Changing schools was an uncomfortable part of moving. It started when I attended two different playschools, which now I believe they would be called preschools, and then on to kindergarten. I didn’t mind meeting new people and making new friends. The part I hated was that I had a large overbite from sucking my thumb until I was in first grade. And other children used to think they needed to remind me that I had a large overbite.
My parents tried several methods to stop the bad habit, but what finally did the trick was wearing my mother’s white dress gloves to bed. When the glove would approach my mouth, it had a rough texture and tasted awful, resulting in my spitting it out. Down deep inside, I was ecstatic to master the trick finally.
We consulted an orthodontist who informed us that braces weren’t in the picture until all my permanent teeth had come in. Nonetheless, the damage was done. The most detrimental aspect happened each time I was introduced to new classmates; all I could hear were the hurtful words being whispered “bucky” and “beaver teeth.” I tried to keep a stiff upper lip, but inside, I was hurt and ashamed. I was not fond of how I looked, but I could not change that for several years to come. My mom used to tell me to dig deep inside and treat them with kindness. What else could they do but be kind right back?
In sixth grade, at the age of 12, I was able to start orthodontic treatment. I was the happiest girl on this side of the Mississippi. The treatment was painful at times but well worth the results that came with it.
My mother was a great seamstress. Before starting at a new school, she would make sure that my sister and I had a newly created dress. It was amazing the little bit of confidence that wearing a new dress instilled for the apprehensive first day of school.
Changes surround us and come in all forms. We are all unique in how we handle them.
- Personal change – as simple as making a new habit or as complex as changing an old practice.
- Physical change – sometimes physical change is visible to others (color of your hair), but other times no one can see it (medical).
- External change – usually outside of our control (work, cultural, and world happenings).
How we respond to changes is the only thing we can control.
Treating others the way we want to be treated is the Golden Rule. We need to remember this and use it always.
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