 wow. Thanks for suck brilliant advice. Sending love, hope and be blessed from southern Oregon.

[@DebWunder]

Saying no is still the hardest thing to do...I have to remember that letting folks down by saying no is a lot less bad than saying yes, then letting them down by not delivering.

[@beckyschmidt8347]

girliesmart1 I totally agree. Triage of my "To Do" list is a must! I like that you brought up focusing on what you actually do accomplish! I actually feel so much better at the end of the day when I write those down. A lot of of the time I see I've done more than I thought! It seems so easy to forget accomplishments and get stuck thinking of all the things left undone. Takes a while (at least for me) to make that shift in thinking!

[@GuStLaMa7110]

I love you for your realness, Cindy. It is so refreshing to find someone who is willing to put themself out there and talk about the crap that comes from chronic anything...whether it be a disease, condition, mental illness... I have long struggled with anxiety and depression, and have gone through various phases of that - from functioning ok, to seeming to function ok, to not even being able to pretend I'm ok, to wondering if maybe hospitalization should be considered. It SUCKS and it is HARD, but so many people don't understand that. It is so important to remember that guilt has no place in your life when you are working on you. Yes, sometimes commitments are broken, sometimes expectations are not met, sometimes you cannot get out of bed, but you have to take care of yourself, because no one else can or will. One of the hardest times of my life was about three years ago. My anxiety and depression were too much to handle, and my doctor insisted that I take time off of work. As a teacher, it's daunting to take a day or two off with the plans that need to be left and the amount of work your sure to come back to, and my doctor recommended I take at least a month. I talked her down to two weeks, and even that was seemingly impossible. I learned a lot in taking that time, though. First, I can't do it all myself, and I don't have to. I was able to get help from other teachers to prepare things for my absence, and one teacher in particular, who was working as an interventionist at the time, and didn't have the same duties as a classroom teacher, stepped up and helped me immensely. I came back to no grading, no issues, and was able to slide back in to my job. It wasn't easy, but I at least did not have the burden of being gone for two weeks of school. Second, I learned that the humility that comes from admitting that you can't do it all is valuable. I was seeing a counselor twice a week during that time, and we had to outline my days. Simple shit like waking up and taking a shower, picking up the living room, doing the dishes, making dinner, taking a walk around the block all went on my schedule. I was so embarrassed, but the reality was that without that schedule, basic shit wouldn't have happened. I also learned a lot about myself during that time. I finally started to recognize what my limit truly was, and that I could not continue to force myself to live beyond what I could handle. That sucked, because it meant re-teaching myself how to go about my life, but I am so much better for it. The last two years, I have picked a word of the year to help me stay focused. Last year it was grace. I needed to give myself the grace to not be what everyone else thought I should be, and to accept who I am. That was a hard one, but it was SO good for me. This year it's enough. I AM ENOUGH. I don't have to be what anyone else says I should be, because I am enough just as I am. This isn't a cop out, as though I'm looking to stay stagnant in my life, but it is an extension of the grace I have started to learn to give myself. I have new changes on the horizon that are exciting and wonderful, but exhausting and impossible some days, and while pregnancy is not a chronic health condition it certainly presents itself as such for a while! Until last week, I had not planned in an entire month. I have NEVER gone that long without planning, because it is a tool that I use to manage my anxiety and depression, and help me feel in control when things seem out of control, and I didn't so much as touch my planner for four weeks, but I needed the time to rest. I was exhausted beyond anything I have ever experienced, and I just couldn't do it. I am feeling better and have more energy these days, but I am planning on leaving February blank in my planner. Normally, that would really bug me, and I would bust my butt trying to catch up, but at this point I'm learning to accept that, and to prove to myself that it is ok to not have things done to perfection. It will also serve to remind me, when I look back on this year, that the first trimester did an excellent job kicking my ass...and I didn't even have severe morning sickness! Give yourself grace, and remember, you are enough.

[@courtneyhendrix433]

i'm nodding and crying and nodding and crying. thank you. i have a genetic condition that affects every system of my body. everything hurts. always. i love planning and journaling, and there's a lot of guilt sometimes when i can't. thank you for helping me feel understood. thank you for reassuring me that i'm doing okay. i love you.

[@theformlessmist]

I remember seeing your year in pixels features on an Instagram account and thinking "FINALLY someone in the planner community who talks about chronic illness!" I'm multiply disabled and I've run into everything you mention - overcommitting myself, hating myself when I've had to cancel, all that nonsense. Productivity means such different things for us, and I feel like it's especially easy in the planner community to get down on yourself when you can't do everything that all these entrepreneurs and high-flyers can. Thanks for this video - it's really validating to hear someone like you talk about this stuff so honestly.

[@caevans69]

Thank you for sharing so that I don't feel alone in my struggle with a chronic disease. You make me smile. 😀

[@cafeetpapier776]

I am fighting major depression here for a year and I planning the little I do everyday just help me remember what I did and encourage myself. This video is really heartwarming!!

[@CindyGuentertBaldo]

Café et Papier I’m so glad to help a little 💕

[@jeaninegordon7447]

I have stage 4 metastatic breast cancer and have been fighting it for 13 years. I am on Chemo in a form that I take at home. I think everything you say in your video is spot on. The only thing I would add is to not be afraid to ask for help. Try to develop friends and/or resources who can do some of your tasks when a bad day hits. Sometimes just unloading yourself of the most mundane tasks gives you the time and energy to do other things. My husband and I also took the time to decide what is the "new normal" for us. This was a very calming exercise for us. We don't have any children at home any more, but you may even want to include your kids in this activity if you feel it would not upset them.

[@theformlessmist]

This is really good advice.

[@jeanne512]

As an old sickly woman, I have learned to give myself ‘grace’ when I’m fatigued and sickly. And then ‘reset’ when I’m feeling okay. I feel frustrated when I need to get things done and I can’t - particularly when I have to disappoint others. But everyone seems to be understanding and supportive when this happens. The trick is to forgive yourself which is very difficult. Thank you for sharing your struggles. Just like I am decluttering my house so my kids don’t have to when I die, I am also decluttering my schedule and making it fit my limited energy level so I can enjoy my family and my interests. Hugs.

[@CindyGuentertBaldo]

Jeanne Taylor hugs to you too - self forgiveness is so difficult sometimes. 💕💕

[@elizabethmanuel628]

You are a rockstar! Just kicking ass & taking names while battling your illness. Keep your chin up and take care of yourself. I appreciate your advice. I am just beginning a journey into chronic illness (lung stuff). It helps to know that I am not alone. And hearing you say that it is ok to have "me time" to recover makes it a bit easier. Thank you for all that you do.

[@CindyGuentertBaldo]

Elizabeth Manuel you are so welcome 💕

[@alicefarkas4885]

So sorry you have this condition. I'm caring for my husband who is on kidney dialysis and is in the mid stages of dementia. I've ignored my own health for some time, I have an autoimmune disease myself and find that I have to take that break when I reach the end of my patience. If you have to go on dialysis it can be done at home and it is possible to have a relatively normal life. God bless and hope you give yourself that break

[@cahterinejohnson8088]

What a great message. I suck at taking care of myself yet I know what to do and can teach others how to take better care of themselves! I know that when I schedule "me time" without a specific time in a day, just knowing I have to be flexible like you say, and do it every day, I get consistent and feel better. You're so good at what you do and funny that I forget you have a chronic illness until you have to take a pain pill. I hope sharing this with us and getting out of your head helps you figure out what to do! Thanks, Cindy!

[@CindyGuentertBaldo]

Cahterine Johnson I think doing this video really did help me start to figure shit out, at least a little. Thank you 💕

[@alaskancat]

Thank you so much for this - it helps, a lot. I am going to try to redefine my planning style according to your advice rather than feeling down about all the things I did not accomplish due to pain & illness. I appreciate you/this channel so much.

[@lorelei_lee]

I don't have any chronic illnesses and can't even imagine living with one, but still what you say applies to my life and I dare say to everybodys life - living your life by standards other people set will never work! I wish you all the best and please never stop giving us your opinion on such important topics!

[@micheledelarosa9187]

This was so well said and I so appreciate you taking the time to do this type of video. I suffer from depression and so I totally understand those days that I can't get out of bed or don't want to deal with life. Thank you thank you thank you!

[@Bearerofwater18]

Cindy, you are an inspiration to me. I've been watching your videos the last few days. I really like them. I have chronic pain too. I love that you're talking about it! I love that you're saying to the world: I don't feel good! You are so right to give yourself a break. I don't think you ramble, I think it's good to keep talking about chronic pain plus planning. You're the ONLY one who talks about it. So thank you!

[@dearh.4498]

I think this is so important for everyone to recognize. We are all different and have to accept our limitations. We can't all have these super amazing pretty planners that are also hella functional. We also have our own things going on that maybe derail our plans or planning time. It's fine. That's life. I have ADHD coupled with anxiety and sometimes planning is super hard for me even if it helps me in the long run. So I joined a club to help me make time and allows me to have fun while also getting my planning done. Or sometimes I just hide at home and binge watch Supernatural to calm down so I'm ready to face the week.

[@brandonwullsteins]

This is the BEST You Tube video I have ever watched -- planner or not. I have chronic pain and illness and I want to do all the things (like I used to be able to). I have always felt like to you, your style of planning, and sense of humor has resonated with me. You are amazing. You make me feel like it is ok not to do all the things. You inspire me. Thank you for making this video, and all of your videos.

[@eggontoast608]

This is very relevant to my life! I have severe autoimmune dysmotility, and I am sick/hospitalized all the time. I believe strongly in erasable pens.

[@JaceWilliams]

I have Fibro and Anxiety. Days happen that I can't move or breathe (not literally). Life has a funny way of throwing you curveballs and unfortunately you can't "plan" for those things. I love your idea of fitting in down time and recovery time. I truly think that even people that don't have chronic pain or issues should learn to slow down too. The world already moves fast enough. Love your videos!!

[@rosereedplans2521]

JokersSoul 69 me too with the fibro

[@CindyGuentertBaldo]

I'm so glad to be able to help a little

[@kimslocum486]

I don’t have chronic pain or disease but I became a mum 3 weeks ago and adjusting to life with my beautiful newborn is tough. I’m used to being a full time working professional, super productive and organised, now I’m lucky if I get a shower not to mention sleep. But I’m trying to remember that raising our son is my new priority and everything else can wait.

[@saraangel6696]

Congratulations on your new baby!!! I hope your baby has the healthiest, happiest life!

[@kimslocum486]

Sara Angel awww thank you! He is a gem, we are completely smitten with him.

[@CindyGuentertBaldo]

congratulations on the baby! my biggest tip for you is to prioritize getting a shower and change of clothes, even to clean comfy clothes, daily. It will do WONDERS for your morale when you're exhausted and at wits end.

[@marjigferg6060]

I really love this video and I appreciate your honesty. So much love Cindy. Wish I could meet you IRL.

[@courtneycunningham480]

I have widespread chronic pain and have had pain for all 22 years of my life. I'm also a massive perfectionist and I feely needed to hear this! Thank you for everything you do

[@JenSteed]

Such a great video. I often get so pissed that my body, even my brain, cannot work at the speed of my wishes. I used to be able to do so much and it really irritates me that I can’t even do ‘simple’ things like vacays, or field trips. Or a trip to the store sometimes. I’m constantly skirting that line of adrenal fatigue and had to skip my February trip to FL after we got back in October because I pushed myself too hard. There have been gifts from it that I probably wouldn’t have received going full bore, but that still doesn’t help :). I love your videos and am always amazed at how much you seem to do despite your pain & bad times.

[@CindyGuentertBaldo]

That’s exactly it! Coming to terms with the amount of stuff I used to do vs. what I’m capable of now is sooooo damn difficult and depressing. ❤️

[@kayleighgarcia9502]

I really enjoyed this video, as well as most of your videos 😊 We all need a little reassurance sometimes.

[@soulcomfort1]

I live with chronic pain & exhaustion and found that keeping a two page spread for the week and not moving forward anything until the next week helps. I check off whenever I manage to get things done and depend more on a main weekly list and then using the smaller daily lists mostly for appointments or things that HAVE to get done by that particular day. Being nice to yourself and paying attention to your body--yes! Absolutely agree with you. When I am having a bad flare up I sometimes make up baby steps lists where I break down a larger project into tiny steps I can check off. Sometimes doing one small step in ten minutes is all you can do--but little by little it adds up. Great video! :) :)

[@suzanneharper3038]

I am with you Cindy! I've recently moved to a digital planner because I needed to keep track of so much regarding my chronic illness and chronic migraines, and it was easier to keep track of it digitally and be able to pull up a specific calendar w/notes rather than having to flip through paper. That said, I couldn't agree with you more regarding blocking out time for yourself each day. I recently started blacking out everything I do every day to see where my time goes and if I could improve getting done what I needed to do in a shorter period of time so that I would have more time to rest it's worth a look. Kudos to you Sandy and you all of your followers!

[@kristyhilt7317]

Thank you for sharing! I need to listen to what you said. I need to take care of myself! A chronic pain survivor.

[@CindyGuentertBaldo]

Kristy Hilt do it! ❤️❤️

[@KamiYugure]

I may not experience a lot of physical illness or chronic pain, but something I do struggle with is concurrent mental health issues (Depression, anxiety, insomnia) + sleep apnea that all have a way of feeding into each other and turning small problems into huge problems into full blown crash-and-burn meltdowns - like the ultimate downward spiral made entirely out of other downward spirals. So, this advice is something I need to hear as well. Our cultural attitude toward mental disorders is the best its ever been but there's still that stigma that in many ways - with planners, etc. - I'm fighting by trying to make myself be productive, but as time goes on, I am slowly but surely learning that when my body and brain and feelings start telling me a thing, I need need NEED to Stop! Calm down! Take a breather! Give myself some space. I'm only just starting to learn this after repeated incidents where overworking myself has led to serious(!) burnout and my depression, anxiety and general exhaustion put me in months-long time outs... which is demoralizing and tends to eff up whatever financial stability I've gained to boot, since these periods usually mean I'll go weeks where I can barely will myself out of bed for the bare necessities to stay alive and I've lost more than one job because of it... Chronic illness, pain, mental disorders, whatever. They are no joke. And the sooner you take them and your mind and your body seriously, the better... But that's just me... Thank you for this reminder.

[@melissakinney4406]

THANK YOU!!!! People who don't have chronic diseases have no idea the constant battle we struggle with. I struggle with multiple chronic diseases, and each day is difficult to plan. Between mental and physical disablities trying to be a mom, wife, battle yourself trying to figure out how to be a "successful" Adult and meet everyone else's expectations. THANKYOU!! Thank you for sharing! Praying that God is with you, giving you strength and comfort in these next steps!!! Thank you for reminding to take a break. haha I too am a major people pleaser and everyone's needs come before me. 15 years in and I still have to learn that skill!!! I can't thank you enough!!!!

[@CindyGuentertBaldo]

Learning to stop applying those expectations and give myself a mental break from them is soooo hard. It's a constant struggle for me. I'm glad I was able to help you a little

[@ehayys]

I was recently diagnosed with a knee condition that will cause me chronic pain. You put out this video at just the right time! Thank you, Cindy!

[@kimdaniel4539]

Another great video. I am watching it as I am resting on a heating pad in bed. It has taken me years to get to the point where I am okay with so many of the things you said. I have chronic pain and fibromyalgia but also a 25 year old daughter is special needs so I have to super prioritize activities and how much I do. I am blessed to have a supportive husband but that guilt of not doing enough is always looming. Thanks for sharing

[@jessicapenick4892]

Thanks for sharing, Cindy. I have chronic migraines (woke up with one today) and every once in a while I throw myself a massive pity party for not ever feeling normal like other people. Right before I clicked on this video I was saying to myself “how am I going to take care of 2 out of three kids being sick today when I feel like shit. Ugh.” Your video came at the perfect time to remind me I’m not alone even though it feels like it sometimes.

[@lorienhamilton3080]

Thank you so much for posting this video. I have spent the last year recovering from a concussion. it is so hard to plan when I don’t know how one activity will affect my brain and keep me from accomplishing all the other things on my schedule. Like yesterday I spent the day feeling great and today my brain was completely non functional. Which is why it was blessing I found this video today. Thank you.

[@jaimejofreeman3544]

Thank you for this video. Sending comfort to you. I get horrible migraines, knocks me out for a few days at least once a month. With 2 girls, 4 and 2 yrs, I cannot test like I did before yhem so they seem to last longer. I needed to hear what you said about not feeling bad about not feeling well when it's beyond your control. I can't control it schedule a migraine day so I need to pivot and change plans when they happen. I don't have it as bad as some but it is a struggle for me. I feel for you. Praying and sending you comfort.

[@Nayomee1213]

Thank you thank you!! Sometimes I forget this...when it is sooo obvious! I have fibro, degenerative disc disease, a herniated disc, had my 2nd hip surgery 1.5 years ago...which im STILL healing/having complications from....etc etc etc...and I always give myself SUCH grief when I can't adult properly. I have 2 sons...15 and 5....and I have been a horrible bully to myself since my surgery, because I feel so guilty that I'm not on my A-game. It's always so hard to remember to have compassion for yourself when you have chronic pain and health issues that aren't obvious to the eye, and everyone else gives you grief for not being on top of things. I'm rambling. Just, Thank You!

[@CindyGuentertBaldo]

I think we are way harder on ourselves than anyone else is. ❤️❤️❤️

[@Nayomee1213]

Cindy Guentert-Baldo Yes!! It's so bad! 2018...the year of acceptance and self-love! 💖

[@DebWunder]

Hugs, my dear. I also have degenerative arthritis at the base of my spine, along with sciatica, and nerve damage. Please remember to be kind to yourself. Ram Dass reminds us that healing is not curing. He further notes that healing is learning where you are now and going forward from there. It's hella hard to do, but I do try to at least keep that in mind.

[@Nayomee1213]

Deb Wunder thank you!! I am finally realizing that I have to stop looking at my old "normal" and realize that at least for the time being, THIS is my "normal". It truly is so hard! Hugs to you too!! Idk why we women are sooo hard on ourselves!! 💖

[@susanharkema2888]

A friend once told me write everything in pencil so that it can be changed. My entire work and life is built around flexibility. It can be lonely working from home alone for yourself but it helps when you can't get up and out. Really appreciate this video!

[@charfrew762]

Great video Cindy you are a rock star! As someone that has autoimmune diseases resulting in chronic pain and fatigue and used to have superwoman syndrome (yes I remember when doing ALL things was not only possible but normal) I have found the following things have helped me. I only make one appointment a day especially if I have to drive myself (which is always pushing it), this way if it is a bad day I only have to do one thing. I make a list of things that need to be done but don't put them in my planner - this way if it doesn't get done I don't feel like a failure. I plan my days every damn day - because until I am up and awake and mobile (which takes about 2-3 hours and painkillers before my body works) I don't know if it is a good or bad day and then I figure out how much I can do and start with the urgent things only and limit it to 3-5 things each day. Also I intentionally plan a rest day every week - usually this day is dictated to me by my body - but if I have a good week I will still have Friday as a rest day or I leave the day before a big event as a rest day. I still suck at wanting to do all the things but since I have begun accepting that I can't and letting go of some things that aren't important (like the unnecessary housework we all do) I have seen some improvement in my outlook and if I feel better mentally I deal better with the physical stuff. I still use my planner to track my bad times - if there is nothing in my planner that week - it sucked!!!! LOL Remember go easy on yourself. Sending love.

[@karenbell3911]

Thanks for posting this. This is the only post I’ve seen in the planner community about not being able to do everything. I have chronic back pain and fatigue from a chronic back condition and can’t control how I will feel on any day. Now I have to be flexible and only do what I can do. I need to give myself grace. I work part time so have my top 3 for work and try to at least make progress in those top 3 and I have a top 1 for life stuff. Sometimes that’s just cook something, or get out of bed!

[@KarenGravatt]

Thank you so much for sharing this video. You are such an inspiration to so many. Big hugs to you!

[@gwirithil1]

One of the things that drew me to your videos was (other than you being your awesome self) was that I have chronic nerve pain that sometimes sidelines me. Your honesty about your shitty kidneys and when you have to rest and crash and cancel shit... is awesome. And I know SO MUCH that it's harder than it sounds, and that we all try to do more than we probably should. Thank you for this video.

[@corkspa]

Thank you Cindy for your candidness and honesty. I have anxiety, chronic back pain, and had to have my thyroid out a few months ago putting me on meds forever to control, well, everything apparently. On top of that I just lost my sister last month to metastatic breast cancer. Needless to say I needed to hear this and that it's ok to need time, to not do all the things all the time, and that sometimes you just have a bad day. Hope you feel better and get the rest you need.

[@rockerbaby2003]

I have endometriosis and PCOS. I try my best during my menstruation week to not make appointments to travel and be in meetings with clients where I’m in excruciating pain and putting all my energy into looking and behaving as if I’m ok. It’s something I struggle with and will only get worse until I eventually have surgery, but that’s not really an option in the foreseeable future.

[@loribarker683]

rockerbaby2003 i have endo too, but many years after my kids were born. I decided enough was enough, & had a hysterectomy, at least i dont have that pain to deal wifh anymore, just kidney disease now, lol

[@MsPuff]

Thank you. I have EDS and so do 2 of my kids. I have chronic pain and have days where walking to the bathroom is difficult. I have had to learn to say no often and/or cancel plans. Its mever my favorite, ive made those plans for a reason, but waiting to rest because you are out of options is the worst. Sending gentle hugs and hope some rest gets you back to comfy soon. 💜

[@mentalknitja]

Thank you so much for this video... A suffer from a lot of chronic things and I always try to plan so much. It's a good idea to plan a recovery time .

[@MadeByElissa]

Thank you for talking about this! I don't have a physical illness but this resonates with me because I have a chronic mental illness, and I'm going through a "relapse" I guess you could call it - I had been doing great for a few months and I've gone backwards. Sometimes planner stuff feels like my escape from it which is awesome. But sometimes it's too overwhelming to even think about planning because I don't know how I'm going to feel from one day to the next and it feels pointless to plan. Plus adding in that I run a planner business, it can be hard. It sucks because I can have so many ideas and plans but I don't get most of them done. Sometimes I get a look at other people's planners/lives and think "wow, they do it all. I'm not doing enough!!!" but I'm learning to be kind to myself during my bad times, because I'll feel really guilty but I shouldn't beat myself up about it if I need a mental health day.

[@antonishapolitepeoples]

Thank you so much for this!!! I suffer from chronic migraines and cyclothymic mood disorder and although I have learned how to implement "bare minimum days" when I'm not feeling well, I have still not learned to not feel guilty about it or take time to rest so that it doesn't even get that far.

[@thatwendygirl68]

what a fabulous video!! I have rheumatoid arthritis and things can change on a dime. (I had severe acute kidney failure a few years ago - so scary!). I say yes all the time too. I told my family and friends that this needs to be "the year of 'no'!". I love "give yourself a fucking break". HELL YES!!! How do you handle people you KNOW are not believing that your issue are truly a barrier to pleasing them?

[@s4andy63]

Chronic conditions unite! I’m so sorry you are suffering. My son has Type 1 Diabetes. It’s an ongoing struggle for him. It’s difficult for people who don’t deal with chronic conditions to understand. My son and the whole family are involved in diabetes care. It’s been like this since my son was 4. He is now 18. My son and all others with chronic conditions should get an award for endurance.

[@melaniemacksreza9890]

I’ve been dealing with being a brittle diabetic for 26 years. My right eye has gone blind and I don’t have feeling in my lower legs and feet. Unless you have issues that affect your daily life it is really impossible to empathize. I get tired of explaining myself or apologizing for the exhaustion. I have taken up Bullet Journaling and I spend hours relaxing, planning and doodling. Finally I have me time!! 💜💜💜

[@mamadeb1963]

Melanie Abed I'm diabetic, too, although I'm type 2 and currently in good control. But I was struggling for a few months until we found a better med, and my hands have paid a price.

[@melaniemacksreza9890]

Debra Baker I feel your pain. I’m a type 1 now with kidney function becoming an issue. Being a brittle diabetic is hard since there is no way to maintain the sugar levels. The best medicine for me is relaxing. Lol. 💜

[@s4andy63]

Melanie Abed. My son is a brittle diabetic. I understand the struggle diabetic face. It’s a constant blood sugar battle. Take care of yourself. Try not to let those who don’t understand get you down. You are doing the best you can.

[@CindyGuentertBaldo]

I’m married to a type 1 (we basically should own stock in Big Pharma) - it’s hard enough to keep his shit under control without the extra crap you have to go through. So many hugs to you.

[@melaniemacksreza9890]

s4andy63 thank you, you are so sweet and the planning community is really what I needed in my life!💜💜💜

[@Amyjo_lovesmusic]

I am so sorry you are having a terrible time with your kidney disease. I hope that you are feeling better soon! I am sending good vibes your way. Take care!!!

[@CindyGuentertBaldo]

thank you!

[@amotleyartwkatherine]

Flexability is a must with a chronic disease or illness. I started bujo because I have always found "to do list" easier way to plan my time than hourly planning. I love the flexibility of bujo which helps me with my narcolepsy. I never know how much energy I will have one day to another. Planning rest is so important, but very difficult. Thank you for sharing! I wish you all the best. Please remeber it is okay to say I just can't do that today.

[@MJ-rt9pi]

I know this wasn't the point of the video but I have to say. You amaze me. I have suffered with pain a few times in my life. Two have resolved, one has not. But when I was in the worst of it (taking pain pills almost every day) I was a MESS. I did work full time but that's about all I could do. The rest of the time I was in bed. It was literally all I could do. I feel like you get a shit ton of stuff accomplished and you stay positive. And I KNOW your pain level is high on a regular basis. I'm praying you get better and your pain subsides. I know that means a kidney transplant for you so I'm praying for a donor that matches perfectly. Thanks for being awesome. I LOVE your videos and your great sense of humor. You are clever and have a quick wit and I love that! So grateful for you ❤️

[@jolainesantistevan8288]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I am like you in the people pleaser area. I have struggled with taking on too much and not saying no when I should have. So good for you for taking time for You. I love watching your videos so much. And I will gladly wait for one while you take care of you. Reruns are just awesome. Thank you for all the glimpses of real life you give to the world. Hugs

[@CindyGuentertBaldo]

Jolaine Scott I really appreciate that, thank YOU. 💕

[@RenskeAnimeFan]

i needed this. i dont have a pyschical disease. but i have anxiety and other mental issues. i mean i am doing loads better! if i look back at the me from two years ago. but i had a few rough days last week. so i kinda needed this. thank you. for sharing, being so open about your struggles. really hope you will get a transplant and feel better in the future. for now i hope you feel better! lots of love

[@kbailey613ify]

Cindy, this is such an amazing video and inspirational to (obviously) many! Thank you for this! I love watching and listening to you. Hope your symptoms ease up for you a bit soon 😘

[@JennCampbell]

Thank you for saying this! The last 2 weeks have been he'll for me. I deal with several mental and physical issues every day. Add to that that the end of a 7 year relationship, physical therapy for 2 new issues, therapy and 2 other regular weekly appointments and I am TIRED by the weekend. I am blocking off me time starting NOW. 💗

[@CindyGuentertBaldo]

Jennifer Campbell oh boy, I am so sorry you’ve had such a rough go of it. me time stat!

[@DebWunder]

"Comparison is the thief of joy." Oh, that is so true.

[@berryvillain5115]

Yay fellow spoonie! This is a fantastic video! I have MS and Fibromyalgia plus diabetes and high BP.. amongst other things... At the start of my deccorartive planning journey I would get so frustratred and down on myself if I didnt fill out my planner EVERY SINGLE WEEK... Planning does help me with anxiety about my conditions and keep track of my conditions and setting goals for myself but It is SO hard not to berate yourself when you just cant do it because you feel like absolute shite!! Luckily im learning to listen to my body, rest when I need it. And also not taking the decor part of planning so seriously and if some weeks my planning is just a list of To-Do...then thats what it is! THanks again for the video and much love and prayers to yoU!

[@samanthamelendez8851]

I needed to hear this. I write this big long list of shit to do and get anxious when I don't get it done. I have facial nerve damage so sometimes I don't sleep or the pain is so bad I'm bed ridden. The meds sometimes make me dizzy and caffiene just makes me hurt more so its a catch 22. I commend you. I really appreciate this video. Love and hugs to everyone here.

[@christineblake2042]

I'm a Type 2 diabetic with clinical depression who was able to take early retirement (and I know how lucky I am) last year. it's Ok to make plans and have to cancel if you are just not up to it. I schedule things in my planner and use cancelled or rescheduled stickers when plans change; I don't re-do plans because I want my planner to reflect my real life as it happened. Single most important thing is to take care of yourself. The people who love you will understand, and everyone else can take a running jump!

[@conielyguerin6896]

Also, I am starting to come to terms that I just can’t do the things I used to or at the productivity level I used to operate at. I am working to re-baseline my own expectations as I am my worst critic. Thanks for this video.

[@CindyGuentertBaldo]

Coni Ely Guerin I also am trying to do these things. You’re so welcome!

[@mudkipjuice]

Man I needed this today. I'm Autistic with Sensory Processing Disorder, and there are MANY things I struggle with that most non-Autistic people dont, the biggest being phone calls. I had to make a "quick" phone call today and it completely drained my mental energy, which meant sensory pain for the rest of the day. I only completed half of the things I needed to do today because of that, and it was really making me feel awful that I couldn't do anything except lay in bed. I've really been trying to make it so I can plan around things like this, but sometimes it just sucks.

[@ruthcharlton7843]

Thank you so much for sharing in this video. So many of us in the planner community have health issues but seem to think with the right planner we can still be Wonder Woman and do ALL of the things ALL the time (I’m very guilty of this!). You hit the nail on the head perfectly by emphasising how important it is to rest and listen to what our bodies are telling us. I’ve got chronic back pain, and I’m constantly having to relearn the lessons that work as the minute I’m feeling a bit better I over do it. Every. Damn. Time.

[@sarahbrashear3795]

I love that you did a video on chronic illnesses. I have type 1 diabetes along with some other autoimmune diseases and always try to live life from my planner. I definitely over commit myself but this reminded me I need to step back and take a look at my commitments and see if they are necessary :-)

[@judithmorgan1718]

hugs to all... appreciate the reminders... and we get to choose good, better or best... some days .... good is all i've got...some days it's the best we can do .... and that's gotta be enough because it's what we have. something about watching you this past month inspired me to refine some lazy ass-ness where my health is concerned...and by extension, encourage my best friend who's dealing with diabetes and had a crappy report yesterday despite making healthier choices. it's about maintaining good stuff as best we can, and being selective about saying yes or no...what y'all said.

[@kerriardner8885]

Awesome video and message!! Also that Missy Elliot reference was phenomenal!! Literally laughed out loud!! Needed this today!!

[@stephaniemoran6206]

Thank you for sharing

[@Gallity]

I hope everything goes well for you health wise. ❤️ I love watch your videos and my sister has chronic kidney disease. She’s been on dialysis for a year and we’re just waiting for her to get her transplant. The message you’ve delivered here was very well said! Also, the angry kidney is cute!

[@conielyguerin6896]

Yes! Listen to your body...don’t emulate the ‘normal’ experts. Hang in there. Comparison is the thief of joy.

[@Craftyfan-ht2iz]

Thank you Cindy. I deal with chronic pain for almost 20 years and I’m 42. I try to delegate at work and I’m starting baby steps to do that. It’s so hard and guilt oh lord the guilt of not being a good wife Mom coworker friend family member you name it I have guilt and empty planner for it. I’m so sorry you are suffering, thank you for the reminder.God Bless

[@CindyGuentertBaldo]

Craftyfan2015 I think we put a lot of that guilt on ourselves, and we should QUIT IT. 😂💕💕💕💕

[@illicitshadow]

Thank you for making this video. I have several chronic diseases, the most interruptive one being MS, and disease-related fatigue is a major ass-kicker for me. I really needed to hear "give yourself a break" so thank you! All we can do is keep trying, right? 💜

[@sharon888b]

I have PKD, too. I'm in Stage 5 with kidney function of 10 percent. I haven't gone on dialysis yet, but I'm hanging on my fingernails. I never was very good at listening to my body. I would just keep going. Since my kidney function has gotten so low, I can't ignore what my body is telling me anymore. I find that I need a lot more rest than I used to. I just was at the LA Pen Show all weekend. worked at someone's table so I was there all day. I wanted to go to the evening pen meetups, but I just didn't have the energy. I loved being there, but I knew I was going to pay it for later. I find it takes me a day or more to recover from going all out like that. And the thing about kidney disease is you don't look like you're sick until you're practically on death's door. People look at you and think there's nothing wrong with you. I've had to adjust my expectations about what I can do and the people around me have learned to adjust their expectations as well. It's harder to plan ahead when you're don't know how you're going to feel so I take each day as it comes. I have things I want to get done each day, but I have to prioritize them because I don't know when I'm going to run out of energy. It's easy to get frustrated by your limitations. I know I do. But I'm working on being more accepting.

[@TheMindlessAutumn]

thank you! i think most of us need to remember this. :)

[@faithandplans9952]

I love this video! Thank you for putting yourself out there like this. It was good to hear it’s ok to take a break and maybe say no. I have Crohn’s disease and a host of other issues. It’s hard a lot of days. I also have really bad hands and it can be pAinful to write. Any suggestions on tools that can be used so I can keep lettering even when my grip is off?

[@lookinglasslife]

amazing video, love you dude

[@werelemur1138]

This popped back up in my recommends and I'm glad. On top of the chronic pain issues I've had for decades, apparently my immune system decided to go rogue? I'd planned on having a productive weekend, but I think I need to take it easy and give me a couple days to "process."

[@millierosado8432]

mami, I also have a serious health situation, recently diagnosed but suffered for years. I've been to all sort of regular doctors and I've been devouring natural medicine and pursuing a holistic approach, to ensure I as a whole being am being treated well. One thing that I've been learning about and applying is the impact of the spiritual and emotional aspects in our physical health, causing diseases and impacting out general well being. There's all sorts of sources out there that talk about this, but there is one that has impacted me the most. It's a book by Louise Hay, "Heal your body". This was a book that I had resisted to read because my analytical pragmatic mind has a hard time digesting these types of intangible concepts. But out of desperation I finally got it, started reading the last chapter in which she describes in summary her own life and how she healed and survived tremendous traumas and diseases, and then started from the beginning and applying the concepts. Now I am obsessed with learning how the spiritual and emotional aspects damage health, how to heal from them, and how to balance it with the traditional medicine, after starting to experience my own recovery, where everything else had failed. Our bodies and our beings are amazing, magnificent!

What an inspiring video. Thank you. Xx

[@taniasmith9135]

hi ya you are so right. i've learnt the hard way. plan a little each day and leave time for you because if you don't do it for yourself no one esle will

[@jsth2breethe]

Anxiety and depression stifle me often. I haven’t looked at my planner in a month. It’s just full of things I didn’t do. I’m want to go back to writing down what I accomplished each day. Even if the only thing I put on there is that I got out of bed or brushed my teeth. I would rather see what I did than all my failed plans.

[@tvmom]

I bought all the planner things and then had surgery and can’t get motivated. Also. I’m so happy you are living in this time. My childhood neighbor’s dad, and everyone on his mom’s side, had PKD when there were only 2 dialysis machines in all of KC and those were for rich people. Hope you feel better soon.

[@CindyGuentertBaldo]

tvmom my great grandma died the same day from PKD that the first dialysis machine arrived in her town. I am so very grateful to have access to all of the modern medicine available now. 💕💕💕💕

[@heatherpruchnicki7870]

Thank you for this video!!!! I’ve been struggling with this for awhile since I have MS and I’m slowly starting to realize that I can plan for certain stuff but if I don’t have the energy, there is always undu

[@CindyGuentertBaldo]

Heather Pruchnicki or just say fuck it and scribble across it (which was the point I was about to make when I got interrupted in this damn video lol)

[@shonaguthrie848]

Thanks for this. I’ve got chronic MH issues, but on top of that I’ve got a DVT & clots in my lungs. Some days I really struggle with fatigue, and don’t get anything done. Other days I’m so wired and got three times as much done!

[@diamondpainting.by.fairydust]

I've been living with chronic illnesses since the age of 22 and now going on 39 and still I plan and expect myself to be able to do everything all the time which is stupid cause I clearly know I can't but it's like I still haven't accepted my situation (which will just get worse with time...grr) I'm afraid of being seen as boring or lazy because anyone who doesn't suffer from chronic issues do not understand the daily battle. I applaud you for making this video and hoping that words coming from a someone else living with chronic issues may make me change how I perceive things. It's so hard to accept but we gotta keep on living.

[@Lottie842]

I needed this. Thank you.

[@CindyGuentertBaldo]

Lottie842 you are very welcome.

[@tashj.7870]

Awesome!!!

[@emelieandersson2577]

Thanks for telling us, you have so good thoughts about stuff and explain really good. Can’t you do a transplantation? Hope your good days are more than the bad! 💕

[@cindiatkins6729]

Thank you Cindy. I know I had mentioned to you the I to have PCK and fibromyalgia. More people that don't have a chronic disease doesn't understand the issues we deal with on a regular basis. Hang in there sweetie, I have a lot of family with this disease and I know your pain. Big hugs

[@CindyGuentertBaldo]

Cindi Atkins big hugs to you fellow Cindy(i)

[@button4631]

yes!! I have fibromyalgia and early in my journey everyone was saying follow fly lady and stuff like that, it just doesnt work for my situation and that didnt make me a crappy cleaner etc it means I just wasnt "normal"

[@Plaidfuzz]

OMG why don't I ever listen when people say DON'T Google something?! *trypophobia* I do not have a chronic physical disease like you do, but I feel like I can relate just a bit after hurting my back a year ago and dealing with chronic pain ever since. I have a friend who suffered a similar back injury and we have decided we need t-shirts that say "I'm not lazy, my back hurts!" Thank you so much for making this video. You are such a huge inspiration to be unique in planning!

[@CindyGuentertBaldo]

The House of Plaidfuzz I DID WARN YOU. 😂😂😂😂 chronic pain is no joke. I think that shirt sounds FABULOUS.

[@lillianpike3389]

Thanks for this video.... I have Type1Diabetes, Celiac Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus & Fibromyalgia and I felt so alone trying to figure out how to plan.

[@loribarker683]

Omg Cindy, i just subscribed to your channel tonight, looking for info on art journaling, & i came across this video, i feel for you sister, i have a kidney disease as well, medullary sponge kidney, i pass kidney stones frequently & i am also looking at dialysis down the road, but good for you that u still work, ive been trying to get on disability since Nov 2013, chronic disease SUCKS the BIG ONE!!! Great video with kick ass advice on slowing down & listening to your body, i was an RN, so you are 100% correct, ty, i hope your feeling well today😼😼😁

[@tia119]

As someone who is interested in a health career, I googled it and holy fucking balls Cindy. *gives all the hugs*

[@CindyGuentertBaldo]

aww thank you

[@KarenLGH63]

Thank you for this video I have chronic illness that had minimal effect or so I thought last Thursday I had a Heart Attack and had 2 stents put into my artery I don't think it has really hit me yet. I went back to work today lasted half a day. Hope I learn my limits soon

[@CindyGuentertBaldo]

CrazyH's Chaos OMG! I’ll be sending all my best mojo your way while you recover. ❤️❤️❤️

[@Savvy_lurker_14]

I have hashimotos hypothyroidism and chronic pain from a concussion I had about 8 months ago.

[@robbien.3964]

No insights to add, I just want to thank you for the encouragement. Also, you mentioned in another video something that made me think you might enjoy a book I just finished. It's called "Stolen Innocence" by Eissa Wall. She was a member of the FLDS community who ultimately got out and helped to bring charges against Warren Jeffs for his involvement in arranging underage marriages. I liked how she helps the reader to understand the culture of the FLDS church and you could kind of see its progression from what started as an offshot of the mainline Mormon church to a cult with centralized power (though I think she herself still never called it a cult in the book).

[@clairetiggs2002]

First off huge soothing gentle hugs with love, ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ though mines chronic pain and fatigue, I track meds pain and how often I pass out, I must admit the best time I've found to plan things are early to late afternoon incase of the needs of meds, saying that there's not alot I can do plus I need someone with me when leaving the house, saying that listen to your body as much as possible if someone can help you with the tasks you need to do let them help, if you need a rest or break then do it, best to have a break than push it and need days to recover. I'm typing as watching you're saying this make sure you listen to you too angel so I'm reminding you stop being hard on yourself give yourself a break you didn't cause this to happen but you can work round it, Jesse and the kids need you as do we, love yaxxxxxxx

[@CindyGuentertBaldo]

thanks Claire!

[@clairetiggs2002]

Cindy Guentert-Baldo I think it varies for everyone with me that's best time of day as meds have hopefully kicked in and not to knackered at that point, mornings might be better with planning stuff that's going to tax most then gp easier from lunch, it's not easy I think your amazing xxxxx 🤗 🤗 🤗 my inbox is always open xxxx hugs xx

[@pygmyowl6275]

Hi CindyPlease do a pen/highlighter collection with swatches! Or more thunderdome! :D

[@kimroberts8113]

I have Crohn’s Disease and completely identify with everything you’ve said. Ironic, sometimes, to also love to plan! The hardest thing for me has been working a day job and trying to get my writing done. I want so much to be a full-time indie author, but I can’t hustle as hard outside of my 9 to 5 because my health has to be just as big a priority (no late nights, no ignoring breaks, making time for relaxation, etc). Sometimes I feel like such a failure when I’m not bleeding myself dry on the regular for pursuit of my passion. 😕

[@CindyGuentertBaldo]

Oh dude, my cousin has Crohn's and I see how she works so hard just to keep up. I totally can understand what you are feeling.

[@kimroberts8113]

Cindy Guentert-Baldo Thank you. 😒💩😉 I appreciate that shops like Coffee Monsterz Co and OMWL have spoonie stickers. Some weeks I use the eff out of those!

[@CandiedLittleYams]

You can’t give up all your kids activities but I was raised by my grandparents who couldn’t be normal age parents and didnt try to be. We were in plenty of things after school or before/after church, but they didn’t try to run around all week from activity to activity.

[@freckleslappat5862]

Thanks. I think this was prefect timing. I am also a sufferer of many conditions and diseases that hinder my life. Thank you for telling us all, that it is okay to take a break and to say....FUCK!!! I absolutely adore you, please take care of yourself. We aren't ready to say goodbye, so take your advice and take a nap. Say FUCK IT!!! Sending love, hope and be blessed from southern Oregon.