Blissful Ordinariness

"Blissful ordinariness" is a term that has recently become meaningful to the lives of many around the world. It means to be happy in in ordinary experiences or activities that may often be taken for granted. For many people during this time of social distancing, it is becoming apparent how the "ordinary" brought so much happiness and life to our days. When we think about the highlights of our lives, we may forget how much joy going to school or work brought to our lives or how much going to dinner with family made us excited until it is no longer an option. This is true of many people who receive occupational therapy (OT) services. OT clients are often reminded on how important their ordinary activities are to their daily lives when an event, injury, and situation causes them to struggle to independently engage in their day-to-day activities.

Through the therapeutic relationship between a practitioner and a client, these ordinary activities can bring back passion and excitement into the lives of the client. It is imperative that the OT follows the holistic approach and thoroughly listens to the client to determine which occupations are most meaningful to them despite how "ordinary" they may be. When a client receives OT services, sometimes the most ordinary activities or occupations become the most meaningful. For instance, grooming is an occupation that most people participate in each day, so when you are unable to groom yourself, it may be hard to engage in other occupations such as going to work or socializing with friends. By building on the ordinary occupations, a client will be able to work with the OT to improve other areas of OT as well. The therapeutic relationship is necessary to adequately serve our clients.