Lessons from the Dentist
Say "Ah" ... "Ah!!!!!"
I had a dentist appointment today. The moral of the story: brush and floss.
The dental hygienist told me that she would have to clean off the calcium deposits from my gums, apparently a result of lingering food that combines with something in my saliva. Basically, I need to floss.
To clean it properly, she said it would end up bleeding and would hurt. She could make it less painful, but it would not really help. I told her that it does not have to be comfortable to help me, and gave her my consent to do her thing.
I was struck by a phrase I have heard many times: It does not have to feel good to be good for you. I find this statement very true. Consider these examples:
- Dentist cleaning properly (described above)
- 100 jump squats (re: Iron Dragons 'bonus' workout on Saturday, a.k.a. the Century Club)
- Working diligently
- Being patient with a difficult person
- Drinking bitter tea or medication
- Running outside when I'm tired or when it's cold
- Avoiding the salty / sweet snacks when I'm stressed
- ... and the list goes on
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