I realized something recently–I’m a daredevil! And if you sit back and think about any time you’ve taken a risk, gambled on what seemed to be against the odds, or just plain landed on on your feet like a feline hurled from a 3 story window… then, you are too!
Let me explain. A little over 3 years ago, I took a risk. I didn’t think so at the time, it just seemed like the logical next step, a good personal and professional move. But looking back now–what the $@#!!! was I thinking?!…
I grew up in New Jersey, most of my immediate family still live there. After earning my DMD Dental degree, I moved to Boston. I made a great life for myself there and soon became a a vital part of a thriving dental practice. For about 10 years, I was an associate dentist at a colleague’s practice. It was very rewarding, the people were warm and I learned a lot. But at some point, perhaps subconsciously (or my Higher Self), was nagging at me. I was ready to make a change. I wanted to be closer to my family, yes, but I also knew that there was something more for me–if I just took a leap…
Without a visible parachute, I decided to leave Boston and move back to NJ. I didn’t know if I would join another dental practice or join the circus, but I knew that I had to put one foot in front of the other and just GO! And sure enough, the Universe began to conspire for my happiness and success. I was drawn to Summit, NJ where I found a great condo only a town away from where my parents were living. In addition to this, I stumbled upon a dentist who had a practice in Summit, who recently decided to sell it and move away. Eureka! I had previously bounced around the idea of joining an existing practice, but what if I just took a leap and started my own?! Without hesitation, I bought the practice, conveniently (or cosmically) located minutes from my new home and down the street from the Summit train station.
And since then, I haven’t looked back. It wasn’t until last month, when I was at a dinner party and a childhood friend whom I’d reconnected with in recent years, opened my eyes. She was talking about how daring it was to do what I did. I’d never thought about it. But it was a total leap of faith, that worked out better than I could have imagined! I love my work, I love my staff, I love my family and friends. Life is quite exciting, uncertain, scary, unpredictable and amazing.
I guess what I am saying is that, in life, there are no guarantees. We can ALL be paralyzed by fear, influenced by naysayers, question our abilities, gifts, strengths, etc. But in the end, all we can do and be, is our best selves. No one is perfect or has all the answers, but I want to encourage everyone in this upcoming New Year, to love and believe in themselves and strive to be surrounded by people who believe in and are as supportive of you, as you are of them.
Whether it be spiritual, physical, intellectual or even, dental goals– take one step, build one brick at a time. Have no fear, or if you do…extract it like a bad tooth and know that you can achieve and have anything you want!
You are who you believe you are–not who people tell you, you are. We at Summit Smiles, wish you all a safe, happy and prosperous New Year. Keep Smiling and dreaming BIG in 2016!
