Did you know that gratitude practices can improve your (dental) health?
I drove to my dentist appointment this week and got there in record time. Usually the drive takes an average of 25 minutes (including hunting for a parking spot), and sometimes it can take 40 minutes or more if I hit a lot of red lights, or a drawbridge is up, or with bad (aka usual) city traffic.
This time I got there in 15 minutes flat, which is almost impossible. I lucked out with all green lights, and even found parking (free!) right away less than a block away.
And, it wasn’t even raining—I’m in Seattle, so this is a biggie!
I had left my house early to stop by a local grocery store to pick up a potted flowering plant, and the checker put it in a cardboard box with hot pink matching tissue paper—so nice.
I then went to a local bakery, Petit Pierre, and bought 12 pastries, six sweet and six savory.
When I arrived at the dental office I only waited about 5 minutes before being taken back for my cleaning session. My dentist and her staff were super happy with the goodies and flowering plant.
This wasn’t a special awareness day/week or an important holiday. Just a regular appointment for my teeth cleaning.
Ironically, that’s what makes it special.
💞 Telling another human that they are appreciated.
💞 Not expecting anything in return.
💞 Bringing some kindness to a busy dental office with great staff.
I wasn’t intending write about this story, but it has stayed on my mind. I took a pic in my car because I loved the hot pink flower and tissue!
Expressing gratitude doesn’t take much time. It is uplifting to all. There are always opportunities in every day to consider doing something nice for someone else.
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Susan J. Baumgaertel, MD is an internal medicine physician who provides telemedicine medical consultation and advocacy support for patients in WA state. Find out more at myMDadvocate.
Her new book, The Menopause Menu, is an all-in-one giftbook, medical guide and recipe book for navigating menopause.