This week was spent in major staycation mode. Enjoying quiet corners of Tahoe to avoid the crowds. Sledding epic tracks hidden in the forest, following the puppy around the house, baking projects using sourdough starter, coloring tutorials on Youtube, washing SO MANY dishes, Facetiming family far away. Not a lot of actual work done. But able to reflect on a few projects.
PROJECT ONE: My work.....
I spend a portion of my work with pediatrics. I work with clients with developmental, physical and behavioral needs. Family members and I plan and implement strategies and solutions that can help children build social-emotional skills, sensory integration abilities, and motor milestones.
The other portion of my work is spent with adults of all ages to plan and implement strategies and solutions that can help them feel more satisfied and productive in their day to day life.
These are evidence based and inspired occupational therapy interventions that focus on health and wellness initiatives used to prevent chronic disease. Areas of occupation that are proven to prevent chronic disease include; rest and sleep, physical movement (I don't like to call it exercise), mealtime routines and rituals and choices, and meaningful activities that decrease stress. All of these areas often come to the forefront of a person's mind when thinking about making a New Year's Resolution.
I don't have a New Year's Resolution for my work. However, I do have an intention to CONTINUE. At this point, it sounds the most realistic, measurable, and attainable. All serious points to consider when setting a goal, during this crazy time.
PROJECT TWO: My knitting.....
Lots of projects. Never enough time to complete all the projects that I dream about. Falls into the area of occupation that we, OTs, label quiet leisure activity.
Overall Best and Most Complicated-Fantastitch shawl, pattern by @Westknits. Completed on our road trip through NV, ID, and WY. Epic camping with our new r-pod.
Most Worn-tie between the Sunday cardigan, pattern by @Petiteknits, finished while camping at Lundy Canyon and Big love cardigan, pattern by @ankestrick, completed at the beginning of "shelter in place."
Favorite yarn-@malabrigo (always has my heart).
For the coming year, I hope to knit more for more people. People love receiving homemade gifts, I know. This is not an invitation for requests, however!!! So don't bother. Haha!!!
THREE: My physical movement....
Taking on running. Taking on @onepeloton.
I never thought I would like either. And quarantine forced me to LOVE both. Lesson learned: You never know if you will like something, until you try it. I completed 279 peloton workouts, since quarantine started. I'm proud of that achievement. I just received my CENTURY t-shirt for completing 100 cycling classes. I've spent more than 8K minutes using the @onepeleton app. I also learned how to enjoy running lots of miles on trails and road. Now I am spending that time cross-country skiing and running with Yaktrax. Seems to be going well, so far.
For the coming year, I hope to move more and feel awesome doing it. More peloton classes, more miles logged....doesn't need to be faster. But needs to feel awesome.
FOUR: My reading.....
Five most loved books this year:
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
Group: How One Therapist and a Circle of Strangers Saved My Life
The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai
Normal People by Sally Rooney
The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo
For the coming year, maybe we can reinstate our beloved book club? Or I'll just continue my solo book club....reading all the book club reads.
And that's pretty much a life wrap-up for me, over here. I intentionally don't post about my (amazing) kids and (wonderful) partner, because they deserve privacy and the ability to exercise consent regarding what I write/post about them. But I do have some hilarious "comedy bits" focused on them...If you know me well enough, I am happy to share.
I encourage all of you reading this (probably just my mom and husband) to set an intention for your year and reflect on your milestones, meaningful activities, and all the things that bring you joy and contentment. Sending genuinely happy vibes for a peaceful and healthy 2021!