28/10/2025
“In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun.”
I’ve always loved this quote, and I think it speaks beautifully to the heart of occupational therapy. Our work is all about helping people engage in the “occupations” of daily life — the things that need to be done, the things that matter.
Lately, I’ve been thinking… not every job that must be done can always be done. Our capacity changes from day to day. Sometimes, with the right supports and environment, a person can do something that felt impossible the day before — and other times, the most supportive thing we can do is remind them that it’s okay not to be able to do it right now.
As OTs, our role isn’t to make every task achievable. It’s to help people feel safe, connected, and supported — to create environments where they can try, rest, and try again when ready.
And when the moment is right — when there’s space, safety, and maybe even a spark of energy — that’s when we can ask, how can we add an element of fun?
Because fun changes things. It lightens the load. It helps us connect. It helps our brains and bodies learn and remember in ways that stress simply can’t.
I also reflect on my role as a director. Not everything I do is inherently fun — whether it’s policy writing, supporting the team, managing client-facing responsibilities, or juggling family life — but when I intentionally bring an element of fun into these tasks, it changes everything. It lifts the experience, makes it more memorable, and reminds me why I love this work.
So maybe this quote isn’t really about doing every job. Maybe it’s about bringing presence, joy, and compassion to the moments when we can do — and trusting that the rest will come with time, care, and connection
