The spoon theory was created around 2003 and it was applied towards someone that has chronic illness. The analogy is that each of us wake up with spoons (that represent energy) that allow us to do all the things we need to do. While I do not have a chronic illness, I do use this analogy often, how many spoons (energy) do I have for the day.
If someone contacts me and wants to do some all day event, I check in with myself, do I have the energy to be around a bunch of people, or sounds, or activity. Being on social media, especially recently, I am consistently checking in and making sure I don’t use up all the energy (spoons) that I have available.
If you find yourself frustrated, angry, wanting to punch something, or completely pull away from society, you may be using up all your “spoons” and not even realize it. When the friend/family member just HAS to share the video/meme about what’s been happening, and you’ve already received your full share for the day, it’s okay to ask them to pause the sharing. It’s okay to let them know you need more positive and uplifting sharing than the day to day grind of what’s been happening.
It’s time to make sure you are taking care of you and not continuing to cater to others. It’s okay to recognize you are an individual and you don’t have to accept as much information as others do. You get to own your mental and physical health.
Check in with yourself frequently, do you have any spoons left at the end of the day? Get curious, are there ways you can use your spoons to uplift or nurture yourself? When was the last time you did something that honored you? Keep track of those spoons, it’s helpful also to share with that individual, you’ve used up all your spoons for the day and you’ll connect with them on another time.
