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Jocelyn Millis's avatar

Living with Congestive Heart Failure and Atrial fibrillation has forced me to understand when my energy peaks and respect that I will get depleted in late afternoon. I also discovered power naps after meals in the heat of the day revitalizing. In summer dozing for twenty minutes on my patio is like sipping energy from the sun.

I approach every thing with the understanding that rush or pushing through and using up all my spoons will cause me to become so depleted I get stuck in bed for three days.

I don’t do things others can do for themselves. Worry is one of those things.

I write but, at a controlled rate.

Each day I make sure I do something that adds spoons of energy back. Reading things that I enjoy and Tai Chi are two of them. Praying is also a way to be loving and lovable. I don’t ask for anything - I clear my mind and let an image fill it that makes me smile. I sit with it and the grace that it is in my life.

Cuddling is also good for refilling my spoons.

Some days are days of sickness and fatigue - I let them just be what they are.

I think spoon theory is a great idea.

However when depressed some people are so numb they don’t have any reaction to awareness of their energy level. They have stopped being aware of their emotions on a conscious level. This is why learning to trust your anxiety as a signal of overwhelm is important. It’s wise to start using Spoon Theory to reapportion your use of energy in response to experiencing anxiety.

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