Wow! This was a really good article. The whole spoon analogy really helps bring things into perspective in a way I never thought possible.

Normally, when people ask me, I try to explain more visual representations of what it is like to deal with the limited sight that I have. However, if time allows, I may try a spoon aspect as there a number of factors I have to consider for maintaining what eye sight I have left that cost me each-and-ever day. These mostly relating with protecting my eye and ensuring I have the medicines / aids neccessary in order to get through the day without giving myself a headache or risking damage.

In forthcoming conversations, do you think using a "Spoon Theory" will help you to better relate your feelings to those who are curious and/or simply just don't understand what it's like to be in your shoes? As you are quite intelligent, I believe you could do a wonderful job of developing your own take on this to explain what it's like to be you. Moreover, in doing so, it may feel actually quite relieving to be able to better define what it's like for you on a daily basis.

For me, I have used a number of FA journals and posts to try and relate how I feel about being me to not only explain who I am, but also "talk out" emotions I haven't quite been able to fully understand myself. It really is amazing how saying / typing something can make a profound difference in how you feel on the inside towards things.

Reading this actually helps humble me a bit, too, as I had a horrible day at work yesterday where I felt the most marginalized I have ever felt there in a long time. Put simply, I learned just how much my efforts seem to matter to those around me on my team and, despite standing up for myself, I feel I'll get nothing out of it. Largely, I feel I am avoided for responsibility as I am the "token disabled guy", but I can't prove that and, instead, simply have to go to work today knowing I literally have no work to do as my Team Lead pulled my back-up project out from under me without even so much as arranging a meeting to see the effort I put into it. :(

Rather than letting it bring me down, though, I am just going to go in, do what I can, and then focus my day on writing the story I am collabing with Tippietot on. Why? Because, no matter how marginalized I feel at work, I know there are places and faces that do understand and appreciate what I am capable of. As such, no sense getting all upset over the ignorant potential perceptions of few while I know there are great pals like yourself who see me as someone who is capable of great things. Because of this, I will always strive to be my best knowing that there are always those out there who can see beyond disability and perceived notions of capability.

May you also take pride knowing that, no matter how the world may seem, there are people out there who not only understand you, but want to know, learn, and grow with you, too. Not everyone will always listen, or care to get it, but those who do are gold and will forever keep you aspiring beyond any limitation or perception that is ever felt and/or thrown your way. :)

that was an interesting article some disabilities are worse then others some are mental but worse then others or physical and even worse then some others

...Let's not play the "Oppression Olympics".

There is no "worse"

A disability is a disability and everyone with them suffers. Yet people whose illnesses aren't visible from the naked eye get treated badly because of it. There's a huge stigma attached to so-called "invisible disabilities" Did you even read the title of the URL? "but you don't look sick" that's another stigma towards people who "don't look sick"

that's true but i was just saying some people can function more then others

All of my applause gifs, enthusiastic "THIS" & etc.

I could have sworn I'd mentioned the spoon theory to you before, but yes, this essay is pretty much the best example I've seen. I am also very proud at how much you have grown in both understanding and relating both in yourself and others this past year. KNow that I am always thinking of you and wishing you well, even if I don't always have the energy to say so.