Re-enaging in Occupations

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”

These meaningful words from Mary Oliver’s poem, The Summer Day, inspire me daily. Today is no exception as I write this From the Editor in Moultonborough, New Hampshire, USA. There is about a foot of snow on the ground as I look out the window, and see tents/huts where people are ice fishing. It is exciting to see that people are starting to re-engage in those meaningful activities which in occupational therapy we call occupation. Occupation refers to the everyday activities that occupy our time and bring meaning and purpose to life¹.

I am cautiously re-enaging in occupations that I have postponed since March 2020 with the COVID-19 pandemic such as seeing a play on Broadway, having friends over to my home for dinner, and flying to visit relatives. I have many plans for my “one wild and precious life” as I re-engage more in the future.

This issue of WORK has 30 articles that includes seven free-to-read articles on COVID-19. Other topics include: posttraumatic stress disorder, job demands and resources of managing directors of micro- and small enterprises, ergonomic problems in agricultural farms, miners’ experiences and perceptions of environmental and safety regulations, and grip strength in healthy Israeli adults, among others.

Please stay up-to-date on our Learn at WORK webinars, blogs and news by going to our website at workjournal.org and following us on social media such as Twitter: https://twitter.com/WORK_Journal and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WORKJournal2016

On February 23, 2022 at 1-2pm EST, Dr. Michelle Robertson will present her article, Assessment of organizational readiness for participatory occupational safety, health and wellbeing programs. Register at:

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5314202899773869837

On April 6, 2022 at 1-2pm EST, Dr. Suzanne van Hees will present her article, Understanding work participation among employees with common mental disorders: what works for whom, under what circumstances and how? Besides the protocol article published in WORK, the results article of this systematic realist review’s findings, as well as the experience with the method realist research, will be shared. Register at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/387735498196046864

On May 4, 2022 at 1-2pm EST, Dr. Andy Cheng will present his article, Work productivity loss in breast cancer survivors and its effect on quality of life. Register at:

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6197342733590764300

On June 15, 2022 at 1-2pm EST, Dr. Thomas Tenkate will present his article, Setting priorities: Testing a tool to assess and prioritize workplace chemical hazard. Register at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1936437208271158795

On July 27, 2022 at 1-2pm EST, Dr. Khader Almhdawi will present his article, Mental and physical health-related quality of life and their associated factors among students of a comprehensive allied health institution. Register at:

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4954045770999434512

As I conclude this From the editor, I ask you: What are your plans for your “one wild and precious life”?

Cheers,