I’m not sure if this falls into the learning without trying category but this is another bit of fun in reflecting on what the spirit of Occupational therapy really is. What better way of doing that than trawling through the back catalogues of past musical legends. It may be a long shot but if you ever need a soundtrack for whatever it is you do. There could be worse places to start. Think you have something better. Let us know!
1 Peter Gabriel – Don’t give up
One of the most inspiring OT’s I have ever worked with once described our profession as ‘Holders of Hope’ for people who can’t hold it for themselves. How often have you kept the spark alive until your patients or clients are ready to believe in their own future again. Don’t give up keeping on!
2 The Levellers – One Way
Crusty traveller anti-authoritarian digeridoo masters ‘The Levellers’ so named after a sub faction of Oliver Cromwell’s New Model Army don’t half know how to knock out a tune for stomping around to. They do though have a very clear view that there’s only one way of life and that’s your own. What is closer to the heart of Occupational Therapists that championing individuality in all it’s wondrous splendour?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_K1NqCpmQI
3 Eurythmics – Sisters are doing it for themselves
You don’t get much more of a shout out to independent functioning that this. Autonomy, independence and self efficacy all rolled up in a great sisterly anthem. They used to say that behind every great man there had to be a great woman. Now just say there has to be a great OT!
4 Bill Withers – Lean on me
It’s all very well to have a metaphorical or physical crutch to lean on. Don’t let it get in the way of your goals though. Bill Withers by the way is not the side effect of a virulent form of bird flu.
5 REM – Everybody hurts
Ok so yes we all do, but not all the time, and not all in the same way. The video subtitles are a great insight into the stream of thoughts we all carry round with us every single day. Change the task … change the feedback … change the thought … change the feeling. MOHO and CBT in one indie shot. Thanks Michael Stipe!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijZRCIrTgQc
6 Gabrielle – Proud
You should be … your an OT. We don’t often get the glory but take a moment to think about what you have achieved for your patients in the last month! Proud? You betcha!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4szP49_HKE
6 Bob Marley – Get Up Stand Up
Again we manage to combine the physical demands of rehab with the metaphorical desires we hold for all our clients. Get up when you’re down – on your luck, in your mood, on the floor. Stand up for your clients and patients. Classic Occupational Therapy! Classic Marley!
7 Bon Jovi – It’s my life
Not sure whether to include the soft rock icons that are Bon Jovi. Sentimentality overcame taste I’m afraid and here they are. We know who’s life it is which is why OTs work so hard to give it back.
T
ime for a break
8 Baz Luhrmann – Everybody’s Free to Wear Sunscreen
Truths a plenty in the is now bona fide classic. If it doesn’t hit home with some of the balances you are trying to strike in your own life let alone your clients, then give it about 10 years and come back to it … it will. And remember that whatever advice you give … that’s all it is maybe it will hit home maybe it won’t. Maybe you’ll stick with OT maybe you won’t but trust him on the sunscreen.
9 Yazz – The only way is UP
For the sake of balance I must point out that other directions do exist but you get the point.
10 David Bowie – Heroes
Well just because ….. He was ….. You are … And what a track