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Posted 12/19/2008 3:09 AM (GMT 0)

Hello Everyone,

 

I'm not sure who posted "The Spoon Theory"; I think it might have been Lynnwood; anyway, it fits the way I feel most days to a "T"! I am starting to panic because we are literally a week away from Christmas and while I have my shopping almost done (thanks to the internet); I don't have my tree decorated and no presents wrapped.

 

I went out to run a few errands to day and by the time I got home I told my son and his girlfriend (whom I had shared "The Spoon Theory" with) I am and out of spoons! Normally, I pace myself really well and can tell when to stop; today I wasn't out all that along and all of the sudden it's as if I hit a wall.

 

I'm not sure, if it's the hustle and bustle of the holidays or if I just truly over did it. Anyone else having these issues lately?

 

Merry Christmas

 

Melissa

Posted 12/19/2008 3:24 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Melissa,

 

Isn't that Spoon Theory a fantastic way to explain our condition to others!  I just love it.

 

Oh yes, I think Christmas, Thanksgiving, any time of year that involves a lot of prep work, is really hard on me too.  This year, my hubby and entire family decided to not do a gift exchange.  It saves us all from battling the malls, plus, it gives us an opportunity to put our money towards helping the needy.  We also decided to go out for Christmas supper!  No cooking, or cleaning to worry about.  Everyone is happier because we're doing less.  I think when the holiday is over we'll all say it was one of the best Christmas's we've ever had. I'll sure be happy because my Lupus and Fibro didn't flare up! 

 

Keeping it simple, really does work and you'll have extra spoons left over!!

 

 

Posted 12/19/2008 4:11 AM (GMT 0)
Ginny,

What an awesome idea! Truly! Every year I say "this year I'm going to cut back, the kids are getting older and there just is no sense in going all out." But low and behold it never happens. My best friend has three children, my god-daughter who is 6 and a set of twins who are 18 months old, so I always find an excuse. I certainly like your plan better though! Maybe someday I'll get there and I'll have those spoons to spare, ehh?

Melissa
Posted 12/19/2008 2:23 PM (GMT 0)
Isn't the spoon theory great? I printed out copies and gave it to my family and very close friends. Yes. the holidays can suck so much energy which can lead to a flare. I try to simplify things a little more every year. This year I did a lot of shopping online and found some pretty good deals. That way I don't have to waste my energy going to a bunch of different stores looking for one item that doesn't seem to be available anywhere. We do a very casual meal. My mom and stepdad come to our house for Christmas Eve and we have a nice casual meal that we both contribute to. Then Christmas Day we spend at home with just our family and eat leftovers. We usually travel to see extended family a few days after Christmas which is what wears me out the most. I hope all of us can figure out some ways to save some spoons this holiday season. Maybe I'll start a new topic for that.
Posted 12/19/2008 3:58 PM (GMT 0)
At the risk of sounding trite, I'll admit that one of the lessons I've learned in my old age is to not sweat the small things. My days of being a perfectionistic over-achiever are long gone, and though I look back on those years with fond memories, I've learned to use my spoons sparingly. I like to have a spoon or two left over at the end of the day. If I were as sick as some of you, or raising small children, that wouldn't be possible, but I do know that as I use fewer spoons my health improves.

I do all the planning and cooking during the holidays and the kids understand that Christmas and Thanksgiving are simpler these days. I didn't even bake a turkey over Thanksgiving and I'm just going to put a small one on the rotisserie this Christmas. I have a great family and we all seem to relax and have a more enjoyable time when I'm not rushing around trying to make every little bitty thing just right. It's not about how many gifts are under the tree or how big the turkey was, but it's the spirit of Christmas and I've overlooked that in the past.

It's my wish that all of you have a wonderful stress-free holiday. Treasure your spoons!
Posted 12/19/2008 3:58 PM (GMT 0)
I think you have some great ideas, and starting a topic might not be a bad idea either; especially for this time of year. I tend to be a perfectionist, I am really, really trying to let somethings go, my rhuemy has really gotten onto me about it. It's hard, but I am realizing with each passing day as my disease progresses more and more I just cannot keep up with the things I used to. And for what? They are all truly meaningless, it is spending time with my family that truly counts, so the house is a little messier and the presents don't all have matching paper with beautiful ribbon right? Who will remember anyway, I'm trying to convince myself!
Posted 12/24/2008 4:16 PM (GMT 0)

Hi! Everyone,

I teach high school 11th/12th graders in a health occupations class and am very grateful to <butyoudontlooksick.com> for posting The Spoon Theory. I read it to all my students as my introduction to taking care of people with disabilities, and to my lupus diagnosis. I remember crying when I first read it. And I get teary eyed whenever a student asks me, do I need a spoon? I have a handpainted teaspoon, that was made and given to me by one of my nursing students on graduation, so that I would always have just one more spoon for when I needed it! Stress is the killer.... say it with me.... stress is the killer. I feel better, do too much, feel lousy, crash too long..... feel better, do too much........ok, say it with me....balance is best. I have learned the hard way: I must accept, if I want the energy to do this tomorrow, I can't do this today. Or pay.... yesterday I pushed a shopping cart through a foot of slush and lifted birdseed. Today I can't lift myself out of my recliner.... I just decided the dust bunny by the fireplace makes a good family pet. Don't have to feed it or groom it....

Happy Christmas and Merry Hanukkah

Posted 12/25/2008 5:53 AM (GMT 0)
Suetoo,

What an awesome story! I'm sure the kids in your class could really relate to the story, I know my two children could. It really hit home for them, the wording was something they could really understand, they are 19 and 21. The Spoon Theory is truly a awesome story and one that I share with everyone that is close to me. I am even considering caring extra copies with me to hand out to people that are crazy enough to tell me "but you don't look sick!" I don't know if that's going to far or not though...LOL!

I agree with you about the dust bunnies, they are my favorite pets! They require no tending too, don't talk back and with the cleaning lady that comes every two weeks mine don't get too big, she keeps them down to a good size so they don't take over the house.

Merry Christmas

Melissa
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