"Blissful Ordinariness"

The passage written by Cynthia Cooper, MFA, MA, OTR/L, CHT, reminded me of why I chose to pursue a career in occupational therapy. My grandmother had a serious fall which left her with limited movement in her right hand. It was extremely difficult for her to complete tasks related to personal care and leisure. It was evident to me that her lack of independence was destructive to her physical and mental wellness. It was heartbreaking to witness the frustration and distress she experienced due to her lack of independence. Months later, I returned home for the summer and I was amazed at my grandmother’s progress. She was able to do so much on her own and most importantly, she was back to being herself. My grandmother told me her occupational therapist helped her think of new ways to do the things she loved and used those activities during therapy. The occupational therapist helped my grandmother reach “blissful ordinariness,” which made all the difference. 

I define “blissful ordinariness” as the delight an individual experiences from independently completing actives that hold meaning in one’s life. “Blissful ordinariness” means something different to each person depending on their routine and roles. There is meaning in the small aspects of life.  

Occupational therapists treat clients using a holistic approach, which includes the mind, body, and spirit of the individual. It is critical for the OT to get to know the client and what is important to them. Occupational therapists focus on activities that are meaningful to the individual client in order to reach “blissful ordinariness.” The OT recognizes the significance of the ordinary aspects of life important to the individual. The client feels acknowledged and things important to them are valued. This creates a strong and positive therapeutic relationship between the occupational therapist and the client.