…and it isn’t that they both use floss. I mean, let’s be real, I don’t really think you’d want to floss your teeth with embroidery floss, and I don’t think you’d want to cross stitch with dental floss.
Although, now that I think of it, that could be an intriguing cross stitch project.
Meanwhile, I digress.
I had a dentist appointment on the last Friday in July, and as of this writing I’ve flossed my teeth at least once every day since my appointment. This is unusual for multiple reasons. Flossing teeth is a pain. Yeah, yeah, we all know it’s important. And if you’re one of those people who’s good at doing it every day, well, congratulations. Move along, with your perfect flossing habits. LOL! I’m feeling extraordinarily virtuous about this new streak of daily flossing, and I feel like I might be building another habit. YAY!
YES I KNOW. I should have been doing it every day already. We all know that. And flossing is a pain. Important, but a pain. So what’s the obstacle? Laziness. Time. Not wanting gums to bleed. Not liking sticking your fingers way back to floss between molars. I’m sure we could come up with dozens of reasons not to do it.
So why, suddenly, am I so determined to get it done every day, and how am I doing it?
Honestly, it’s about that cross stitching streak. As of this writing, I’m over 1,370 days in. And I’m over 600 days of crocheting daily. And I’m back to my meditation and exercise morning habit. AND I’ve been four months of not having potato chips. So while one of those habits is about not doing something, there’s a positive reason for it and positive reinforcement for not doing it.
What’s the bottom line?
Intention, and follow-through, and accountability. It’s all about picking one thing and focusing on that until it becomes a habit and you can’t imagine not doing it. My intention? Floss my teeth at least once a day. My follow-through? Making sure I’ve done it when I brush my teeth in the morning. My accountability? Well, honestly, that’s mostly to myself, although I do tell my husband, and I’m looking forward to being able to report to the dental hygienist that I’ve done it. It’s a positive thing to do, and that’s that my coaching philosophy is about: sustainable, positive change.
Have you flossed your teeth today?
Cheers! Here’s to your health!