What I write: Lists

My favorite writing genre?

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I don’t know what to write about.

Okay, that’s not completely accurate. Some days, I have so many ideas but don’t have the energy. Other days, I have a little bit of time and energy, but my mind is blank.

I do write regularly, it’s just a different kind of writing.

For instance, ahead of every doctor’s appointment, I take notes and write down questions I have. Because some appointments are hard to come by and only happen every so often, and because my short-term memory is shit, thanks to Long Covid. With that little bit of prep, I feel less stressed and can use the little time I get more deliberately.

A collage of some recent lists - I write them in both German and English.

The other week, I saw my primary care physician about a laundry list of topics, from side effects of meds and possible alternatives, to a recent cold I’m still harboring, to how symptoms have changed (i.e. improved, worsened, etc.) over the summer.

For the purpose of these doctors’ appointments - both in person and online -, I use a small teal-colored notebook that I bring to all medical consultations. That way, I can’t forget my complete list of meds and their dosage, what therapies have (not) been working, and which symptoms have been a recent focus, plus anything else that might come up.

Other things I write?

Grocery lists that exceed five items. For up to five items, I usually come up with a mnemonic device to “train” my brain so as to not lose complete function of my short-term memory. Once the list gets longer and more complicated, however, putting pen to paper is a must, as I don’t have the energy to head out again for a possibly forgotten item the next day.

Collage #2

I also write countless to-do lists and collections of ideas. According to my therapist, even my pared-down, pacing-friendly(ier) lists are kinda insane for someone in my condition. Hah. Not that I get around most items on the list. Some of them are about more fun stuff, like new (easy) cat toys to make, small gifts to craft, or art to create.

Sometimes, I write lists of lists so I can keep track of them all. There are lists about, for instance, easy meal ideas for flare days, activities that use more or less cognitive/emotional/physical/social energy. Lists about small tricks that might help me sleep better. Or improve my digestion. Or reduce nausea.