What is a Spoonie?

Many people who are chronically ill, disabled, or sick call themselves "Spoonies."

"The Spoon Theory" was developed by writer Christine Miserandino in 2003 to explain what it is like living with a debilitating health condition.

Those of us struggling with chronic pain and fatigue need to use our spoons (aka units of energy) wisely in order to complete every day tasks and activities.

Many of us don't know how many spoons we will start the day with, and need to plan and pace carefully so that we don't end up in a symptom flare-up.

Why spoons??

Christine was having lunch with a friend who was trying to understand what it is like having an energy-limiting condition. There were plenty of spoons at the restaurant, so they were used as a way to depict how much energy each tasks costs (i.e. getting out of bed is 1 spoon, having a shower is 2 spoons, etc.).

It is important to remember that tasks cost different amounts of spoons depending on the person and day. Pacing is a skill that requires a lot of practice to master!

Learning how to slow down and prioritize rest is challenging. Especially when we are taught that being busy and productive is what determines self-worth.

I became a spoonie in 2018 when I sustained a brain injury in a car accident. Finding support from the spoonie community has been a huge part of my healing journey. 

If you are a spoonie, I want you to know that you are not alone. Please don't stop believing that things can and will get better. 

You are worthy, no matter how much you accomplish in a day. Remember to be gentle with yourself and offer self-compassion.

By following the pacing strategies I teach inside of my programs, I have been able to go from being stuck in bed on disability leave, to radically increasing my energy and getting back to doing things that I love like hiking and planning spontaneous trips with family and friends.

Even though I still have multiple chronic health conditions - I have figured out how to THRIVE.

Want to learn more?

Watch this FREE workshop on Pacing 101 For Spoonies