Welcome to the first post of a brand new series! In Tiny Tarot Wisdom for Spoonies, I’ll be going through every card individually and sharing mini insights we as disabled and neurodivergent (ND) witches can take from it. We’ll be starting with the Major Arcana, so today it’s the Fool!
The Fool represents fresh beginnings and diving into new projects. When I draw the Fool, I always imagine the protagonists of my favorite books taking the first step on their respective journeys. For those of us in the disabled and/or neurodivergent communities, the Fool encourages us to approach our daily lives with fresh eyes. Yes, of course it’s important for anyone to keep their limits and triggers in mind, especially spoonies. But at the same time, it can be easy to expect a flareup/meltdown so much that you make it happen just by bracing yourself for it. Or to talk yourself out of trying something that might be worth the risk. Prepare for the worst but hope for the best, as the saying goes.
This is, of course, easier said than done. I have a chronic pain condition that often flares up if I overexert myself physically, so if I have something physically demanding on my schedule (traveling, standing in line for an event ,etc.) it’s hard not to brace for the worst. And again, it’s wise for me to keep my limitations in mind and plan accordingly–making sure I have my meds and cane on hand, checking on possible accommodations ahead of time, and so on. But I don’t do myself any favors by going into the event thinking, “Oh god, I’m going to be in so much pain after this. Is that a twinge already? I’ve still got three hours to go, this is only going to get worse from here!” Instead, I try to stay in the present moment and not expect a flareup. Sometimes I’m disappointed, but sometimes I get through surprisingly unscathed.
So, the Fool suggests, approach each situation with a beginner’s mind. It could go more smoothly than you think. If you start to feel overwhelmed, or a symptom starts to pop up, take a few deep breaths or do a quick body scan to re-center. Listen to your body when it tells you it’s being pushed too far, but listen to it when it’s managing perfectly well, too. Each moment is a new beginning.
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