Ink & Paper Digitals

A BLOG FOR THE SCATTERBRAINED, SPARKLY, AND STILL TRYING

Orange sticky note on a gray desk with "SLOW DOWN A LITTLE?" written on it. Partial view of a laptop nearby.

Back-to-Life After Chaos: My ADHD Overwhelm Reset (and Why I’ve Been MIA)

After a full-on mental health crisis brought on by ADHD overwhelm, school chaos, and homeschool stress, I’m sharing how small resets—like using Google Tasks, keeping a nightly kitchen reset, and cooking at home—helped me regain stability and rebuild ADHD productivity one step at a time.

Nov 15, 20254 min read

Vintage spoons arranged on a worn wooden surface, some with ornate handles. One spoon has "SWEET TEA" text. Mottled black and brown tones.

Energy Management That Makes Sense: Honor Your Capacity, Not Just Your To-Do List

Ever feel like you’re out of energy before the day even starts? You’re not alone. This post explores the “Spoons & Sparkles” rhythm from my book-in-progress, with real-life energy management tips for when you’re totally drained, suddenly inspired, or somewhere in between. Whether you can clean a whole zone or just clear off a dinner plate, you’re doing enough.

Aug 1, 20253 min read

ADHD Cleaning Motivation: Future You Prep List Freebie

Subscribe

🌿 Welcome to Lists & Lost Things 🌿

If you’re new here: Hi, I’m really glad you found this space.

This group exists for people who:
• have ADHD or beautifully wired brains
• feel overwhelmed by “normal” organization advice
• lose lists…while actively making lists
• want systems that work with their energy, not against it

This is a shame-free, perfection-not-required zone. We talk about gentle resets, realistic routines, clutter without guilt, and doing the best we can with the brains and lives we have.

You’ll see:
✔️ simple, flexible organization ideas
✔️ encouragement on hard days
✔️ tools that don’t assume unlimited focus or motivation
✔️ reminders that you are not broken

✨ Start wherever you are. Lurk if you need to. Jump in when it feels safe.

If you want to explore printable tools and resources made for this exact kind of brain, you can find them here (I’m slowly creating more!):
👉 http://www.inkandpaperdigitals.com

Optional hello (only if you want!):
💬 What’s one thing you’re hoping gets a little easier lately?

I’m really glad you’re here,
Tori 💛
@listsandlostthings

#NeurodivergentLife #ADHDOrganization #ExecutiveDysfunction #ClutterWithoutShame #YouAreNotBroken

Today at our annual Thanksgiving potluck, my daughter ate exactly two things: corn casserole and boxed cookies.
And honestly? That’s okay.

For years, I stressed over making her try “just one bite.” But parenting an autistic child means unlearning a LOT of old food rules.
Today I told her, “There are no eating rules here. Just memories to be made.”

And you know what? She laughed, she talked, she felt safe.
That matters more than any menu.

To any parent navigating sensory needs or limited safe foods during the holidays—
You’re not failing. You’re supporting.
And your kids will remember the joy, not the plate.

Save this for when the holiday pressure kicks in. ❤️

Drop a ❤️ if holiday food pressure is something you’re unlearning too.

#SensoryEaters #AutismAwarenessEveryday #ParentingWins #Thanksgiving2025 #HolidayMemoriesMatter

If you’re still grocery shopping in person every week…this is your sign to stop. 👀
Online ordering isn’t lazy — it’s smart budgeting and literal impulse-control magic.

Here’s why I swear by pickup:
✔️ You see your total before you check out
✔️ No “just grabbing one thing” that becomes $40
✔️ You stick to your plan
✔️ You protect your time AND your money

ADHD brain? Busy parent brain? Tired human brain?
Online grocery ordering saves you from yourself — in the best way.

This PSA is your permission to make life easier.

You deserve systems that work with your real life, not against it. 💛

👉 Want tools to simplify your home + headspace?
Find more at @inkandpaperdigitals or visit my shop: www.inkandpaperdigitals.com

What’s the one thing you ALWAYS impulse-buy at the store? Drop it below 👇

#grocerypickup #onlinegroceries #budgettips #mindfulspending #adhdlifehacks #savemoneydaily #mealplanningmadeeasy #budgetfriendlyliving #intentionalhome #inkandpaperdigitals

This morning did not go as planned.
I was lying perfectly still when my dog suddenly decided it was time to clock in at 5 AM 😂

Normally, I’d drag him back into bed and do the “I’m definitely still asleep” act…
but something I’d just read in “Indistractable” by Nir Eyal came back to me:

✨ “The body gets what the body needs.”

So instead of fighting the morning, I leaned into it.
Started the coffee.
Sat with the quiet.
Let the day begin softly instead of with chaos.

And honestly…I think my brain needed that more than sleep.

If you’ve been craving a pause today — this is your sign to take a soft start. ☕✨

I’m spending the rest of the morning creating new stickers and digital files.
If you want to see what’s new, everything’s linked in my bio or @InkAndPaperDigitals.com 🤎

↡ Save this if you want a reminder for your next slow morning.

✨ Sometimes the win is simply stirring a pot of chili after a week that’s been a lot. Between family, work, and all the things I can’t control, this pot feels like proof that I’m still showing up.

What’s your go-to comfort meal when life feels overwhelming? 🍲💛

#RealLifeCooking #ComfortInABowl #FutureYouPrep #ListsAndLostThings

Discover insightful strategies for personal content management and productivity that are designed specifically for women with neurodivergent brains! 🌟💪 At Ink and Paper Digitals through Lists and Lost Things, I help you focus on realistic methods to tackle executive dysfunction effectively. 🌷✨ Check out more at https://wix.to/A7M97y6! #Neurodivergent #ProductivityTips #ContentManagement #WomenEmpowerment

📅✨ Struggling with digital organization? Ink & Paper Digitals through Lists and Lost offers realistic and supportive strategies specifically designed to help those with ADHD or executive dysfunction! Discover manageable techniques to enhance your productivity. Visit me to learn more! 💪💻 #DigitalOrganization #ADHD #ProductivityTips #WomenEmpowerment https://wix.to/WCFRDyF

🌈 Navigating personal content can be a unique journey, especially for neurodivergent women. Discover helpful insights on digital decluttering and organization that resonate with your experiences! Visit us: https://wix.to/bupfsAn and start your journey today! 💪✨ #NeurodivergentWomen #DigitalDecluttering #ContentCreation

Past Me had my back, and Future Me is so grateful. 💕 After a long work trip + park time with the kids + thrifting detour, dinner could’ve been chaos. No frozen pizza? No problem. 🙌 Frozen ravioli + jarred sauce = quick lasagna + garlic bread win. 🍝🥖

Sometimes the best gift you can give yourself is a little prep for a day you don’t have the spoons. ✨

⭐️ What’s one thing you can do this week for your Future You?

#FutureMe #ADHDLife #NeurodivergentLiving #DinnerMadeEasy #QuickMeals

Boost your productivity today with my tailored strategies at Ink & Paper Digitals through Lists and Lost Things! 🎉 Whether you're managing ADHD or navigating executive dysfunction, I have the solutions that will work for you. Let's unlock your full potential together! Visit me to learn more 👉 https://wix.to/79AopiE #Productivity #Neurodiversity #WomenEmpowerment

✨ “Type A.5: Where my planner is color-coded, my laundry is still in the dryer, and my notes app looks like a toddler’s scrapbook. Anyone else living in this beautiful chaos?” ✨

#TypeA5 #OrganizedChaos #RelatableAF #ADHDLife #PerfectlyImperfect

The “rule” says: if you don’t use it, let it go.

But I didn’t donate this shelf. I moved it across the room and gave it a totally different job - storing puzzles, kids’ books, and corralling the internet/router mess. No more toys that the kids don’t play with mixed with junk they don’t want to take the time to put in all of its places.

Sometimes breaking the “rules” actually works better for ADHD brains. We don’t always need less stuff - we just need our stuff in the right spot. Plus, who can afford to buy all new things right now? Repurposing is the way to go!

✨ What organizing “rule” do you love to break?

#ADHDorganization #ADHDhome #neurodivergentlife #adhdfriendly #adhdsolutions #adhdreset #adhdmom #neurodivergenthome

Some days I’m Marie Kondo-ing my closet. Other days I’m arguing with my email before coffee. 😅

That’s why I started prepping on my sparkle days (the ones where I actually have spoons!) to make life easier when everything feels too heavy.

💛 Swipe for ideas + grab my free checklist in the bio. Future you will thank you.

💬 Tell me - what’s one tiny task that always helps your low-energy mornings?

#PreppingOnGoodDays #FutureYou

🦈 POV: You skipped your nightly reset…and the Doom Pile smelled blood.

Dirty dishes. Random papers. Last night’s leftovers still judging me from the stovetop.

This isn’t a “deep clean” kind of day - it’s a save yourself before the chaos spreads kind of day.

⏲️ Timer set: 10 minutes.
🎯 Goal: Contain the beast.
☕️ Mood: Progress over perfection.

💬 If you had 10 minutes right now, what would you clean first? 🤔

#POVCleaning #ADHDLife #ADHDHome #NeurodivergentHome #ADHDOrganization #10MinuteDash #ADHDCleaning #MessyHouseRealLife #ResetNotPerfect #ProgressNotPerfection #LowSpoonsCleaning #DoomPile #ExecutiveDysfunction #ADHDHacks #NeurodiverseLiving #HomeReset #ClutterToCalm #ADHDFriendly #StartOverAnytime #RealLifeCleaning

📍Ever feel like your house reflects your brain…and both need a hard reset?

This 10-minute reset wasn’t fancy. No deep clean. No matching bins. Just me, a timer, and a few small wins.

🎙️ I’m walking you through everything I’m doing in this video - voice-over style - because sometimes hearing the why makes it easier to try.

I didn’t wait for motivation (because that rarely shows up on time). I used the energy I had to clear one space, build a little momentum, and show Future Me some kindness.

💡 This isn’t about catching up - it’s about resetting forward.

✨ If your brain feels like a browser with 17 tabs open, this is your sign to start with just one corner, one task, or one minute. Let it count.

👇 Tell me: what’s one reset that helps your space feel better fast?

#adhdhome #executivedysfunction #adhdfriendly #10minutereset #cleanwithadhd #adhdorganization #startwhereyouare #adhdreset #neurodivergentlife #adhdtips #listsandlostthings

Drop Zones > Doom piles.

Start with one surface and a 10-minute timer.

It’s not about doing it all. It’s about doing something.

💬 Which Drop Zone do you need most in your house?

#ADHDHome #NeurodivergentLife #DeclutterTips #10MinuteDash #DropZone #ADHDFriendly #SmallWinsBigImpact #ResetRoutine #ProgressNotPerfection #HomeOrganization #MessyToManaged #RhythmicLiving #OverwhelmToOkay #DoableDeclutter #StartWhereYouAre

Here’s your gentle reminder that lowering the bar isn’t quitting. It’s choosing sanity over shame. 💥

Whether your win today was clearing one surface or not screaming at the laundry pile, it counts.

💬 Tell me: what’s your “bare minimum but still proud” win this week?

#adhdhome
#executivedysfunction
#neurodivergentlife
#organizationtips
#lowenergyhacks
#adhdfriendly
#mentalload
#adhdorganization
#progressnotperfection
#momsofadhd
#neurodivergentwomen
#spoonsandsparkles
#startwhereyouare
#loweringthebar
#messyprogress

Tiny task. Big win.

I moved my protein powder into mason jars today—one thing off my 10-Minute List and already feeling the fog lift a little.

No overthinking. No fancy system. Just a label, a marker, and a small reset that helped me feel more like me again. ✨

What’s one 10-minute thing you’ve been putting off?

#ResetNotPerfect
#10MinuteReset
#ADHDOrganization
#ListsAndLostThings
#SmallStepsBigImpact
#QuickWin
#OrganizingForADHD
#NeurodivergentSupport
#DeclutterYourMind
#SimpleSystem

🧺 International Day of Friendship Brain Reset 💛

Sometimes, the best way to show up for others is to first show up for yourself.

Today’s brain reset? Just me, my 🐾dog, some warm coffee, and a 10-minute reading break in a clean and quiet space.

💭 What’s one small way you’re being a friend to yourself today?

#ADHDReset #10MinuteBreak #NeurodivergentRest #BrainBreakTime #RestIsProductive #MindfulMoments #ADHDCommunity #MentalDeclutter #IntentionalRest #ListsAndLostThings

Ever been sidetracked when you had every intention of getting something on your list done?

Welcome to the ADHD productivity pipeline:
✨ Ignore real priorities
➡️ Start a project that wasn’t even on the list
➡️ Enter project nirvana
➡️ Forget why you actually walked into your office

😬 Anyone else?

#ADHDCreativity #NeurodivergentLife #CraftingWithADHD #ADHDAesthetic
#StartWhereYouAre #MessyProgress #ImpulseCrafting #HyperfocusHobby
#ThisWasNotThePlan #AvoidingTheToDoList #CreativeCoping #ADHDHumor
#SatisfyingCrafts #RealLifeReels #RelatableAF

This is your reminder that neurodivergent routines are a little…fluid.
Literally. 😂
Water. Smoothie. Coffee. That’s balance, right?

💭 Which one are you?

I finally upgraded our dog’s chaotic old toy bin into something that actually works—for both of us. 🙌

✅ Only kept the toys he actually uses
✅ Found the cutest white bin on clearance
✅ Instant visual peace (and fewer squeakers underfoot)

Small resets like this make a big difference in how a space feels. You don’t have to organize everything at once. One corner, one swap, one win. 🐾✨

🎥 Drop zone magic, dog edition.

#StartWhereYouAre
#ADHDHomeReset
#ListsAndLostThings #ADHDhome #dogtoyorganization #beforeandafterreel #declutteryourspace #neurodivergentliving #adhdfriendly #resetnotmakeover #messytominimal #smallwinsbigimpact #clutterreset #adhdmomlife #reelorganization #adhdspaces #dropzonediaries #organizedish #reelcleaning #adhdreset

⏲️ Just 5 minutes. One shelf. One tiny thrift win.

I found these metal risers for under $5 today and immediately knew I had to put them to use—because let’s be real…if I didn’t? I’d forget about them in a corner until next season.

So I gave myself permission to just fix one shelf. Not the whole cabinet. Not the whole kitchen. Just this one tiny zone.

This is your sign to stop waiting for the perfect time to organize. You don’t need a makeover—you just need a moment.

Start small. Stack a win. Spark a little momentum. ✨ It still counts.

#adhdhome #neurodivergentlife #adhdfriendly #adhdorganization
#realcleaning #adhdcleaning #realisticcleaning #adhdreset
#oneThingAtATime #spoonsystem #10minuteclean #adhdwin
#adhdlife #adhdtips #startwhereyouare #executivefunctioning
#smallwinsbigimpact #realmomlife #adhdfamily #adhdroutines

👋 Hey, I’m Tori!

If you’ve ever felt like you’re juggling life with mismatched socks, a half-charged phone, and a brain full of tabs—welcome. You’re my people.

I’m a special education teacher, adoptive mom of two incredible teens, and a forever work-in-progress when it comes to organizing life with a neurodivergent brain. I write about resets, rhythm, rest, and real-life routines that don’t require a personality transplant.

This space isn’t about perfect. It’s about progress. And if you’ve ever needed permission to start over (again), I’m so glad you’re here.

✨ Let’s do this the messy, meaningful way—together.

#MeetTheCreator #NeurodiverseCommunity #ADHDLife #ListsAndLostThings #StartWhereYouAre

🙋🏼‍♀️ I’m Tori—teacher, adoptive mama of two, neurodivergent homemaker, and the voice behind @listsandlostthings.

This isn’t a curated feed for people who’ve got it all together. It’s a soft landing spot for people figuring it out one basket, one sticky note, one sparkly spoon at a time.

💌 Grab your free 3-Day Reset for ADHD Homes in my bio. 📚 Book coming soon!

👣 Let’s do this, together.

#MeetTheMaker #ADHDMom #NeurodivergentLife #RealNotPerfect #DoomPileSurvivor #ADHDReset #OrganizedChaos #InvisibleDisability #SpecialEdTeacherLife #RealLifeOrganizing #NeurodivergentSupport #MessyButTrying #OrganizeWithoutOverwhelm #FunctionOverPerfection #ADHDFriendlySystems

Sometimes progress isn’t perfect—it’s just done enough to get you through.

I opened this cabinet looking for one thing and found a mini disaster instead 😩. I didn’t have the time (or the spoons) to do a full overhaul, but I did something. And that’s enough for today.

You can always come back and improve it later. Perfection isn’t required—especially when you’re mid-task and just trying to stay on track.

#BeforeAndAfter #ClutterToClear #ADHDCleaning #RealLifeOrganizing #NeurodivergentLiving #ExecutiveFunctioning
#DoneNotPerfect
#ProgressOverPerfection
#TidySpaces
#OrganizedChaos
#MentalLoadMatters
#SmallWinsBigImpact
#MessyToManaged
#DeclutteringJourney
#FunctionOverAesthetic

Found a little doom pile hiding out in my chair—and today was the day I tackled it. When the energy (or time) to clean an entire room isn’t there, I focus on just one small zone. My favorite tip? Sort items into piles based on where they belong—another room, a storage bin, a drawer, a bookshelf—whatever makes it easier to put them away when you’re ready. Progress over perfection, one tiny corner at a time. 💪✨

#DoomPileDiaries #SmallWinsBigImpact #ADHDfriendly #DeclutterTips #OrganizingHacks #ProgressNotPerfection #NeurodivergentLife #CleaningWithADHD #RealLifeCleaning #MessyToManaged #TidyUpTime #CleaningMotivation #SortAndSimplify #OverwhelmedToOrganized #DoomPileSolutions

I just cleaned this table a couple of weeks ago… and here we are again. 😅

Cleaning and organizing can feel like a never-ending cycle, especially when life gets overwhelming. I’m learning to stop beating myself up over the mess and just let it be until I have the energy to tackle it again.

If you’re in the same boat—struggling to keep up or feeling discouraged—please know you’re not alone. Progress isn’t linear, and you don’t need to have it all together all the time. 💪💖

#executivefunctionchallenges #craftroomrealness #organizingmychaos #messytoclean #adhdorganization #neurodivergentlife #craftspaceproblems #behindthescenes #reallifecleaning #creativeclutter #mentalhealthmatters #authenticmess #progressnotperfection #inkandpaperdigitals

🛒✨ Turn Recipes into a Grocery List—In Minutes!

Yes, I most definitely have some grocery shopping tips to help you with time management and *all the steps* needed to help you make a meal plan and get the grocery shopping done. 🙌🏼

So, if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to plan meals and write the perfect grocery list, this one’s for you. 🫶🏼

I used ChatGPT (I have a subscription because I use it for EVERYTHING) + a few smart prompts to go from scattered recipe links to a fully categorized shopping list—plus I saved time, money, and brainpower. 💡💻

Want to try it yourself?
Grab my FREE Prompt Reference File with everything I used (including a quick Terms of Use from me @ Ink & Paper Digitals 💌).

📥 Drop a “📝” in the comments or head to the link in bio to download it now!

#MealPlanningMadeEasy
#GroceryListHack
#ChatGPTForMoms
#DigitalPlanningTools
#TimeSavingTips
#MealPlanWithMe
#PromptLibrary
#BusyMomLife
#HomeOrganizationTools
#InkAndPaperDigitals
#PrintablesForMoms
#MealPlannerCommunity
#PlannerAddict
#MompreneurTools
#DigitalDownloadsShop
#ProductivityForMoms
#CustomPrintables
#GroceryShoppingSimplified
#ChatGPTPrompts
#ListandLostThings
#CleartheChaos
#GroceryShopping
#GroceryShoppingMadeEasy

Some days, cleaning my whole space feels impossible. But cleaning just my makeup brushes? That I can do. 🖌️💧

This little task has a spot on my “when I need a win but have zero energy” list. No pressure. No perfection. Just progress. 💕
⁠
If all you can manage today is a 5-10 minute win—that’s still a win. 🏆

#SmallWinsBigImpact #ADHDCleaning #MakeupBrushCleaning #JustOneThing #NeurospicyCleaning #DoneIsBeautiful #ExecutiveDysfunctionHack #CleanWithMe #ProgressNotPerfection #MentalLoadRelief #TinyTaskVictory #SelfCareTask #SlowProductivity #MessyButTrying #NeurodivergentLife

#SummerYardReset #OneSectionAtATime #BackyardBattles #LawnCareLife #YardWorkChronicles #FromJungleToTidy #HomeProjects #DIYYardWork #MyRealLifeHome #NeurodivergentHomeowner #ExecutiveFunctionStruggles #ADHDLife #ProgressNotPerfection #ThisIsADHD #OneTaskAtATime #BatteryBlues #ToolTimeTantrums #RechargeAndRepeat #WeedWhackerWarrior #YardToolDrama #MomLifeUnfiltered #ThisIs43 #RelatableAF #MessyLifeMoments #RealLifeChronicles #TiredButTrying #NotSoPicturePerfect #ChaosAndCalm #MinnesotaSummer #IRL

💬 Do you prefer gas, rechargeable, or plug-in tools when you’re getting house or yard work done?

✨BREAKING NEWS: Craft table located under 47 half-finished projects, 3 pairs of scissors, and a layer of guilt.✨

Turns out, I can clean…it just takes a full mental breakdown, a random surge of energy, and the threat of not being able to start my next idea.

Executive dysfunction? We know her. We fight her. (Sometimes.)

Welcome to @ListsAndLostThings—where we organize the chaos eventually…but make it look cute.

#ADHDCleaningStyle #ExecutiveFunctioningFail #NeurodivergentProblems #CraftRoomConfessions #ListsAndLostThings #OrganizingWithADHD #ADHDLifeHacks #MessyButMotivated #CraftyAndChaotic #OrganizedChaos #CleanTableWhoDis #ADHDAesthetic #MentalLoadIsReal #BehindTheCraft #RealLifeNotPinterest #NeuroSpicyCleanup

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

Follow me on Instagram

#listsandlostthings

@listsandlostthings

Affiliate Disclaimer

Ink & Paper Digitals

Back-to-Life After Chaos: My ADHD Overwhelm Reset (and Why I’ve Been MIA)

Energy Management That Makes Sense: Honor Your Capacity, Not Just Your To-Do List

​

Follow me on Instagram