Self-care

Oh, boy. Today I go to the dentist.

I have no reference to back this up, but I once was told or perhaps I read that dentists have a much higher incidence of depression than other health professionals. From my own attitude, I suppose I can see why. When was the last time you talked with someone who was EXCITED to go to the dentist? Even if you're in pain and you know that the dentist will make that pain go away, excitement and dentistry? They don't seem to go together very well. I'm just going in for a checkup, but I'm always afraid that something will show up, some little spot that I can't see or feel but that the dentist will notice, one for which I'll receive the stern warning, "If we don't fill it soon, it'll turn into something MUCH WORSE!"

Now, to clarify, in the course of my life, I have been fortunate to have been seen by a legion of really wonderful, bright, charming, and quite interesting dentists. It has to sometimes feel like a thankless job, but it's a job that not only saves our teeth, but can also save our life, as there seems to be a strong connection between poor dental hygiene and cardiovascular disease. So please don't think I'm down on dentistry, because I'm not. I do see how imporant good oral care is to our overall health, but I just don't enjoy going to the dentist. It's a high-class problem, to be sure.

Three times in my adult life, I've gone great periods of time without seeing a dental professional. The last time was after we moved, and it was about three years between visits--I know, I know, that's not good, I realize that, but it is what it is. When I finally did find a good recommendation for a compassionate dentist, the first words out of my mouth when I made the appointment were, "Don't give me a lecture. I know what I should have been doing, but we can't go back in time and correct for that, so let's just move forward, shall we?" to which the very nice person on the line responded, "We're just happy you're making an appointment now."

Wasn't that a nice way of dealing with a reluctant patient? Not once in my visits (and, yes, there were several to make up for lost time and lost enamel) did anyone lecture me about my lapse in self-care. It had happened, but there I was, making it right.

And really, when it comes to taking care of ourselves, although we make a big deal about how important it is to exercise, eat well, stretch, strengthen, moisturize, sunscreen, floss, attend to our bodies over the long haul, what really matters, what we really can control, is today, right now. Sure, you might feel better today if you'd done a better job avoiding the fried foods over the past decade, but if you forego the fried fish for a broiled selection this evening, then you've made a positive step. And those are the kinds of steps we can make on a regular basis to do something good for ourselves. Dwelling on the past does nothing but make us feel inept. Dwelling on the "now" works. The decision you make in the next ten minutes is one you've got a handle on. You can't undo what you did yesterday or last year, but now? Yeah, you've got some control.



Do your best and then forgive yourself when you don't. Each day is full of new opportunities. As we approach our extra day this February 29th, make a committment to do something special on that day that furthers your work toward taking care of yourself. You're worth it.