The Space

spoon theory

Mar 30, 2025

 

Last week, my friend and I were having one of those deep conversations about energy management. You know, the kind where you really dig into how we spend our time and energy? During our chat, the Spoon Theory came up, and we found ourselves having a rich discussion about this concept coined by Christine Miserandino. 

For those who might not be familiar, the Spoon Theory is all about understanding the limited energy we have, especially if we’re dealing with chronic illnesses or have people who are experiencing illness in our lives.

Basically, each day, we have a certain number of "spoons" (think of them as units of energy) to use on our daily activities, and once those spoons are gone, that’s it. You need to rest and replenish. It’s a straightforward but powerful way to think about our daily capacities, right?

Now, I often talk about "head space" or cognitive capacity. Just like there’s only so much physical stuff we can carry, there’s only so much we can juggle mentally. And let’s be real—when new tasks drop onto our plates, it can feel like we’re reaching for straws trying to balance it all!

Here’s the kicker: I genuinely believe everything we do requires energy—not just physical energy, but also cognitive, emotional, and psychological energy. In my opinion time is a form of energy too! It’s a valuable resource that uses up our spoons, whether we realize it or not...

So, here’s a question for you: if your daily spoon supply is limited, what would you prioritize? What can you drop from your agenda? And, what can you delegate to others?

I know there are probably a few things on your to-do list that just don’t hold the same significance, right? Even if you reclaim just 1% of your capacity each day, over time, that adds up to a good chunk of energy, and you might find you have more time to do the things you love—or, just to enjoy doing nothing!

Let’s face it: boredom is becoming a rare commodity these days. And honestly, I think we need to embrace being bored every now and then. Seriously! Some of the best ideas and personal growth come from those quiet moments when we’re not glued to our screens or racing around. It’s amazing what can happen when you let your mind wander; that’s where creativity thrives!

All in all, the Spoon Theory offers a pretty eye-opening lens on how we manage our energy. By being mindful of what we prioritize, recognizing when it’s time to rest, and carving out space for reflection, we can lead happier, more fulfilling lives.

So, take a moment today—yes, right now!

What  will you choose to fill your spoon supply with? And how?

What do you need less of?

Let’s make this energy management thing work in our favor! The journey to reclaim your spoons starts with just a few small changes. Let’s make space for that this week.

Ā 

TheĀ Space

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