An OTnow.com Reader's Response To The Illusiveness of Occupation

I Was just reading your posting on OT News regarding human occupation and "June's" dilemma. I can relate to your story since I've personally experienced it many times, and do daily as we speak.

I have played tennis since I was 14 years old (and that was a LONG LONG time ago). I have arthritis in my low spine, shoulders and knees. It, thankfully, does not affect my ability to successfully and happily work as an OT, nor does it interfere too badly with home maintenance and other occupations. However, it does interfere with playing competitive tennis, something I have enjoyed for many years, and at which I excelled (which for me made it more gratifying - my thing was always, "If I can't compete at a high level, then why even play the game?").

Over the years, I have gradually "let go" of competing and actually have had to "learn" to enjoy tennis a different way, socially. It was a process, and one I traveled kicking and screaming. I also have found that teaching my nephews how to play the game and enjoy it has not only been possible, but extremely and surprisingly gratifying.

Although June has chosen not to re-engage in her lifelong passion, it is not due to any failure on your part. It sounds to me that you have more than done your part in attempting to stimulate and reignite her passion. June has the right to, and has chosen to (for whatever internally or externally motivated reasons, i.e. family, personal fear, environmental) not follow your lead. Is there a possibility in getting her reconnected to oil painting at some other level than executive that would get her out of bed and maybe ignite some passion to her remaining years?

Bill Maloney, OTR
Embrace Life Well