For a neutral tone:
* Assembled
* Organized
* Formulated
* Arranged
* Coordinated
* Compiled
For a sense of effort or difficulty:
* Wrestled
* Grappled
* Fumbled
* Muddled through
* Sorted through
* Pulled together
* Gathered
* Struggled to articulate
For a sense of confusion or uncertainty:
* Floundered
* Stumbled
* Hesitated
* Wavered
* Fumbled
* Tried to make sense of
For a sense of mental exertion:
* Racked my brain
* Contemplated
* Meditated on
* Reflected on
For a sense of creative effort:
* Brainstormed
* Generated
* Crafted
* Conjured
* Imagined
The best word to use will depend on the specific context and the desired tone of your sentence.