Some of those activities aren't even purposeful and are certainly
meaningless outside of the context that my friend was operating within.
To her it made total sense to squeeze balls and pick up grains of rice
because she could see how it would get her closer to getting back to
work.
One thing I havehad trouble with is people who played the piano. I think it is because it is so meaningful to them. I have suggested they resume their piano playing as fine motor retraining and as a source of enjoyment. They will play for me and often it sounds great to me - far better than I could do, no mistakes noticable to me in a song I know, but they are very discouraged with their playing. They will tell me they just can't enjoy playing if they can't make it sound right. And it sounds right to me. Where to go from there ? Like the example above, they are happy to work on fine motor components. I wonder if you suggested to your jeweler friend that she go ahead and - whatever she does- make a necklace ? -- if it would look fine to you, but be a disappointment to her ? -- Jody
