Blog 8

 This week has been a very eventful week for my occupation. We all got sick (again), so we had a lot of time at home. I used this time to rest and crochet. It was a really fun time, actually. I decided to get going on Christmas presents for my loved ones. I wanted to make something for each person in my family that was special for them. I started with my husband. I guess when he was in elementary school, he would draw a cartoon panda all the time. For Christmastime, he would draw the panda with a Santa hat on. I decided to make him a panda, maybe with a Santa hat. I haven't decided on the hat yet. I have actually gotten most of the way done with it. He just needs legs and ears. I love him already. He is made out of a fuzzy yarn and is so soft.

I feel as though this occupation has greatly affected my well-being. I think since starting crochet, I have become a much less stressed person. I have noticed that when I am stressed is when I tend to reach for crochet. I believe that my well-being, especially surrounding this new occupation, fluctuates pretty frequently. When referring directly to this occupation, I feel as though I my well-being becomes strained when I am trying to crochet in a time-crunch simply because I know that it is part of my homework. Having to spend time on it just to get a grade sometimes makes me almost loathe it, which makes me sad. Luckily, because I enjoy it I tend to gravitate toward it a lot. When this is the case, I have a much better well-being.

I think my occupation mostly helps me to fulfill the seven occupational needs that we discussed in lecture on Friday. My occupation helps me to find a sense of accomplishment as I work and see progress going toward my projects. I have also seen fulfillment in the realm of affirmation. Every time I make something new, I send a picture to my grandma and she always gives me some kind of affirmation. As I mentioned previously, when I feel as though I have no choice to if I want to crochet, then it becomes distressing. It can hinder my feeling of agency whenever this happens. This occupation does go along with my other values and desires, so it would be considered coherence. I would say that at times, this occupation hinders my ability to seek companionship and engage socially. This mostly happens when I know I need to work on my crochet, but I would rather be out with friends. This occupation is very pleasurable for me, so I know it checks that box. Lastly, I do feel as though this occupation helps me to feel a sense of renewal each week.