What is a Spoonie?

 

Spoons are a symbol and reminder for me and everyone else in the chronic illness community (aka spoonies). A symbol that I'm not my illness & a reminder that I must respect my limitations. It reminds me that I'm not weak, I just have less"spoons” than the typical "healthy person.

The spoon theory is a way to visualize your energy level and really, prioritize what deserves your energy. Each task takes a certain amount of spoons. You got out of bed? Minus one spoon. Got showered? Two spoons. Dressed? Two more spoons. You socialized? Say goodbye to three spoons. Oh, you were feeling cocky and went grocery shopping? Ope, now you're fresh out of spoons. Good luck getting home when you can't see straight.

A small amount of activity (we're talking doing a load of dishes or taking a shower type of small amount of activity) can leave you with nothing left to give. This is why the simple symbol of a spoon is so helpful. It's a way of keeping track of my energy level and helps me make sure I don't completely deplete myself of all my energy. It is a way to give a name to my feelings so I don't give into the unavoidable guilt & self doubt. It gives me a sense of control of my illness and a sense of accomplishment when I was able to afford a "little" activity, no matter how small. This small symbol has helped me wrap my head around how I can work with my illness instead of against it. I get to choose what I use my spoons on.