I choose to see how I've succeeded, not how I've failed

Recently, a dental crown came loose.

It filled a gap from a tooth that I lost years ago due to neglect.

Root canal and all.

Back in the day, I would brush less frequently, drink soda, and view dental visits as things to avoid.

The result was that I lost a couple of teeth and had some others that needed much help to save.

Since then, my personal dental care has improved significantly.

And, thank God, I haven't even had a cavity in quite some time.

So, when it became clear that I needed to replace the crown (and went through the process of fitting for a new one,) it brought me back to that time when it seemed like I was in for a rude awakening every time I visited the dentist.

When I kept paying for past mistakes, financially and with uncomfortable procedures that left me feeling like I had gaps in my mouth.

When I started to realize that Dr. Pepper for lunch every day may not be the best idea, especially with no toothbrush in sight to quickly brush it away.

Or that mouthwash rinsing alone on Shabbos wouldn't quite cut it.

Now, I am much more disciplined, both with what I eat (and drink) and in how I care for my teeth (multiple brushings daily and flossers, plastic and water.)

And that makes me proud.

Of how I've learned from my errors and made important changes.

I can't ever undo my past mistakes.

But I can make good choices moving forward.

And that's exactly what I plan on doing.

We often beat ourselves up for past blunders.

From my perspective, there's little to be gained from doing so.

Focus instead on making better choices and improving.

And then celebrate how you've grown.