My Introduction and why I am sharing my story
As a mixed-media spoonie artist and creative, I'm on a personal journey to resist the pressures of constant production imposed by capitalism. My approach involves deep introspection and reflection, which I'm eager to share. I offer a unique perspective on the dichotomy of creating vs. production and how my chronic illnesses influence this dynamic.
As I make my debut on Sub-Stack, I'd like to introduce myself. I'm Shada, a mixed-media artist and creative based in the US. My daily life is significantly impacted by multiple chronic illnesses, a reality that aligns with the principles of Spoon Theory within the chronic/disability/mental health community. This theory, coined and first written by Christine Miserandino in the early 2000s, uses spoons as a metaphor for the energy we have to complete each physical or mental activity for the day.
Consider the daily tasks we all undertake, like showering, cooking, eating, and dressing. Each of these activities requires a spoon. In theory, resting and taking a nap could replenish my spoon supply, but that's never a guarantee in a day filled with uncertainties. Most days, I find myself reassessing my to-do list, strategically reallocating my energy resources to where they're most needed, showcasing the adaptability that comes with managing chronic illnesses.
How does this affect my creativity and production for the capitalized agenda? It affects it significantly. If a portfolio manager or CEO would evaluate the effectiveness of how I spend my time, what my resources will be, and how I allocate tasks and funds, they would probably tell me I have an incredible amount of work to complete to get back on track towards success.
After many years and hours of self-reflection, frustration, and pain, I have decided enough is enough. I cannot and will not push the capitalist agenda of constantly producing for exposure or notoriety. I can not waste my precious energy, resources, and time on something that does not improve my life, my mental and physical health, or my goal of creating the best art I want.
Through the outlet of writing and sharing my story of how to reframe what it means to be successful as a spoonie artist in a world where doing more is desired, I hope to inspire others to get back to what truly matters and remind themselves of why what they spend their time on is essential to the best life.
This is not intended to be a self-help agenda read or to tell you what you should or should not be doing. Instead, I want to share personal details, struggles, and triumphs in a way that can transcend the typical self-pity or shame many spoonies feel and instead give a sense of understanding of what it is to be human.
