Identity & Well-Being: Blog 3

This week I decided it was time to take on the challenge and go bowling alone. When I arrived at the bowling alley, I found myself sitting in the parking lot debating if I really wanted to do it or not. I think it can be hard for anyone to do things that are normally done within a group alone. Quite honestly, if this wasn't for a class I don't know if I would have gotten myself to go in. Once I finally got enough courage to actually get inside, I realized that it really wasn't that bad. Considering, I was bowling by myself I decided to use the time to work on things that I have been having trouble with. One of the hardest parts for me is choosing a ball weight. While I usually just grab the prettiest ball and call it good. This time I decided I would actually take the time to find out which ball weight was best for me. I played three different games and went up in weight every game. I started with a 10-pound ball and went up a single pound each game. Through this, I played my best game with the 11-pound ball. I actually even broke 100 which is not normal for me. Overall, I would say that this week went really well for me. 

In class this week we talked about well-being. I realized that for the longest time, I was portraying my well-being in bowling through occupational performance. I was so focused on the fact that I wasn't performing well when engaging in this occupation that I felt it diminished my well-being. This time around with bowling, I am truly seeing my well-being occur through the occupational engagement side. I am more interested in engaging in bowling because of the family/friend atmosphere it can bring. I realized this at the bowling alley last week. It was just me and a family a few lanes down. I watched as the dad recorded his kids every time they bowled. It was then that I realized this family was here for the engagement not for the performance. Which was what it always should have been for me. The more I focus on occupational engagement within bowling I start to see it change my well-being within the occupation. 

Hasselkus and Murray talked about the correlation between occupational well-being and self-identity. Throughout my new occupation, I have truly begun to see this correlation come to light. Before, when someone suggested going bowling I immediately knew I didn't want to go because of my occupational performance. Knowing I would not have fun because I was no good at the occupation made me feel disappointed in myself. This affected my self-identity. As I have started to look at my occupational well-being through occupational engagement, I have started to be okay with learning the sport and not being good. I have watched how this has improved my well-being as well as truly amplified my self-identity. I truly think that there are always going to be occupations that we simply are not good at, but when you look at them through the engagement and the opportunities that come with them your well-being will always be impacted for the better. 

My first game with the 10 lb ball. 

My second and best game with the 11 lb ball.

My last game with the 12 lb ball.

Reference:

Hasselkus, B. R., & Murray, B.J. (2007). Everyday occupation, well-being and identity: The experience of caregivers in families with dementia. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 61 (9-20).