The Power of Gratitude and Appreciation within Your Dental Office

With the holidays close at hand most think of a Norman Rockwell type setting. In reality holidays prove to be a difficult time for most having to deal with stress of the season, co-workers and family. Yet the Power of Gratitude and Appreciation in your dental office (and your home life) not just during the holiday, but daily.

Practicing Gratitude and Appreciation is really all about mindset. It comes as a result of our perspective and expectations. Stephen Covey, in the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, mentions 4 dimensions to keep in mind when it comes to our lives. It encompasses: spiritual, physical, social and mental aspects.

Think about how you'd approach life differently if:
You had one year to live, what legacy would you leave? (Spiritual) Assume all you said about someone could be heard? (Social) You've had a recent heart attack, would you take care of yourself differently than if you thought you were healthy? (Physical) Assume your knowledge and skills were going to be obsolete in 2 years, would you take every moment to grow and learn? (Knowledge)

Taking a moment of gratitude during life's difficult times can help you re-focus and re-evaluate your life and goals. It's a good reminder of the positive that is going on around you in the midst of hard times. Socrates said, "An unexamined life is not worth living." So take the time to regain your perspective.

Moments of joy and gratitude will come to you not necessarily in large and explosive life events, but sometimes in the smallest of circumstances. Those discreet moments will often be the most impactful memories you will cherish forever.

Enjoy your friends, family and co-workers. Tomorrow is never promised, so be grateful and appreciate the intricacies of each day. Live and be fully present in each moment, because you never know when you will have another chance to offer that compliment, give that hug or say that last I love you.

"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures." - Thornton Wilder