Category Archives: Being a Spoonie

The Spoon In the Road

Fork in the road may refer to:
Fork (intersection), the point at which a road branches into two;
Fork in the road (metaphor), a metaphor, based on a literal expression, for a deciding moment in life or history when a major choice of options is required

Dragging my too-heavy luggage as I tried desperately to ignore the throbbing pain throughout my body, I came to a fork in the road. Two options, both terrifying, loomed before me. I popped a couple Tylenol, hoping they’d take the edge off, and considered my choices:

1, I could give in to my illnesses, lay on a couch and mope all my life. I could forget all my aspirations and plans, because that was easier than facing my new identity as a spoonie. Or…

2, I could persevere. Somehow, someway, I could push through the relentless pain and fatigue, make goals (and reach them), and live the life of my dreams.

If you’re here, you’re probably a spoonie, and you’re probably sick of being told (by yourself, others or your illness) that you can’t travel, can’t run a business, can’t do what makes you happy, because you’re sick. Most of all, you’re probably of sick of your illness dictating what you can and cannot do.

Since beginning my journey as a spoonie who lives a happy, fulfilled and as-healthy-as-possible life, I’ve learned something life-changing: You can’t change your illness, but you can change how you live with it. You can work around it!

You might be stuck with antidepressants, a cane, a CPAP machine, or whatever, all your life, but your medical condition and the arrangements or aides it requires has no bearing on whether you can live the life you imagine. I’m living proof.

Welcome to The Spoon In the Road.