Finding Balance

As an occupational therapist, I talk with my clients regularly about finding balance. Yet, why is this so hard for me?

I find myself exhausted so often because I don't want to miss out. Because I want to show that I am not "less than" others - that I can keep up despite having physical limitations. Because I want to be good at what I do. Because ... because ...

I also don't want to believe that my body is getting older. That it's failing me. That I can't do what I once used to be able to do.

And that is sad for me. Hard for me.

And when I read this paragraph, I realize this is all about me. And, in many ways, is actually detrimental. Pushing myself beyond what is healthy ... and for what? It doesn't even fit with my values and what I say is important. I value my faith. I value my marriage. I value relationships. I value family. I value building into others' lives. I value some down time - to read, to pray, to journal, to create, to enjoy nature and take pictures. I value education. I value integrity and doing the best I can. I value my health. I value independence in an interdependent way - no person is an island and we need to live in communion with others (on a side note, sometimes this is a hard balance for me to find as independence has been a strong factor in my life).

But I've been setting up a comparison - trying to prove myself. To show the world that people with disabilities can do as much as someone without. Trying to show that I can 'be someone'. Trying to do more than I am able to. Trying to gain expertise and gain respect. But that's not what life is about. It doesn't fit with my beliefs. I'm not putting God first - and listening to the prompts about what I should be doing. And not listening to my body and setting boundaries. I'm not asking myself - does this activity / this thought pattern / this way that I'm spending my energy - fit with my values?

Yet, how do I continue to reach towards my goals and, alternatively, know which goals I need to let go of. Which goals do I need to focus on because they are shared between my husband and me? How do I find my balance now? And then when we adopt, how do I build on that balance and incorporate what I've learned to maintain good life balance that fits with my values? My hope is that some things will just jump out as obvious and that some things that I have time for now that I won't have time for then with be easy to let go of.  If it's not obvious, how will I know what to let go of and what to put my energy into? How do I make sure my body is operating at its optimum for where it can operate? Part of me fears that I will fail. That I won't have the energy to be the mom I want to be. What if I can't keep the house clean? Or get moving quick enough in the morning to make sure everyone gets to where they need to? What if I end up focusing too much on the tasks, and then not put the energy into my relationships - my marriage, and when we adopt - the relationship with our child. Thankfully, I am part of a pair - my husband and I are in this together. And we will get things done and we will stand by each other.

Things that exhaust me include: going, going, going for days in a row. Long drives - as in full long days that come after a week or more of really busy life. Long work days. Working every day outside the home. Having too much clutter around me (which is nearly impossible to shift because I need to be able to reach things and we have very few low storage options in our home and getting new ones that work in our space costs hundreds of dollars). I get exhausted when I am around others and I don't fit in - trying to figure out how to fit in. I get exhausted when I try to problem solve things that are difficult in life and the answers don't seem to be realistic. I worry when finances are tight. I worry about my family 2 provinces away. In these situations, I worry too much which consumes energy. When this happens, I need to relax a little more and know that we can operate on the plan we have come up with and that things have worked out in the past. And I need to rest in God as there are some things that I can't change.

I am energized when I teach. But then am exhausted after, particularly after a few days in a row of intense, large group teaching. Yet I still love it. I am energized when I see the impact of my work on clients. My role, however, requires long hours at times. In the moments, though, I love it! And the flexibility and autonomy is worth SO much! So, how do I find balance within my work?

I need to find ways to take better care of my body. Continuing to get good sleep. Gentle exercise. Sacrificing money to get massages. Eating well.

I need to also continue to make sure I put energy into keeping our marriage good. That takes effort, as it does for everyone.

One thing I've learned in life, though, is that change is constant. And life balance will fluctuate. I need to be my own OT and figure out what I can do to maintain wellness so I don't overdo things - and to make sure I am doing things that are meaningful. And make sure we, as a family, are doing meaningful things together. And have the courage to set limits and say 'no' when I need to. That I do things that fit with my values.

"For fast acting relief, try slowing down" ~ Lily Tomlin

Trust and Listen

It's a new year, and lots happened in 2014 - some hard, some exciting, some just plain new! I sense an exciting year of wonderful things to come! Last year, the words that were a theme for me were Grace and Acceptance, and while I think those are still things I strive for - in particular, grace and acceptance for myself and for others - I've grown a lot in those areas. This year, I felt God telling me to Listen and to Trust. Maybe these were actions I leaned on a lot at the end of 2014, but in doing so, I was blessed so much! I took risks like transferring to a new job that could only guarantee me 3 days a week when I was working 4 (and now have been on average working 4 - 5 days a week), accepting a nomination to be on a committee that takes me to Ottawa a few times a year, meeting new people, and beginning to connect on a deeper level with some people in my life to name a few. I have seen the power of listening to God's prompting and then trusting that there is a reason and that it may even be a really good thing for me and those I meet in the new situations So, in going forward in 2015, I get the sense God wants me to listen ad trust Him in taking the risks He is calling me to. That these risks - whatever they might be - are part of his bigger plan. Maybe they will be small. And maybe they will seem insignificant to many of those around me. In reality, I think we all take little risks - and when we don't, we become stale. Stuck in a rut. This year, I don't feel like I'm entering the year in a rut and I like that.

It really was a huge deal for me to quit the job that was stable, consistent, paid my bills, and safe - to work in an environment that most people fear and question why I'd want to do that kind of work. Yet it's rewarding. Sometimes it's sad. Sometimes my heart just goes out to my clients and I hurt for them - for the fact they fear re-engaging with society and that they fear getting ill again and doing the same things they did in the past. It's hard to see them back in the hospital again when it happens. And it's a joy to see them take small (and bigger) risks and be successful! I don't think I cared as much when I worked at the hospital. Now, I see these people regularly. I coach them. I teach them. I listen. And they are not just some patient that comes back over and over where all I get to do is assess and make recommendations. I still do some of that, but even those are more involved. I think I knew I needed to move on when I had the opportunities to really connect with patients and see them through thick and thin and when I knew this was a rarity - something that really usually isn't part of working in a hospital.

The other changes in my life - new people, getting back into doing music, new experiences, new professional aquaintances and roles (outside of my job) - it's exciting. I feel excited about my future. It's been a while since I've been excited about my future. I think I allowed myself to get in a rut and I don't want that to happen for a while. Like the quote on my blog main page goes, "Continuity gives us roots; change gives us branches, letting us stretch and grow to new heights. ~ Pauline R. Kezer

Another quote I came across, although I don't know who said it - "Go out on a limb. That's where the fruit is".  Going out on a limb can be scary. It waves around and is not always stable and most certainly is risky. But the reward comes with being vulnerable and putting yourself out there where you might get hurt or turned on your backside. But if you get the reward ... yummy! Haha. :D

Work Life Changes

I've take n a leap of faith and accepted a position that is only officially a 0.6 FTE (going down from 0.8 FTE). The job had been posted before and I was interested but just couldn't bring myself to apply for a 0.6 position. This time, however, I responded to an email about the position where it suggested the position might increase to full time so I took a risk and emailed to find out more about the programs. Long story, short - I am now working in this new role. It's an exciting role that looks like it will include a more grassroots approach than inpatient psychiatry. I also have a lot of autonomy to make the role fit for the clients and the organization as a whole. Who knows, with time, maybe there will be an occupational therapy team rather than just me! But that would be  a long ways off. The good news around the FTE aspect, it looks like my hours will increase (albeit not an official increase in the position hours itself). There is lots to learn, but I also believe I have lots to bring to the table as well. I have started to make connections and build rapport with some of the clients which will be a very important component to successful interventions. This population is very marginalized. The ones I'll be working with primarily also have low life skills or lower functioning. It's an exciting time for me career-wise!

Adventure Camp 2014

I had an amazing opportunity to say 'yes' to this past week. I saw a post on facebook about the camp a few weeks ago and inquired about their need for volunteers and that got things in motion. I went with Centre Street Church on the Adventure Camp for their special needs (I believe the program is called Umbrella) ministry. I went along as a volunteer. It was a neat experience. It's been a long time, if ever, that I went somewhere or participated in something where it seemed my gifts, life experience, and knowledge were truly appreciated and desired. Nobody stared at me because of the way I walk. I felt truly accepted. I was paired with a buddy (camper) who was easy going, liked to laugh, and had to take it slow sometimes (which is fine by me). I also had a roommate that I spent time with and kept an eye on in some aspects. It was neat that I found myself using my OT skills (that's occupational therapy for those who don't know) in working with some others that I wasn't specifically paired with. I loved seeing how I was able to engage some of the campers in activities to help distract them and to help make the camp meaningful for them. I also didn't mind having conversations with some where other campers were getting frustrated. I found myself coming up with ideas on the fly to get people engaged and distracted from what was getting them agitated. I even started a 'morning stretch' routine (because there were delays in getting the food ready) that got even those who didn't normally get involved coming up with a movement or stretch. My heart swelled seeing nearly every camper and volunteer get involved - although the volunteers and staff might have anyway to encourage participation.  :)  It was also neat to see the simple, yet powerful, way each of the campers expressed their appreciation for God, nature, and each other. It was neat seeing the campers taking risks by doing activities they might not ever have tried before.

My week wasn't without frustrations - I struggle with seeing people who have the capacity and ability to do stuff and not try when I so often try to do whatever I can and I have obvious physical mobility issues as well as a condition that could make or break me in a less safe activity. And realistically, there may well be some good reasons for not trying for these people but sometimes it felt like excuses and all I wanted to say was "Take a leap of faith. Risk it. Get over it. You'll be ok. You'll have fun." Ah, but I need to have grace and I need to see things from their perpsectives. I, of all people, get that new and "risky" activities are scary when it comes to potential broken bones so I'm sure others have their reasons and their legitimate fears.

I also struggled with, and nearly backed out of, going white water rafting because the walk from the bus to the river was long, I was tired and thirsty, it was hard walking with the booties we were given (and they were too big for me), and I knew that I had had surgery just six weeks ago and really hoped my body would hold up. I had been white water rafting before, and that time, our boat nearly flipped and we paddled the whole way, even through the big rapids (class 3's and 4's). I didn't know what came over me, but I nearly started crying. That was odd. I was struck by an intense wave of emotion. I'm glad I went white water rafting, though.  This time, it was easy. For the "big" rapids (which were WAY smaller than the previous trip) , we didn't paddle through rapids but were told to hang on. We didn't have to paddle the whole time either like the last time I went (on a different river). The rapids were tame compared to the last trip too. The pictures look like it was crazy. But it was crazy fun! :)

Another good thing from the trip - maybe I will have made some new friends that can be part of my friends circle going forward.  I felt like I connected well with several people at the camp.

Maybe this kind of ministry, or even this kind of work - working with individuals with more of a developmental delay than specifically mental illness - is a direction I should consider. It brings joy to my heart to see the innocence of some of the individuals and the balance of trying to learn life skills and apply them in the capacity each one is able to, and the challenges of connecting with those who struggle to be around others also was rewarding. It was so awesome to see pure joy in the faces of the campers when they experienced nature or tried something new and did it successfully. On the last day, one of the individuals who tended to stay several metres from others when possible, actually spoke to me. It was like a little gift. Those moments are so rewarding.

Click on the pictures below for a bigger view!

The Elkwood Ampitheatre

View from the lodge through the window

Just a note, I can't post pictures of individuals here (except for the rafting pics which are were all taken by Chinook Rafting - with permission to share on social media), so the pictures posted are mostly of the views and nature. All pictures other than the rafting pictures were taken by me.

Book Review - The Penny

I'm often a little wary of reading Christian books because often they are quite hokey. That, and often, so predictable. So I began reading the novel The Penny by Joyce Meyer and Deborah Bedford with the same wariness, knowing it was written by Christian authors. However, I was pleasantly surprised. I believe many people would enjoy this book, whether you are a follower of Christ or not. The themes and the story in themselves are enough to make this book a good read!

The novel has so many profound themes - some that I've faced in my work as a mental health Occupational Therapist through the stories of my clients exactly while reading this story. Although this novel moved me to tears often, the story of healing, breaking down walls of prejudice, and forgiveness outshone the sad parts. I found myself caught up in the story, reading well into the nigh - for me, a sign of a good book!

The book is set in the 1950's and is written in first person. It starts off with a young teenage girl name Jenny, maybe 13 or 14 years old or so,  talking about her life - her sister who seems to not care much for her, her abusive father, and her mother who cowers in the corner letting her father do whatever he wants with her and her sister. She also describes the town she lives in, and describes Miss Shaw - the odd lady in town who owns a jewelry store. The story quickly moves to 'the penny' - how a small act of picking up a penny led to a cascade of events that eventually led to Jenny meeting Miss Shaw who profoundly impacted Jenny's life. Meanwhile, Jenny meets a friend (Aurelia) who is black. Jenny's father forbids her to interact with black people and is very controlling. Yet, Jenny has found a true friend - someone who does not judge her. Jenny experiences a lot of hurt and confusion, but also experiences something new - true friendship from Aurelia, a loving family through Aurelia's family, a new found source of hope, overcoming hardship, a life changing relationship with Miss Shaw, and ultimately the ability to stand up on her own feet and also forgive her father. The penny became a message of hope

I appreciate the eye opening realness and rawness of the book - a window into the experiences and real-life issues many people continue to face today. The book calls these issues out for what they are. As a young teenager who never saw racial prejudice until she truly got to know Aurelia, the description throws any reason to be prejudiced out of the water. The description of her pain when she is abused forced me to think about what abuse really is like - both for clients and people I know in my life - without going into gory detail of the abuse. I also appreciate the story of hope being woven throughout the book. The combination of the rawness and the hope made this book an excellent read!

This book impacted me both personally and professionally. It helped me gain a better understanding of some real and challenging issues people in history as well as people around me face (albeit some different circumstances). As a therapist who specializes in mental health and also provides psychotherapy,  it helped me get a better perspective of what life is like for some of my clients and, in turn, will help me to empathize better.

A Day-In-The-Life-Of someone with a shoulder injury who also happens to be a wheelchair user

This post is meant to be a reminder for me when I am well-recovered from my shoulder injury - to appreciate what I have - and also as a way to help individuals who are not in a similar situation to gain some insight into the experience. For those in health professions, this may help you get a picture of what some of your clients go through.

On September 27, 2012, I had a shoulder injury at work. As part of my condition, my bones break easily so fractures are always a concern. Any time I have a fall or a near-fall, I tense up a lot and sometimes have muscle pain for a while. This time, the pain did not subside quickly. By day 2, I knew something was wrong.

Thankfully, X Rays showed no fractures, and it appears the injury is a strain / sprain to the rotator cuff. That being said, from what I hear, fractures heal quicker and cleaner than sprains and strains to that area. I have had a lot of improvement in a week's time. Still, the pain persists and my functioning is still impacted.

The day-in-the-life of will begin at bed-time, a day after the injury...

I am wiped. Exhausted. My day was spent sleeping, for the most part. Part of that might have been the fact I took Robaxacet regularly, as indicated on the bottle. The other part is most likely due to the fact my body is trying to heal. Undressing is painful, but certainly easier than dressing was earlier that morning. Fortunately, for me, I have learned how to do things one-handed so many times in my life that certain tasks like brushing my teeth, and tearing toilet paper from the roll don't phase me. This is a good thing, because the next day holds much frustration and feelings of being overwhelmed.

I sleep well - when I'm sleeping. Thing is, every time I want to change positions, I wake up fully. In the back of my mind, I know that I cannot change positions without being very, very careful. Despite the frequent waking, I've had a decent night's sleep (not so for every night since then, but overall this has been ok). 

In the morning, I wake up. I know I need to see a doctor. My arm is no better. I am frustrated. Overwhelmed. I think about what the day has in store for me. I still cannot prepare any food. I can't use my microwave because it is set up higher and I need a hand to balance when I get up on my knees on my chair to reach the microwave at the best of times. I cannot do this as putting weight through my arm is painful. I can't chop food. I can't cut up any meat. Pouring milk is challenging - this is a 2-handed task for the most part. My counters are high in the kitchen, so even washing my hands is difficult. I also wake up to remembering the pile of laundry I had planned to do on the weekend. Now, I can't do this. My groceries are low - at least with respects to food I can prepare. As in, food that does not require preparation. Sure, I have some fruit and vegetables. But I can't chop it to be able to eat. Normally, I slice apples and cut oranges into wedges so I can eat them. It was looking like yet another day of eating peanut butter. I began to cry, feeling overwhelmed with all I take for granted each day. All that I can do normally that I am now not able to do. I live alone. I feared showering. I always hang on to the sides with both hands getting in and out of the shower. I knew, though, that I've learned quite well how to wash my hair one handed. That, I knew, I could do. [On a side note, a friend commiserated with me on this - isn't it sad I've actually had to learn how to do this so well?]. Then I put myself together and took my shower. I was surprised how well that went, and how good that hot water felt on my injured shoulder. The trouble came when trying to wrap a towel around me. Try it for yourself! It's a two-handed task unless you've got lots of practice! Dressing was also painful. I have only a couple pair of pants that are easy to pull up, and I need to look for a shirt that is lose fitting. Never mind the bra. That is too painful today.

Then, on to seeing the doctor. I can't drive. Driving gives me independence. Once again, it hit me. I can't wheel my wheelchair. I can't drive. I even tried - and I couldn't move the steering wheel and I couldn't put the vehicle in gear. I use hand controls so I have no choice - I use the acceleration / braking lever with the left hand and steer with my right hand. I'm fully dependent on others to get around once again. I call a taxi. The cab driver was not willing to come up to my unit where most cabs go - he figures this is a walkway. I had told the cab company I have a disability and very specifically asked the cab company to instruct the driver to come up the walk. This message was not passed on. When he realized my situation, he willingly came over to me. Still, it was one more frustration. He was very helpful after this. I got into the doctor's office very quickly. He didn't say much. When he heard my medical history, he simply said x rays would be necessary and prescribed a Voltaryn gel for inflammation and pain. Again, I needed a ride from the doctor's office to the x ray clinic. I was able to arrange a ride to the x ray clinic, and a different ride from there back to home. It's such a process! So complicated. I guess the good thing is I'm not wearing out any one particular friend.

Another friend came over later to bring me Timmies and to bring some fresh fruit. She helped by cutting up some fruit and vegetables so I can eat and putting in a small load of laundry so I'd have something to wear in the next few days.

I was so exhausted by the end of the day. I arranged a ride to church the next day. Then went to sleep.

Fast forward a few days and here are some of my experiences:
- not being able to return to work for a few days - I'm not even able to wheel my chair, much less lift heavy charts for charting.
- the hoards of paperwork required - for WCB, for injury reporting, for getting Access Calgary lined up.
- the hours on the phone required to get the paperwork lined up.
- returning to work mid-week and losing (or having it stolen - not sure which) my nice cell phone the first day. I was so wiped out by 4 pm already. The meeting went until 5 pm. And I hadn't even done anything physically taxing at work. But, when I lost my phone, I had to come back to find it. And I STILL didn't find it.

A week and a bit later, and my shoulder doesn't have as much pain. I am able to drive to and from work if I avoid heavy traffic. Turns are still painful but do-able. I can do some basic food prep. I can put a few clothes into the laundry. (I guess the laundry pile will sit for a while longer. But, really, that's ok for now). I can sleep mostly through the night.  I can use 2 hands for washing my hair now. I still can't use my wheelchair. I still can't go grocery shopping or do full loads of laundry. Walking stairs is difficult because I need to lean on railings for safety - and that doesn't work well yet. I've started physio. The exercises are still painful. Maybe they're helping, I don't know. And many different people, from different parts of my life, have helped out in one way or another, whether that was giving me rides, bringing me some food, helping with laundry, buying groceries for me, inviting me out for a movie, giving me a massage, or just calling to talk.

For all of you who helped me out during this time, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

Things I've learned through this process that I hope others will learn too by reading this entry:
- People do want to help, for the most part. They just don't know what's needed. It is important to ask specifically. Others can't read my mind. It's OK to ask for help! And if they know exactly what you need, it is less frustrating for them!
- The paperwork and processes required for injuries are horrendous. Please bear with any clients or friends you may have who complain about this and be of any assistance possible.
- Things that are typically easy to do are very draining when there is an injury or illness present. Be understanding! Some tasks may require a higher priority and others will just not get done or I will need help so I don't wear myself out.
- Independence is important; it is a big hit to lose independence - even temporarily. It is hard for people like me, who desire to be as independent as possible, to ask for help. I don't want to be seen as someone who is 'needy'. That is one of my greatest fears.
- It is important for me to remember that, even though I need help with some things (at any time of my life as a result of my disability), I give to others and help out where I can so I am not just 'taking'. I pray that I am a blessing to those I come in contact with.
- Taking time to relax and recup is a good thing. Maybe these injuries and illnesses I've experienced in the last few months are a way to teach me to slow down and take care of myself.
- It can feel lonely being at home all day, particularly when each task is a struggle. This is especially impacted when lines of communication are lost (in my case, the loss of my cell phone, which also is the main number people know).
-  Although sometimes I don't realize it or think about it, I have lots of people in my life who care about me. And what's neat about it is that these people are not just from church (as has been the case in the past). Coworkers, colleagues, friends from music jams, friends from my previous work, friends from a small group bible study (outside my regular church), friends from church, and even a neighbour or 2 have offered assistance or been there for me.
- This journey of healing may still take another month to two months. I may still need help from others. I need to not let myself get discouraged. And I need to not let myself get too frustrated with myself if I can't do what I want to do. And if I do and you hear me complaining or expressing frustration, offer encouragement and support.

It's been an interesting 24-and-a-bit hours

This entry may be a little scattered as the bits that made this past day and a bit interesting are somewhat unrelated.

First off, when I got home yesterday evening, I saw a mouse in my new apartment. It seemed I startled it when I opened the door, as it took quite the long jump - at least 2, almost 3 feet. I never saw it again - probably thankfully. But believe me, every time I went into my office where I saw it running toward, I walked with trepidation, and I made sure I made noise before entering the room so as to either warn the mouse or allow it to run out before I went in. I feared I'd have a hard time falling asleep knowing it was in the apartment, but I guess, living with a mouse for about a month at the house trained me to be ok with it around. I just don't like being startled by the sudden movements, and I don't like the fact field mice carry things like henta virus and Hep A.

The rest of the evening was neither here nor there. I packed for the weekend and worked a bit more on my course.

Today, I woke up, sensing that something wouldn't quite go as I'd hope today or this weekend. I feared things like falling or getting injured. I prayed about that and I feel a bit better, but still I felt unsettled. It was a weird day, though. And I do think God protected me several times. While driving, one individual cut me off quite severely at highway speeds. I really don't think he was paying attention at all. He just changed lanes in front of me without signalling ... or apparently shoulder checking. But, I reacted quickly and safely and stayed safe. It seemed like there was another incident while driving up to Edmonton too, but nothing as significant as that one.

On to my travels within the city of Edmonton. It felt so disorienting as I didn't actually have a map of where I was going. I knew enough to know that I needed to drive in the Northeast direction. I had looked at a map last night and I felt fairly certain I would find my way to the hotel without taking a detailed map along. Afterall, I'd been there before. But, no, that didn't happen as I planned. I did find my way to the ring road. And, even in that process, it felt weird not really knowing where to drive. I was purely using logic to find my way. My problem came when I thought I was following a sign to get to the Yellowhead and ended up on some little 2-lane road that seemed to go nowhere. It felt eerie. It was the kind of road you'd expect dangerous things to happen on - places where nobody would find you. Nobody else was around. I wanted to get out of there fast. I turned around after a bit, but I had to search my vehicle to find my map of Edmonton - which apparently never made it to my new vehicle. I did find an Alberta map that gave me enough information to realize what I did wrong. I was so thankful for that! Then I got to the hotel and there were no spots left to park except the spot reserved for the taxi company. They let me park in that spot, so that was good.

I feel settled in my room and I think it should be a good night. I am hoping I sleep well and am awake for the whole conference. I am looking forward to the conference. If today's meeting with Alberta Mental Health OT's is any indication, tomorrow should be a good day. I felt refreshed in my career, just being at the meeting. I got excited and passionate about ideas I would like to do with my practise. I had a renewed desire to pursue a PhD and got some ideas for projects. I learned of new opportunities for OT work with the veterans. That will take time. But, at this time, I am still in a permanent 0.8 position at the hospital and I still feel that is where I'm supposed to be right now. In time, maybe I can try to pursue some of these things.

I really do enjoy these opportunities to network with other OT's working in mental health. I also like the learning opportunities of these conferences. Again, it renews my interest in continual learning - my academic side shining through.

So on that note, I should sign off. I really do hope that those ominous feelings I had this morning go away and that all of the things are now over with or even totally avoided. Right now, I am not feeling the way I did this morning. I also hope and pray this weekend with the youth will be amazing - on so many levels. Spiritually, relationally, fun, no injuries or mishaps. A chance for us all to grow together. I will be sharing one story during the talks this weekend about how God has spoken to me and I pray it will somehow be beneficial to someone or many. One of my friends is the weekend speaker, so I'm sure he is looking for wisdom to know what to say and how to say it.

Article - Harm reduction is God's grace

Harm reduction is God's grace

Please read the linked article (Harm reduction is God's grace) to understand what this post is about, as I've referred to the article as a basis to this post.

This article is about harm reduction and the connection with Christian faith. I've thought about this concept a lot since I began my training to become an Occupational Therapist, and also once I began practising. I have had co-workers outright threaten me when I've advocated for harm reduction, and I've also experienced shared views from co-workers in advocating to use a harm reduction approach. It is a controversial topic - one that I'm sure will continue to be a topic to be wrestled through. There is a time and place for this approach, and there are times when I would not advocate for this approach. However, I agree with the view shared in the article that there are times when harm reduction is living out God's grace. That where some people are at, this is the best approach to minimize damage and to still walk alongside them and care for them. I don't think I really thought through how this approach fits with my faith until I read this article but there were situations where this just seemed right. I didn't think through exactly how it fit with my faith, but in the back of my mind, I knew it did. When I read the article, I couldn't have put it in better words.

"As Christians we believe that God loves us no matter what and he sticks with us. We're told this through the story of Israel in the Bible of people who mess up and God stays with them. We're a continuation of that story."

"Harm reduction is a Christian way of living among people with addictions. Christians have often not understood harm reduction in that way. They've understood it as sin being encouraged."

For more information on Harm Reduction, follow the links below:

Harm Reduction Fact Sheets

Principles of Harm Reduction

Also, just to note, not only is harm reduction used for drug and alcohol related situations, but it is also used for potentially harmful lifestyles (e.g. providing condoms to sex trade workers).

"Hope is a passion for what is possible" - Kierkegaard

I noticed this quote today and I'm still digesting it. It was the introduction to a story about a boy who was homeless, lost everything in a torrential downpour, and was completely broken. The one connection he had to his sister, the person he loved most, was lost in the rains, and for him, it was like someone he loved dearly had just died. Along comes a person who works with youth on the streets, and he tries to 'fix' everything, only to realize he needs to allow the person to grieve. A few days later, Katrina (the hurricane) comes along and the boy is deeply affected by the loss experienced by the people in the line of Katrina. Instead of panhandling for himself (and he desperately needed it, especially now that he had lost everything he owned), he panhandled for Katrina. He ended up giving all that he had for other people, and this made all the difference in his life. He had hope. He started making changes in his life. I know I'm missing big parts of the story, and to be honest, I'm still digesting the rest of the story. There's a lot to unpack in this story - some more on the level of working with this population and some as simply a person living in Canadian society seeing people on the streets. This passion to help people became his hope, and with this hope, life became possible for this boy. This step was a springboard for him to make many positive changes in his life.

Maybe I'll come back to unpacking this quote more, and maybe even unpacking this story more in another blog post. We'll see. In the mean time, I'm thinking of using this story as a discussion starter for Youth night on Wednesday, although I'm not sure I'll get through reading it out loud. I was bawling most of the way through. I wasn't sad for the boy - I think I was actually crying for this amazing self sacrifice. And the difference this act made in helping this boy move on in life.  I saw myself in the story too - in the street worker. He wanted to solve the problems. He had solutions - get this guy into a shelter, get him housing, get him new clothes, get him a new sleeping back, etc. What this kid needed was to have his feelings validated. He needed someone to go with what he found important - giving the money to a cause that affected him deeply. He needed someone to just love him and not jump to conclusions about what needed to be done. How many of us wouldn't encourage the kid to use the money for him to start building up his own life? Afterall, who else is more in need than this boy? I pray I have the discernment to realize what needs to be done in situations like this. The story is found in the book Bent Hope by Tim Huff and it is called "A Kid and a Coffee Cup". The book is a good read and it may well give you a new perspective.

Hope is a passion for what is possible. ~ Soren Kierkegaard

OT Rap - an overview of general Occupational Therapy

This is a fun parody rap describing Occupational Therapy. I tend to focus more on the mental health side of things, the cognitive assessment piece, and the ADL assessments (although I'm doing some equipment assessments through one of my contracts). Maybe the video will give you a bit of an idea of what Occupational Therapists do. It even acknowledges OTA's, which is cool, as I teach in the OTA program at SAIT. In Alberta, some OT's are capacity evaluators - this is dependent on the region (province or state) as well as your role where you work.




LYRICS:

It's that time of year again starting October 24
For certain health professionals to rap it to y'all
We're making youse aware of something known as OT
Not I.T.! It's occupational... therapy

A guy comes up to me and says, "What's your occupation?"
He's confused when I reply "that is half of my vocation"
Here's somethin' to remember when explainin' to your folks
It's exactly like physio... just jokes

Every weekday morning, we all head into work
To a building with a cross, where all our patients lurk
Another day ahead and it's just the beginning
A coffee in the morning then we're to the ward grinning

CHORUS
OT, Consider yourself awared
OT, its independence squared
OT, Daily living activity
OT, Occupational Therapy

Functional independence, a goal that we strive for
To enable our patients to remain at home and survive or
With the help of services, for your areas of need
Enabling you to live a life that you want to lead

We can find this out in a million different ways
We can sit down have a chat and hear what you says
About your home environment, and with whom you live
Do you have a family, and are they supportive?

ADL assessments are our cup of tea
But watch out when the bowels open inconveniently
Your clothes are over there and the soap's on that shelf
"Have you come to shower me?", "Hell no, you'll shower yourself"

I'll just stand and watch while I take mental notes
Advises on devices to help don/doff your coats
The key to this is equipment recommendation
To enable you to function at a by yourself persuasion

CHORUS
OT, Consider yourself awared
OT, its independence squared
OT, Daily living activity
OT, Occupational Therapy

Compression therapy is something that we know well
The doctors turn to us when limbs start to swell
With bandages in hand we head to our battle stations
But remember to take note of any contraindications

The area of hands is a specialised skill
Providing splints, ROM and coban when your hands are ill
If you don't like what I do and you flip me the dove
I'll grab you by the hand and put you in a flexion glove

Splinting, positioning and pressure area care
Bulky foot drops splints, to some patient's despair
With proper education I think most come around
Especially when it's time to place their feet back on the ground

Cognitive assessments! This is where it is at
RUDAS, MOCA, BRISC, CAM and the Cognistat
A person's healthy mind can set themselves free
But please don't ask us to determine their capacity

CHORUS
OT, Consider yourself awared
OT, its independence squared
OT, Daily living activity
OT, Occupational Therapy

Burn yourself with fire or electricity?
Garments and scar management are your therapy
Splints will be made for each burnt body part
To immobilise your limb after a skin graft.

If you've had a stroke, no worries at all
For an upper limb assessment it's OT you call
Cognition, oedema and hypertonicity
We'll get you up and moving in no time you'll see

For the OTs on the front line we don't go it alone
The calcium per se that keeps our strength in our bones
Managing our consumables and assists in many ways
So don't forget our handy OTAs

To get you home safely we can visit your castle
Any mods to your house is really no hassle
We can customise all things to help you in your home
Your case is hi pri if you're living alone

CHORUS
OT, Consider yourself awared
OT, its independence squared
OT, Daily living activity
OT, Occupational Therapy

Info about video and production:
Lyrics by:
Danny Stewart-McLean

Music by:
Phil Driver

Featuring:
Danny Stewart-McLean
Karl Bagraith
Genna Mitchell
Jody Mills
Anna Green
Lauren Kamst

Directed & edited by:
Ryan van Dijk

The video was a made to raise awareness about Occupational Therapy Week 2010 by The New Grads (Royal Brisbane Hospital, Australia).