Embracing Hope and New Beginnings
Have you ever written a letter to yourself? It’s an odd exercise for me to do; however, I find myself in this phase of life now (empty nester) that I have given so much of myself to others, and I forget my value and importance in this world. As many of us in healthcare roles, it is easy not to recognize
and acknowledge the energy that we give. For me, I love to give, and it is difficult to receive, but now I welcome it! I encourage you to explore, step back, and think about your own journey in life. I recognize that my struggles have made me who I am today. By reflecting on my numerous
obstacles and hardships, I can now look at the future with Hope.
and acknowledge the energy that we give. For me, I love to give, and it is difficult to receive, but now I welcome it! I encourage you to explore, step back, and think about your own journey in life. I recognize that my struggles have made me who I am today. By reflecting on my numerous
obstacles and hardships, I can now look at the future with Hope.
Writing a letter to yourself can serve multiple purposes and can be a meaningful and introspective exercise. Here are a few reasons why someone might choose to write a letter to themselves:
Self–reflection: Writing a letter to yourself allows you to reflect on your past experiences, achievements, and challenges. It can help you gain insights into your personal growth, values, and aspirations. It provides an opportunity for self–awareness and self–discovery.
Goal setting: By writing a letter to yourself, you can articulate your short–term and long–term goals. It helps you clarify your vision and aspirations, making it easier to create a roadmap for achieving those goals. Writing down your intentions can also increase your commitment to them.
Emotional release: Sometimes, writing a letter to yourself can be a therapeutic outlet for expressing emotions, especially during times of stress, sadness, or confusion. It allows you to pour out your feelings, thoughts, and concerns, providing a cathartic release and a sense of relief.
Motivation and encouragement: A letter to yourself can serve as a source of motivation and encouragement. You can remind yourself of your strengths, achievements, and resilience. Reading the letter later, especially during challenging times, can boost your confidence and provide a reminder of your capabilities.
Future communication: Writing a letter to yourself can serve as a time capsule or a message to your future self. It can capture your current mindset, dreams, and aspirations, and be a way to communicate with your future self. When you read the letter in the future, it can be a powerful
reminder of who you were and how far you’ve come.
reminder of who you were and how far you’ve come.
Overall, writing a letter to yourself can be a powerful tool for self–reflection, goal setting, emotional release, motivation, and future communication. It can help you gain clarity, provide encouragement, and serve as a tangible record of your personal growth journey.
Dear Hope,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. As you sit here today, an empty nester and a single mom, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey you have been on. It hasn’t always been easy, but you have persevered and found strength in the most unexpected
places. I am immensely proud of the person you have become.
places. I am immensely proud of the person you have become.
The transition to being an empty nester is undoubtedly challenging. Your children have grown and embarked on their own paths, leaving you with an empty nest and a mix of emotions. There are moments of loneliness and a sense of loss, but I want you to remember that this is also a time of
immense opportunity for personal growth and self–discovery. One aspect of your journey that has been truly remarkable is your venture into guest speaking. I remember how apprehensive you were at first, doubting your ability to captivate an audience with your story. But you were courageous enough to step outside your comfort zone and share your experiences with others. Your authenticity and vulnerability touched the hearts of many, and your words became a source of inspiration for those who needed it most. Countless lives have been positively impacted because you found the strength to use your voice.
immense opportunity for personal growth and self–discovery. One aspect of your journey that has been truly remarkable is your venture into guest speaking. I remember how apprehensive you were at first, doubting your ability to captivate an audience with your story. But you were courageous enough to step outside your comfort zone and share your experiences with others. Your authenticity and vulnerability touched the hearts of many, and your words became a source of inspiration for those who needed it most. Countless lives have been positively impacted because you found the strength to use your voice.
And then there was podcasting. You are “The Gum Goddess Podcaster” of Gums & Gossip Podcast! The decision to start your own podcast was a leap of faith, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions you ever made. Through this platform, you have reached an even wider audience and created a community of like–minded individuals seeking hope, encouragement, and reducing fear in the dental world. Your interviews with special guests, who you meet for reasons and share their stories beyond the dental chair, have reminded people that they are not alone in their struggles and that there is always a flicker of hope. You learn from everyone that you meet and it’s exciting for you to help get the voices out and an important reminder to everyone to
humanize the dental industry.
In addition to your role as an empty nester and single mom, I want to acknowledge the incredible dedication you have shown as a caregiver and dental hygienist. Taking care of others, whether it’s your aging friends and family or patients in the dental chair, has always been a natural extension of your nurturing spirit. Your compassion, expertise, and gentle touch have brought comfort and relief to those in need. Your commitment to providing quality oral healthcare and improving the lives of your patients is truly commendable. Despite the challenges and demands of balancing multiple roles, you have remained steadfast in your pursuit of making a difference in the lives of others. Your kindness and professionalism have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the people you have cared for. Never underestimate the significance of the work you do as a caregiver and dental hygienist. You are a true source of comfort and healing for those around you.
Through these experiences, you have discovered a newfound purpose – to spread hope. Your journey has taught you that no matter how challenging life may be, there is always a way forward. You have become a beacon of hope for others, a reminder that resilience and determination can
lead to incredible transformations.
lead to incredible transformations.
I want you to know that your journey is far from over. As you continue to embrace this new chapter of your life, remember to take care of yourself. Self–care and self–love are crucial for your well–being. Surround yourself with a supportive community and lean on them when needed. And never forget to celebrate the small victories along the way – they are the stepping stones to even greater achievements.
In moments of doubt or weariness, remember why you started this journey in the first place. Remember the lives you have touched, the stories you have shared, and the hope you have instilled in others. Your journey has not only impacted those around you but has also transformed you into a stronger, more compassionate, and resilient person.
I am excited about what lies ahead for you, dear Hope. Embrace the unknown, trust in your abilities, and continue to spread hope to those who need it most. The world is a better place because of you.
With love and admiration,
Hope Loyd RDH, BSDH, MAADH
About Hope Loyd
Hope is an accomplished dental hygienist and thought leader. She helps professionals and patients understand each other through her unique focus on hope and heart skills to reduce patient fears and create retention. Her extensive experience in the dental hygiene industry has given her invaluable insights into the crucial role that communication and empathy play in achieving success and building long–lasting relationships with patients. In addition to her work as a
dental hygienist, Hope is also a successful podcast “Gum Goddess” host of the Gums&Gossip Podcast, where she shares her expertise and insights with listeners. She is a common contributor to numerous publications focusing on soft skills and has been a guest speaker at BrownGirlRDH on diversity and inclusion, demonstrating her passion for creating an inclusive and diverse environment in her profession. As a single mom, she understands the importance of balancing personal and professional commitments, and her unwavering dedication to her work and her family has earned her the respect and admiration of her peers and colleagues.
dental hygienist, Hope is also a successful podcast “Gum Goddess” host of the Gums&Gossip Podcast, where she shares her expertise and insights with listeners. She is a common contributor to numerous publications focusing on soft skills and has been a guest speaker at BrownGirlRDH on diversity and inclusion, demonstrating her passion for creating an inclusive and diverse environment in her profession. As a single mom, she understands the importance of balancing personal and professional commitments, and her unwavering dedication to her work and her family has earned her the respect and admiration of her peers and colleagues.
Hope’s exceptional communication and patient care skills, coupled with her commitment to diversity, inclusion, and mentoring, make her an inspiring and highly sought–after expert in her field. Her personal interests in traveling, yoga, and gardening reflect her love for personal growth and nurturing, which she brings to her work and those around her.
