12/03/2026
💜Let's talk about something all of us learn the hard way, usually while absolutely flat on our backs, wondering why we didn't listen to ourselves sooner…
🥄Managing our spoons,
Living with chronic illness means accepting that we genuinely cannot do things the way we used to. And protecting our health sometimes means knowing when to stop — with our time, our energy, and — the tricky one — the expectations of other people.
For me, one of the hardest things to learn has been not forcing myself to push through the day. Waiting until my painkillers — which, let's be honest, offer minimal relief at the best of times — have at least had a crack at it, and my brain and body can manage minimum functions. And if that doesn't happen, today is a rest day. Full stop.
If I'm honest, I still feel guilty and gutted about that. Every. Single. Time. But pushing through usually costs me days; it's gutting. My Ellyllons are absolutely delighted when I ignore them. I shouldn't give them the satisfaction, but I still do.
💬 I want to know — what's helped you manage your spoons the most?
🥄It might be saying no to plans. Protecting your rest.
🥄Refusing to justify your illness to people
🥄Asking for help without apologising for it.
🥄Not answering the phone messages or emails because your words have done a runner (Valid. Very valid.)
😊Drop your top tips in the comments — it might be exactly what someone else in here needs to hear, not just me right now. Genuinely.
💜Three Good Things About Knowing When to Stop:
💜Every time you listen to your body, you're choosing yourself. That's not selfish. That's survival.
💜A rest day isn't wasted. It's tomorrow and the next. The guilt gets quieter. I've been promised.
Weekly mantra :️
"Knowing when to stop isn't giving up. It's how you keep going."
KOKO, Babs. 💜
Sha x
aka The Wheely Not So Good ATM Aardvark 🐾
