#otphoto

[missjaimeot]

Loving this #sensoryplayactivity From @erin_vincent35 A Must follow for #ot ideas #kbnmoms #otphoto #Repost @erin_vincent35 ・・・

[drptheot]

Entry 53 {#OTPhoto #Leisure}

You say “leisure” I say “my pup!”

It’s no wonder the evidence supporting the use of animals for therapy is mounting. Walking, playing with and spending time with my animals gives me a peace not many things can. It’s the reason why I spend my free time with them so much!

[drptheot]

Entry 52 {#education #OTPhoto}

Nelson Mandela

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

Today I finished the lecture I am presenting to Philadelphia University students on the topic of high school transition. I am going to do my best to convince them of what I believe to be true: the transition from high school to young adulthood is life's most important transition. Then I am going to tell them why OT is the best profession to serve students during this transition. After that I am going to recruit them.  Last, I hope I inspire them to join me in furthering their education to serve this underserved population. 

[drptheot]

Entry 51 {#work #OTPhoto}

Pablo Picasso

Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.

This is what I did at work today.

What you see is finger painting. What you can’t see is a little guy who just 5 sessions ago wouldn’t touch the paint jar or sit at the table with paint on it. He’s got sand in that paint. His parents take summer trips to the mountains because he can’t stand even a few grains of sand between his toes and in the creases of his hands.

This is my work. And I love it.

[drptheot]

Entry 45 {#Life #OTPhoto}

Elwyn Brooks White

I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day.

There are a few reasons I chose this photo for the #Life #OTMonth photo challenge. Probably because it fills the requirements for a lot of reasons both related to my life, life (generally speaking), and to occupational therapy.

The CFO of Facebook recently said something to the effect of “there is no such thing as work-life balance.”

Huh. For an OT this is not really something we’d normally support. A general theme for our practice is to have a healthy balance of lots of occupation; moderation keeps us well and healthy.

But I have to say I think I see where she’s coming from. In my life alone it’s hard for me to find balance. I wake most mornings feeling torn between what I want to do and what needs to be done and what I am expected to do. Part of this comes from not having a typical schedule. It’s a hard balance.

I live in a rental and the owners planted TONS of beautifully blooming flowers that start blooming in early April and go through the fall. I adore them. I want to garden. The flowers invigorate me each spring. I feel a renewed sense and for me the flowers in spring signal a new year, much more than January 1st.

So is there life balance? Can I find the time to garden, mentor, manage and keep a business afloat, keep healthy relationships with my husband, family, and friends and fulfill my life purpose too? And if I can’t practice balance can I expect the parents of my young clients to do it for themselves and their kids?

I think I don’t have the answer. I think I am slowly learning that life has these peaks and valleys. There are days and weeks of full blossom and there are days and weeks of little growth and much of the same.

Probably the best thing I can do to achieve balance for a fulfilling life is not to expect perfection. I need to remember it’s important to do the things I enjoy but also know there isn’t perfect balance every week or month.. there are peaks and valleys to doing what I want, need, or am expected to do.

Reflecting on this makes me realize if I stay aware of those peaks and valleys I am more likely to recognize I have achieved balance by doing the things that give me purpose. And what other reason is there to live?