On days when my energy is low, I switch it up and take a place at my grandmother’s cherry desk. The wood is scratched and there are many places where the finish has worn away, yet sitting here, I remember.

I remember our weekly visits and how in her later years she wanted us to watch TV together while she had a snack: a cup of Sanka, half a banana, and a bran muffin studded with raisins. She was diabetic and regimented around meals. I was in high school and didn’t say anything when the chocolate chip cookies were stale. She kept her mug on the desk as we watched her show—The Wheel of Fortune or some weeknight drama. It’s light years ago, but some days it’s recent enough to give me the motivation I need to sit down and try again.

Now you: what do you do when your energy flags?