Fork It; We’re Modifying The Spoon Theory

Most of you might have heard this word, referred to yourself as such, or seen us use it as a hashtag in the past. A “spoonie” is someone living with chronic illness.

The Spoon Theory was created by Christine Miserandino in an attempt to explain to her friends what it was like to live with a chronic disease. The theory is based on the idea that we are allotted a certain number of spoons each morning. We have to be aware of what lies ahead in our day, using our metaphorical spoons strategically so that we do not burn out before it’s time to go to bed. You can read more about The Spoon Theory here…

We love this theory as a tool to explain to those around us what it is like to live with a chronic condition. For outsiders, the spoon theory rocks. For the actual people with chronic illnesses, not so much. Should we really begin our day with this negative notion that we will be sad, tired, and hurting by the end of it? This all goes back to the law of attraction. The universe has your back. Trust in it, and trust in yourself.

If you start the day with negative intention, already deciding before you get out of bed that it will be bad, then your day probably won’t be as good as it could have been.

Instead of starting the day thinking about what you can’t do, start the day thinking about what you want. Thinking of yourself as the sick person is damaging, both mentally and physically. This is not to say that we can’t be realistic about our limitations. There are going to be days where you wake up and know that you have to go easy on yourself. That’s ok. That’s part of having a disease.

None of us want to be thought of as the sick friend in the group. We can have a sickness and still thrive, be happy, and lead a fulfilled and beautiful life. The Spoon Theory does not allow for a free and fun lifestyle if we are focused on having enough “spoons” to make it till the end of the day. If we think of ourselves as sick, how will be perceived by others?

Adapt to life in a way where you are respecting your limitations, but still living. If all of your friends are doing something that you know will make you feel crappy, modify. Be a fork and stab life. Take what you want. Live a life filled with excitement, laughter, fun, and craziness, but do it in a way that works for you.

So, let us start looking at life from a brighter, more optimistic place. Let us use the spoon theory during those times where we need our friends and family to understand a bit more, but for ourselves, let’s fork it!

Read more at www.chronically-healthy.com