The Value of "Blissful Ordinariness"

"Blissful Ordinariness" to me can be defined as finding beauty in the mundane. The simple pleasures and activities of life are never taken for granted UNLESS they are taken away from us. For example, in my own life, when I was a junior in high school, I shattered my thumb and tore two ligaments. This required surgery and six weeks of OT. I didn't realize during this season of my life how much I missed showering without having to wrap a trash bag around my cast or splint. I took for granted writing my name on my homework or blow drying my hair while combing it with the other hand. Having to get help with these simple tasks of my everyday life was very discouraging and annoying. Once my cast and splints were off, I was so thankful to be independent again. The idea of Blissful Ordinariness relates to the therapeutic relationship because we as OT practitioners know the simple pleasures of being able to do an activity without help or not much help. We are able to show clients a bigger picture and set a goal that is achievable for them to do. As the client begins to progress, the more they will trust our judgement and advice for their treatment. Blissful ordaninace often relates to how occupational therapy is more of a holistic field. We see the small things in someone's life as worthwhile and what makes them and their situation unique. Every client is different, so every treatment plan should be just as different as the client.