Zero Cavities, Lots of Feelings

Today I had an epiphany in a very strange place… the dental chair.

But first, I have a confession. I haven’t been to the dentist in many, many years. COVID hit. My divorce hit. We had to switch to a pediatric dentist, so the whole-family appointments stopped. I made sure the kids kept up regular appointments, but mine fell off the calendar.

I’ve never had dental fear, or anxiety, or any other reason to avoid it. The only reason why, I suppose, is that I have slowly become the lowest priority on the list.  That theme has repeated itself the past few years in many big and small ways.

There in the dental chair, staring at the beige ceiling with a cacophony of white noise drowning out all the other thoughts of the now… I need to start putting myself first. My health. My time. My energy. My relationships.

A cleaning after a few years is a little more intense than a regular 6-month check in. Nothing actually got anywhere close to pain, but some spots were tender and there were certainly moments of discomfort. Instead of wincing or alerting the hygienist to the issue, I sat in the discomfort as a tangible reminder that when I don’t put myself first, I end up getting hurt. This was my doing, but it is also something I can save myself from. It was a very cathartic experience.

In 2024 my goal is shifted priorities – shifted back to the woman in the mirror. Becoming wholly me again. It will make me a better mom, a better friend, and will hopefully make it so I only open my heart to someone willing to put me as a priority, too.

I’m excited to see where the year takes me!

XO,
Langley

P.S. – My next appointment in 6-months is already booked!