Small Big Things

I knew I would learn a lot of lessons during my fieldwork. For example, I knew I would learn how to document for a therapy session and how to take vitals. Then of course, I knew I would learn the cheesy stuff outside of work. You know, learning to “be content where I’m at” and “not comparing my middle to someone else’s end.” Blah blah blah. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I’m like 24 now and full of wisdom.

Well, here I am. It’s the end of Week 3 and I have been doing some reflecting. I will admittedly say, I actually have learned some of those aforementioned things, but I have additionally learned some unexpected lessons as well. Perhaps the most cliche but most profound lesson I have learned so far is to appreciate the small things. This is because at the end of the day, the small things make up the big things. There are so many instances where I have found this to be true. I think it’s no secret that I was reluctant to take a fieldwork placement in Ohio. Additionally, a placement at a skilled nursing facility. Oh wait, did I mention that I am working full-time for free? That right there is a recipe for a rapid decline of my mental stability.

This is where the small things come into play. I came home this past Thursday feeling extra drained for no particular reason. I usually try to do some sort of physical activity after work, whether it’s going to the gym, walking, running...but on Thursday I decided to just hang out at the coffee shop in Troy. While I was there, I called one of my other friends in my OT program to catch up. We shared stories about fieldwork and laughed at our mistakes. It felt good. Sometimes it’s just nice to be reminded that you’re not going through things alone. As I was driving back to my aunt’s house following the coffee shop, the sun was starting to set which made for a surprisingly pretty drive. In Ohio? Yeah, I know that’s what I thought too. Hey, I’ll take it. In that moment, I had a flashback to earlier that morning when I brought a patient down to the therapy gym. I turned his wheelchair to face the window and he exclaimed, “Would you look at that! I get to see the sunrise today! I never get to look out the window in my room.” My heart sank to the bottom of my stomach. Needless to say, I spent the drive back to my aunts house not only admiring the sunset, but acknowledging the fact that it was a privilege to see it.

I carried this newfound sense of appreciation back to my aunt’s house. I’ve noticed after a full day of working, I get home and have a million tabs open in my head. Some of those tabs include things like, “look up fine motor activities for old people” or “finish two books and a puzzle by the end of the night” and of course, the never ending question, “wait do I have homework?” However, more times than not, I do not actually accomplish any of these things. One night in particular this week, I did absolutely nothing all evening but talked to my aunt Leslie. I admire my aunt Leslie for so many reasons, but in this particular context, I will just say she is the best storyteller. She tells me stories of my grandparents that I have never heard before, in which I listen to with so much excitement and giddiness. I feel like a little kid, trying to dig deep in my brain to piece together any memory I have of them. I’ve stopped worrying about what else I “should be” or “could be” doing with my time. I’m learning to find small things to appreciate, like conversations with my aunt or simply watching the sunrise and sunset each day. It makes a big difference. I think I will continue to appreciate the small things during my time here.

3 weeks down, 9 to go!

This was actually taken in Kentucky. I don't have a sunset picture in Ohio yet, but I am sure it will come.