iCloud files don't sync -- how to manually force a sync?

Hi,

I have folders of Markdown files in my Documents folder in iCloud. I keep notes there and I'd like them to sync so I can update them on two separate computers. However, there is no timeframe for them to sync. How do I manually sync these files? For example, I created a new file, such as "note.md" one one machine and I want it to sync to iCloud on my other machine. In the past, I've created a new folder on the other machine to "force" a sync to happen, but now that doesn't work consistently. It's also not showing the cloud icon next to the folder, instead it shows a circle icon instead of the green checkmark icon. And that circle doesn't resolve. This has been frustrating me for years. Aside from requesting a "sync now" button, what can I do?

Thank you.