iirc the “spoons” thing started with (or was popularized by?) a youtube video about mental health, which used an analogy where you start the day with a set number of spoons, and the spoons represent how much mental energy you have to accomplish tasks. During the day, you spend your spoons in various situations, potentially running out of spoons if you overexert yourself. Conditions like depression are said to reduce the number of spoons you start the day with. The analogy helps some people to not beat themselves up for struggling to get through the day.
I just read up on it and its fine if it helps people, but why spoons? It seems to be that anyone so dense they can’t grasp that day to day activities tax your limited reserves probably wouldn’t grasp your weird spoon analogy. Why not use fuel or batteries or money or something else that people would understand as a limited resource necessary for operation?
because the person who thought of it was eating lunch with a friend. They just used what they had on hand to make the point. I think its part of the reason why people use the term. Its cute. It could be more descriptive. But, when talking about sensitive subjects people like a bit of levity. The spoons add that.
I read the story and I can see how it can help people conceptualize their struggles. I guess i just question the utility. If someone doesn’t understand that the pain you feel or lack of energy or whatever often leaves you unable to do everything you want to do, they don’t lack comprehension they lack empathy. The spoons thing seems more like its performative theatre for people who already get it. Which is fine, of course, it just sets my teeth on edge a bit for reasons I can’t really explain. Thank you for clarifying though
