Narrative theory and methods are increasingly featured in qualitative research relating to human occupation. The present article addresses the concept of narrative in relation to some relevant foundational philosophical and theoretical roots. Specifically a twofold function of narrative as a mechanism for producing order versus creativity is highlighted. It is argued that these functions might serve as resources in research relating to human occupation, specifically regarding issues pertaining to change and agency. Examples from qualitative empirical research relating to human occupation are used to demonstrate points under discussion.

Procedures for paradigmatic analysis were followed, and brought forward three themes: doing crafts in a group facilitated stability and routines, skills and abilities, and peer support. The discussion reflected knowledge and experiences of crafts as an activity with a low-risk threshold for participation and its healing value. How the doing of craft activities in a group offered transactional space to gain experiences to manage everyday occupations was further discussed.

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In this article we aim to sculpt a possible methodology for studying how a good everyday life comes about when living with chronic rheumatic conditions (CRC). Our "how" focus acknowledges a woman with CRC as one member of a diverse population, whereby we question the biomedically based view that she differs from the population. The more frequently asked "what" question colors study designs and results in categories and characteristics regarding what she is able to do and what adaptations she has made in everyday life as a consequence of her disease. Adopting a narrative approach, we ask how a good everyday life comes about, and illustrate this with ethnographic material of the everyday activities of women living with CRC. We conceptualize narrative as embedded in the process of enacting activities. Furthermore, we highlight hermeneutical interpretative processes of how meaning works in the stream of everyday action.