My why

 This month is Occupational Therapy Month. It is supposed to be one in which my colleagues and I are celebrated and we celebrate the profession as a whole. Currently, in the OT world, we are experiencing some turbulent times. There are groups of OTs who are calling for reform and change to the ways OTs are educated, how we view the profession, the direction of our fundamentals, etc. As someone who has run a lot of groups in their life, this is normal. However, it is also creating anxiety through the ranks. And while some discomfort can galvanize people to act, it has to be balanced because if it isn't measured with solutions and willingness to listen more than we speak it creates deep divisions and lines that are often hard to cross and to some extent can create irreparable harm. 

Recently I was talking with different groups of OT colleagues and although it might seem like a fairytale solution, when I am feeling dysregulated I want to revert and ground myself in things I know. The things I know about myself and OT follow (in no particular order of importance): 

1. OTs are purveyors of hope. They see the person as a whole, a perfect being, capable of things and inherently worthy of living life to its fullest possible potential. 

2. OT is flexible and creative. OTs are the Maguyvers of the world. They take and use all of their resources to assist and make things work. 

3. OT has a heart as big as the world. Now, don't get it twisted, other helping professions do as well. There is an emotional connection with the intimate nature of what OT does and it is amazing. 

4. I know, without any shadow of a doubt, occupation brings meaning. Occupation is the stuff that life is made of. Occupations in the human experience happen 24/7 and encompass all of the things we do from our bodily functions to our activities of daily living, work, sleep, mental health, etc. 

5. I have and do love every aspect of my work. Being an OT challenges and rewards me daily. Although I no longer practice full-time, I still practice AND I am so fortunate to be a teacher of OT students. Each of these different perspectives gives me respite from the other and helps me understand the unique needs of each area. 

6. Being an OT has made me a kinder and gentler person while simultaneously creating a fierce desire to advocate and be more just.

I love what I do and I want to learn more. If you are an OT and find yourself in this state of dysregulation, anxiety, anger, or fear, let's talk about it. I'm always interested in hearing and learning from others. I want to have as wide a scope on the state of our profession so that I can advocate for OT to my fullest potential. Communication is the key. Let's chat.