Spoon Theory
Have you ever heard of someone saying they don’t have any spoons left? Check this out…
Spoon Theory
The “spoon theory” is a way for chronically ill people, or people living with disabilities to describe how fucking hard it is to do everyday tasks. The theory was developed in 2003 by Christine Miserandino to help others understand the toll living with a health condition can take on energy levels. Miserandino says,
in general, healthy individuals don’t have to think twice about conserving their energy while going about everyday tasks like brushing their teeth, showering, getting dressed, making it to work, and even sitting down for a meal. However, for someone living with a chronic illness, each one of these things — and more — can take such a heavy toll on their energy that they can barely indulge in other activities.
—The Swaddle "I'VE GOT NO SPOONS LEFT". What The ‘Spoon Theory’ Means for People Living With Chronic Illnesses, Disabilities. By Devrupa Rakshit. Aug 6, 2021
So basically, every day feels like we hold a certain number of spoons in hand, or bars in our personal battery bank, and daily tasks that other people complete with ease (sans dent in their stash to begin with), deplete us and we’re stuck making incredible difficult choices between tasks that are essential for basic, everyday life.
For single parents like me, there’s no one there to care for the kids or take on the tasks instead, and so rest never really feels like an option. It feels like you’re just choosing between pain, or pain.
It can very much feel like drowning. You can get your head above water for a second but then you’re back under, hoping someone will spot your waving hand…
The good news is, spoon theory helps others understand and have empathy for what living with a limited number of spoons can be like. It allows for dialogue when there are bad days and opens up conversations for assistance. I know some people have an active plan in place when there are no spoons left by calling on a list of friends and family to do tasks that help create pockets of rest, or allow the spoons to be restocked.
If you have access to this, USE IT! Don’t be afraid to ask for help and tell people exactly how they can help you. They WANT to know, trust me what to do and it’s much easier to help if they don’t feel the social pressure of guessing and hoping they don’t offend you or get it wrong.
Have you ever heard of the Spoon Theory? What do you do on no spoon days?
