I made it!

This post has been a long time coming! I'm not sure why I haven't written in so long. Everytime I decided to post something, I just couldn't find anything interesting to say. The "newness" of braces wore off, I suppose.

I think I also knew that it was all going to end shortly. That I wouldn't have an excuse anymore. I couldn't say, "I'll do that as soon as these darn braces come off!" And, yes, I think that frightened me. It meant that if I didn't do whatever I set out to do, it wouldn't be my crooked teeth or braces that would be holding me back. It would be ME. That frightens me. A lot!

Today marks the two-week mark without braces. Woo-hoo! Yes, it is a fabulous feeling. It's that feeling that you dream about--like going to your high school reunion and turning heads. I believe I've turned a few these last few weeks.

I'm also learning how to deal with some of my habits that I've acquired over the, oh, say, 15 years. Like, um, well, not smiling! I can smile now. I don't have to hide my teeth. I don't have to look down and talk to the floor. I don't have to close my mouth for a photo. I can release all that tension. But, man, it does take concerted effort to RELEASE. It's like gaining a new habit, one smile at a time.

I'll leave you with this photo, but I hope to come back to visit this blog for a few more posts. What is holding you back? Let go.