I’m sorry – but who really likes going to the dentist?
I actually believe I can say I haven’t ever met such a person.
But my recent visit (just saying – it was only for a cleaning) – left me feeling pretty positive.
It was the hygienist who did it. She, herself, was so positive.
“Keep doing what you’re doing” – “good for you” – “I understand”. There was no scolding, no insinuating comments that I could “try harder” (even though I could), “do more” (for sure) and definitely no guilt. (phew!)
Any professional comments she made were all so encouraging. “When you’re ready”, “When you’re able”, “if you’re interested”.
And I left the dentist that day feeling pretty good about myself – determined to maybe even try harder – maybe floss twice a day – who knows?
And I thought about what had just happened. If she had owned a different tone, been a bit “righteous” about the improvements that are out there which I “should for sure do”, been negative about my daily care, I would have felt defeated, defensive, and frustrated instead of energized to do better.
At this time of year the holidays will be bringing together families and relatives – all with their own ways of parenting, cooking, political beliefs, living.
I suggest we go positive.
Just listen and nod, smile, and take a small helping of your sister-in-law’s favorite (but not yours, no way!) casserole. Look at situations and comments with a new lens, knowing that we are all different, even as we are all alike.
That’s family for you – and that’s the beauty of the holidays.
I wish all of you a truly positive and Happy Holiday, my friends – and a healthy and joyful New Year ahead!