Life with Chronic Pain and Illness
Today’s Life with Chronic Pain and Illness reminder is one I’m still working on.: It’s okay to put yourself first.
Everyone starts the day with a certain number of spoons (energy). Those who live with chronic pain and illness have less than those who don’t live with chronic pain and illness. And many days, we’re at a deficit with those spoons. It takes time and practice to learn how to best ration spoons so we aren’t exhausted and overwhelmed long before the end of the day.
Putting yourself first may sound selfish. It’s contrary to society’s views. However, you know your limits. No one else will look out for your interests better than you. Advocating for ourselves means putting our own basic needs first, if needed.
If you’re a natural people pleaser like I am, this is a hard concept to put into practice (or to put into practice without feeling guilty about it!). I often overdo things trying to make a situation better or easier for someone else. I will do tasks that I know I shouldn’t do just to avoid asking someone else to help me and then feeling like a burden for doing so. Over the past couple years, with my worsening symptoms, I’ve had to get better at putting myself first. I’m working at prioritizing self-care, but it’s still very much a work in progress for me, and perhaps it is for you, too. It’s important to remember that it’s okay to say no when necessary. It's okay to conserve spoons so you can make it through the day. Click To Tweet
Is this something you struggle with? Or are you good about listening to your body and respecting its limits?
I hope you have a blessed, low-pain day.
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