Productivity with Heart: How I Manage My Energy as a Neurodivergent Creator
Dear Yarn Fam,
Today, I’m writing this post from my favorite spot on the couch, a mug of coffee cooling beside me and my crochet basket within arm’s reach. I’m feeling under the weather—head foggy, energy low, not my usual self. But maybe that’s the perfect place to start this story, because if there’s one thing I’ve learned as a neurodivergent military spouse and creator, it’s that productivity isn’t about running at full speed all the time. It’s about listening to your body, honoring your season, and building a life that works with you, not against you.
Finding comfort in small rituals—a warm mug, soft yarn, and gentle sunlight. Here’s to honoring our energy, embracing rest, and creating with heart, one cozy moment at a time. 💖
Permission to Pause
Let’s just say it: Some days are hard. Some days, I wake up ready to take on the world, batch-create content, organize my Notion workspace (my new obsession!), and dream big for Wondering.Waves. Other days—like today—I give myself permission to sleep in, ignore the barrage of phone calls, and let emails wait. And that’s okay.
For years, I thought productivity meant pushing through, no matter what. But I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that rest is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. My dreams are patient—they’ll still be there after a nap, a slow morning, or even a week of low energy. And giving myself that permission has changed everything.
The Tools That Keep Me Going
If you’ve followed me for a while, you know I love my systems—especially when my brain feels scattered or my energy dips. Here’s what’s working for me lately:
Medication: I’m open about the fact that taking my medication is a non-negotiable part of my routine. It’s a foundation for everything else.
Timers: I use physical timers (the kind that tick!) to break my day into manageable chunks—45 or 60 minutes of focused work, then a real break. Sometimes I only manage a single timer’s worth of work, and that’s enough.
Lots of Breaks: On tough days, I take lots of breaks. Sometimes that means a walk outside, a few rows of crochet, or just staring out the window with a snack. It’s all valid.
Batch Creating & Scheduling: On my good days, I ride the wave—writing multiple blog posts, scheduling social media, and prepping content for the weeks ahead. That way, when life throws a curveball (which, let’s be real, is often), I’ve already got something in the pipeline.
Supportive Team: Even though Wondering.Waves is a one-woman show, I have an incredible support system—my husband Matthew, my family, and friends who cheer me on and sometimes step in when I need to step back.
Notion: My New Productivity Haven
Recently, I dove headfirst into Notion, and honestly, it’s been a game-changer. I have everything linked together—tags, notes, blog outlines, future ideas, even systems for when I finally launch those crochet kits and patterns I keep teasing. Right now, I’ve got the next 15 days of blog posts mapped out, plus another 15 ideas waiting in the wings. It’s not just about staying organized; it’s about giving myself a gentle structure, a home for my thoughts and dreams that I can return to, no matter how I’m feeling.
And because I know future-me will have tough days, I’m building living documents—step-by-step guides, process notes, reminders of what matters most. It’s like leaving breadcrumbs for myself, so I never feel lost.
The Reality of Neurodivergent Energy
If there’s one thing I wish more people understood about being a neurodivergent creator (and especially a military spouse), it’s that flexibility isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s a lifeline. My energy levels can swing wildly from day to day, and I’ve learned to stop fighting it. Some weeks, I’m bursting with ideas and motivation. Other weeks, I’m in survival mode, doing only what’s essential.
Rest isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a strategy. It’s how I keep going, how I stay creative, and how I show up for my family and community. And if you’re reading this and nodding along, please know: You’re not alone.
A Note to Fellow Dreamers
If you take one thing from this post, let it be this:
It’s okay to take breaks. Your dream will still be waiting for you.
And please, seek help when you need it. For years, I struggled alone, thinking I had to do everything myself. It wasn’t until I opened up to a friend that things started to shift. My dreams have always been big, but it’s only recently that I’ve had the support and tools I need to move toward them in a way that feels healthy and sustainable.
Closing Thoughts
So today, I’m giving myself grace—and I hope you will, too. Whether you’re crafting, parenting, moving across the country (again), or just trying to make it through the day, remember: Productivity with heart means honoring your limits, celebrating your wins (even the tiny ones), and building a life that fits you.
If you’re a fellow neurodivergent creator, a military spouse, or just someone who sometimes struggles to balance it all, I see you. And I’m cheering you on.
With warmth and resilience,
Latosha
P.S. How do you manage your energy on tough days? What’s your go-to comfort ritual? Drop a comment below or send me a message—I’d love to hear your stories.