A few weeks back I found myself with no more spoons to give, and have been working on replenishing my health, energy, and soul. This is the reason I have been taking a step back lately from blogging, and trying to reprioritize some other things in my life. Our vacation was just the break and self-care I needed to break my pain and flare cycle. I am just now starting to feel human and like myself again.

You can read about it in these recent posts:

• Life is Messy
• Love Yourself
• Leaving the Pain Behind

But what is a Spoon, you ask?

The Spoon Theory

I haven’t really been inclined to use the term “spoonie” these past few years, but lately I have embraced it. Some combination of aging, an acute shoulder injury, taking on too much (on top of my fibromyalgia), and my “messy life” has had me really feeling the effects of my condition.

I first heard the term “spoonie” from Julie Ryan at Counting My Spoons many years ago when I came across her and her blog on twitter. And then I recently came across this graphic below, put together by Christine Miserando at But You Don’t Look Sick, that I wanted to share.

You can use this graphic to explain to friends and family what it’s like living with a chronic illness, such as fibromyalgia, MS, MECFS. People with chronic conditions tend to have a more limited amount of energy and resources to give than others. We tire easier than others or experience pain from simple, every day tasks like bathing and doing our hair. So on a bad day, by the time I have gotten out of bed, done yoga, showered and gotten ready for work, made a smoothie and packed my lunch, I could have already expended the majority of energy for the day. ALL BEFORE I LEAVE THE HOUSE.

Strength to Persevere

On those days when your energy, or spoon supply, is limited, it takes incredible strength to persevere. Try to be extra kind to yourself on those days. Learning to recognize when you may run out of spoons helps you to adjust accordingly and practice coping mechanisms:

1. Stick to a routine
2. Ask for help
3. Maintain a positive attitude
4. Plan ahead
5. Practice self-love

You can read more of my coping mechanisms in these previous posts:

• When Everything Hurts
• How to Be Resilient with Fibromyalgia

Chronic condition or not, we are all heroes in some regard. We all face different obstacles in life. How you cope and persevere through those obstacles and low-spoon days help defines you.

How many spoons have you already used today? And how do you cope when you run out?

Cheers!

Cynthia