"As a mother, I can't be everything to everybody. There comes a time where I have to recognize my limitations, and model self-compassion to my children. I have to let myself off the hook, and recognize I can only do so much. If mothers aren't willing to be merciful toward ourselves, and we aren't able to be compassionate to ourselves from time to time, how can we fully extend compassion and mercy to others?" How an ordinary "simple" dental procedure has reminded me to be merciful and compassionate toward myself.