On July 15th, set aside the busyness of the day and know that every patient you encounter will see something special in you, even if they don’t say something to show how much they value your efforts to prevent oral disease. Know that you performed to the best of your ability for the practice, for your family, and your friends. There was nothing else you needed to do better, smarter, harder, or more perfectly.
Have you noticed that sometimes we hygienists have unusually high expectations for ourselves? We set the bar quite high, and we are often disappointed in what we and others in our lives achieve.
We need a day like July 15th to take the pressure off, refresh ourselves, and reset our minds. Step back, take a look at the person you are, and find the joy in discovering that you are remarkable. When was the last time you realized that you were important to so many?
I want you to use this day to take stock of yourself. Rather than the could-have and should-have moments, enjoy the sensational and spectacular moments. Think of all those patients who would not be the same without you, whose lives you touched and made better. Think of the community you have served.
I know when I was watching each person walk into that meeting room for the continuing education course, they were greeted with warmth and admiration. They were cherished. Think about that, too. When was the last time you allowed yourself to reflect on the fact that you are admired, respected, and cherished? Today is that day. Revel in those feelings. And, if this is not working for you, July 25th is National Hot Fudge Sundae Day. Go splurge! Happy summer! RDH
JOANN R. GURENLIAN, RDH, PhD, is president of Gurenlian & Associates, and provides consulting services and continuing education programs to health-care providers. She is a professor and dental hygiene graduate program director at Idaho State University, and past president of the International Federation of Dental Hygienists.