Sometimes, all you need is a good “F” word to say what you really feel. Sometimes, it’s the only thing that describes the moment, and man, does it feel good to use it.
But now it’s time to get your mind out of the gutter because I’m talking about those all-important “F” words that help shape us. What “F” words am I referring to? Let’s discuss them here.
Future
What is going on today isn’t necessarily what is going to happen in three months or a year from now. If something is going on in your life that’s dragging you down, just realize that this too shall pass, and better days are ahead. How do I know that? You need to make a plan and plan your future. You can plan on creating better days one step at a time.
Focus
Like looking toward the future, you need to focus on what you want, not just in your career but in life. Having a career you love makes life so much better. So, think ahead, envision what you want that to look like, and go for it.
Fantastic
This is an attitude. Start each day new, fresh, and feeling fantastic. It’s an attitude that will be contagious. Your upbeat attitude will help others feel better. When you go in the office singing “Zippity Do Da” and your coworkers roll their eyes, just keep singing your heart out! This may have also come from personal experience.
Failure
Well, failure is going to happen. Nobody ever made it through life without screwing up a time or two. The main lesson is to not beat yourself up, take what happened, and learn from it.
Fresh
Start each day fresh, no matter what happened yesterday. It’s a new day today! Are you on a diet and you totally messed up yesterday by eating a cupcake or seven? That’s OK. Move on and make today better. This advice may have come from some personal experience.
Forgive
This is key to having a great life. Forgive the people who wrong you; they need it. Let the universe deal with them. Forgive yourself for mistakes and remember, they are actually lessons! Then move on. Don’t dwell on it because that creates more stress, and nobody needs that.
Faith
Faith in yourself is absolutely necessary. If you don’t believe in you, then who will? You have the power to do amazing things, you just need to believe in you! Part of this comes from forgiveness. When you forgive yourself and put things behind you, creating faith in yourself is much easier.
First
I used to believe that I had to take care of everyone else first, that it was my job to be a good wife, mother, and dental assistant. I didn’t have time for me, and that was ridiculous. I was always too busy. Now I realize that I should have been taking care of me first all along. If you have so many people you have to help, how on earth can you do that well if you’re feeling down? By taking care of yourself, you ensure that your loved ones will be better off. You can’t pour from an empty cup!
Fortunate
Always remember how fortunate you are. I know, at times it’s hard to see through the muck. But the truth is, someone has it harder than you, and with a little help, you can rise above it all. Life is full of constant change.
Fulfillment
This is what you’ll have when you carry out all of these “F” words I’ve discussed. Your attitude will change, and you’ll be a happier person!
Nobody is perfect and life is hard, but at the same time, life can be very good. It truly is what you make of it. So make it great. Throw around these “F” words all you want. They’ll make you feel great!
Tija Hunter, CDA, EFDA, CDIA, CDSO, CDSH, MADAA, is a member and current vice president of the American Dental Assistants Association (ADAA), where she holds the honor of Master. Tija is the editor of Dental Assisting Digest and contributes to Dental Economics magazine. She is the director of the Dental Careers Institute, a dental assisting and dental continuing education program, and the author of seven continuing education study courses. She can be reached at [email protected].
