And Just Like That, Spoons Began To Disappear…

There isn’t always a moment you can point to, a way to say, “Right here, this is where it all began.”

Sometimes it’s not a sudden crash or even a bold diagnosis. No, sometimes it’s a slow unraveling.

Maybe you forget words mid-sentence. Getting dressed for the day leaves you ready to crash back into bed. Grocery shopping feels like scaling Everest. As for cooking? You’re too tired to cook and too tired to explain why. And when someone asks how you are, you say “fine,” even though your whole body wants to fall into a puddle of exhaustion on the floor.

You suspect something is wrong, but the world keeps cheering you on to “push through.” Besides, even without their cheers, that cultural message feels writ upon your soul: Push through. Don’t be lazy. And so you do. Until you can’t.

Welcome. You’re not alone.

The First Clues

In Spoon Theory, spoons are a metaphor for energy. But not just “I’m tired” energy. They represent your total daily capacity to think, move, plan, feel, and simply exist. So many of us are blessed with what feels like abundant spoons — but for someone with chronic illness or disability, or even just long-term burnout, spoons are limited — and often unpredictable.

Suddenly at the start of the day, you found yourself with a few less spoons — others seemed to be bouncier, more energized. Things that used to feel easy, felt a bit harder. Or perhaps you found yourself spending them faster. Or even burning them unknowingly.

Astonishingly, you may have discovered that nowadays things that once never disturbed you — noise, stress, inflammation, and overstimulation — now gobble up spoons. 

Heck, even worrying about random symptoms whisks away spoons: Why does my shoulder hurt? What is with this headache? Gah, Brain Fog! What’s this bizarre rash? Why can’t I sleep at night when I’m so exhausted? (Fill in the blank with your top hits!).

But maybe you’re unsure — maybe this spoon thing isn’t as obvious. Well, grab your magnifying glass, budding spoon detective, let’s count the clues:

Unexplained irritability
Nap that didn’t help?
Feeling like you’re underwater or moving through molasses?
Social withdrawal that isn’t depression, but sheer depletion

No, your personality didn’t suddenly break. These are flags. Invitations from your body to pause. To notice. To investigate.

From Lost to Found: Welcome To the World of The Spoon Detective

I know you may not have embraced the identity yet, but you’ve now consciously stepped onto the path of the Spoon Detective. You’ve probably been here awhile, forced into the role when others failed to diagnose you initially, or when well-meaning loved ones commented on your changing behavior.

Now? You are no longer blindly searching for answers in the dark. You’re asking questions. You’re watching patterns. You’re trying to make sense of what others overlook.

You’re not broken; you’re beautifully stepping up so you can create the most amazing life possible — even with limited spoons.

And it starts with stepping confidently into the role. With gathering data.

This is the beginning of sovereign curation: learning to recognize what nourishes you, what costs more than you are willing to pay, and what no longer fits.

In time, you’ll be in a position to far more confidently wield your spoons with wisdom and vigor — and how to guard them against energy thieves.

Sometimes you may still decide to do something that costs a great deal — but you will know why you’re doing so, what you’re trading for it, and what you’re gaining.

You don’t need to solve everything today.

Noticing is the first radical act.

You are allowed to be tired and wise.

Foggy even when awakening.

You, dear spoon detective, are allowed to be both the mystery — and the one who solves it.

🥄A Spoonful of Help

The Spoon Detective’s 3-Fold Check-In

Next time you’re feeling a bit less than you, ask yourself:

Dear Body: What do you most need right now — what have I been ignoring?
Dear Mind: Am I keeping track of too much at once — what do you need me to release?
Dear Spirit: What do you crave — perhaps a moment of delight, beauty, or stillness?

You don’t have to solve everything today — just notice. Take one step toward letting your Body, Mind, and Spirit feel seen.
Clues first. Curation later.

Detective’s Diary Prompt

For those who would like to experiment, here’s a journal prompt:

What did I once do easily that today costs more spoons than I expected? What might that be trying to show me?

🌺Recipe For a Brighter Day

Spoon Detective Special Blend No. 001: Nightly Cuppa Peace

Ingredients:

1 cup of quiet
3 gentle sighs
A warm drink
A dash of soft light (candles or twinkle lights work wonders!)
3 deep breaths —inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 6
1 Golden Detective Question: “What am I feeling beneath this exhaustion?”

Instructions

Mix gently in a safe space. Allow time for rest.
Only stir when you are ready.
Best served with no expectations, fuzzy socks, and a blanket.

Closing Affirmation

I am not broken. My needs are just changing.
I am learning to decipher the sacred map of my energy.
Each clue brings me closer to myself.

You’ve begun — and for now, that is more than enough.

With you, always.
In spoonfuls.
—Maren