How to Find the Words Again

And be the writer you want to be

photo by @leio Unsplash

Have you ever struggled to remember something, and just given up on it?

You know, “you’ll think of it later.”

Or you walk into the living room to get something, and then forget what you went to get? Then return to the family room and suddenly you recall what it was?

Conversations cause me to struggle to recall a word. It’s frustrating at times, and others look at me like I have two heads.

Writing is kind to me and allows me the time to find the word I’m searching for. When I remember it later, I can go back and change my sentence. I’m calm when I’m writing, not pressured like when I’m in a conversation.

When writing I’m confident and able to express my thoughts. I can ramble as much or as little as I want and edit later.

In conversations, my sentences can just fade when I’m speaking. My husband will ask why I don’t finish my sentence? I have to be very cognizant of what I’m saying. Writing prompts and reminders in my journal help word recall later in meetings.

“A stumbling-block to the pessimist is a stepping-stone to the optimist.” Eleanor Roosevelt

I’ve written about Cognitive dysfunction or Brain Fog on my blog. Fatigue, stress and autoimmune diseases are a major contributor. In fact, when I’m having a flare-up, word recall is at its worst.

Responding to emails at work is easier, and don’t just put you on the spot like a phone call. You can respond right away and let the sender know you’re working on it. Then take your time to research and answer with your response.

photo by @hostreviews Unsplash

Nothing worse than wondering if the recipient read your email is there? And if the topic is urgent, they can follow up with a phone call and you’ve already had time to consider it. I manage two email accounts during the day this way. I’m not at zero in my inbox at the end of the day, but that’s my goal.

I have a regular routine, which not only helps my memory but also time management. When cognitive dysfunction or…