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March/April 2026
THE HEIGHTS SMILE Herald
(440) 483-1003
5825 Landerbrook Drive, Suite 121, Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
I still vividly remember standing on stage my sophomore year of high school, literally blinded as I stepped into the spotlight. I had never run for any kind of board position or student council role in my life before. But, there I was, hands sweaty, mouth dry, and stomach in knots, giving a speech for a run at the title of State Reporter for the Future Business Leaders of America club. Someone had told me, “pretend you’re making eye contact with people when you’re up there,” but all I could see was the bright light upon me and a sea of darkness. Somehow, there came a point where I told myself, I was up here, and I just had to get through it. My heart rate started to slow; I got as comfortable as I could, and the tunnel vision began to fade away. Although this was entirely out of my comfort zone, I won that election, and because I didn’t let my fear hold me back, I grew as a person in ways that still resonate with me today. Step Into the Spotlight Day is on April 8, and when it comes down to it, if you don’t take a chance and explore something new, you will not live the life you truly deserve. We have all felt those fears of rejection, failure, or the worst possible outcomes coming true when everyone’s eyes are on us. But if you’re willing to leave your comfort zone, you will survive and become a better version of yourself. When I first joined that club, I was just looking for something to do in my small hometown. Somehow, they convinced me to run in that first year. I’d never been to a conference or run a campaign, and I was facing an incumbent. I had my homemade buttons (which I still pull out for the enjoyment of our office sometimes) and prepared a speech. No matter how much my teacher and classmates had built up my confidence, there was still something new to learn. GROWTH COMES TO THOSE WHO TRY Step Into the Spotlight
doing something because we’re so worried it won’t go right or we’ll make a fool of ourselves. Even if it all goes horribly wrong, and there’s a good chance that won’t happen, you’ll still be here. You’ll learn, and it will be a building block for who you are today. If you have an opportunity to grow, take it. The worst that can happen is you find out something didn’t work and get to try something different next time. If you are concerned people will laugh at you or criticize you, remember that all you’re trying to do is become a better person and explore your interests. Anyone who would mock a noble, very human desire for self-improvement is probably not someone you want or need in your circle anyway. You will find that group that helps build you up when you’re afraid to step outside your comfort zone. You can do the same in return, encouraging others to share themselves and all their talents with the world. It’s a win- win situation that will provide lifetime benefits for you and anyone else you give an encouraging nudge to step onto the stage. If you dare to take a chance, allow yourself to excel in the discomfort and believe in yourself, you’ll be better for it. Step into the spotlight, and even if the bright lights blind you, you’ll see the brave, capable person you really are. -Dr. Jason Schermer
I never imagined people would compliment me on the speech, let alone win; I had nothing to compare this experience to.
One of the lessons I share with my kids is that for every worst day you’ve ever had, you’ve also made it through it. So often we stop ourselves from
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Out of the Comfort Zone, Close to Home
MINI EXCURSIONS CAN SHAKE UP YOUR ROUTINE
When many of us think about “stepping outside of our comfort zones,” we imagine uncomfortable experiences or believe we need to buy a plane ticket. But what if challenging yourself to try something new could actually be fun, and closer to home than you think? Mini adventures in your own city and the surrounding areas can help you break out of your routine in just a day trip or an afternoon. CHOOSE THE NEW THING. You don’t need to go on a country-wide quest or expensive voyage to reap the benefits of mini excursions. Just go someplace you’ve never been before. Maybe you’ve quietly admired the architecture on your daily commutes, but have never gone on a historic walking tour to explore it. If you have a fear you want to overcome, like deep water or heights, consider booking a guided kayaking session or visiting one of your city’s tallest buildings. Late local travel reporter Neil Zurcher wrote a series of books all about short, local getaways here in Ohio and our neighboring states. You can choose one of his favorite one-tank trips.
PUT IT ON YOUR CALENDAR. Commit to the trip by putting it on your calendar. It doesn’t have to be high-cost and can be as simple as blocking out a mini adventure once a month. With our busy schedules, it’s easy to put off these growth opportunities, especially if we’re nervous to try something we’ve never done before. Actually writing it down will show you that you do have the time available and can keep it a priority. BRING BACKUP. Getting out of your comfort zone, even for a fun, low-risk outing, can be nerve- racking. Enlist a friend or your family to join you. Knowing you’re not going it alone can help you get past the hurdle of fear and will only enhance your trip. There may be hidden gems in your city that your loved ones have also never heard of. Here in Cleveland, there are plenty of affordable museums and interesting sites, so it’s not a big ask. Stepping outside of your comfort zone doesn’t have to be completely daunting or pricey. With each mini trip, you’re helping yourself grow and have homegrown fun along the way.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING “I was a patient at Exceptional Smiles for 6+ years and the staff is fantastic. Great service, friendly and highly professional. The sole reason I am no longer a patient is because I left the Cleveland area.” -KP W. — “Experience was groovy. Excellent service!” -Ernest “Excellent service. All very kind.” -Carlos V. — “Professional, polite and knowledgeable. And a thorough explanation is provided before any procedure.” -Samantha
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NEW SEASON, NEW HABITS SIMPLE ORAL HEALTH RESETS FOR SPRING
Spring is here, and your counters and floors aren’t the only things you should include in your spring cleaning. A new season is a great time to refresh something you use every day: your teeth. From going to your dentist for a complete cleaning to upgrading your toothbrush, there are steps you can take to reset your oral health habits and keep your smile bright all year. REFRESH YOUR ROUTINE One of the best places to start is decluttering your oral care supplies and evaluating your daily dental routines. Replace your old toothbrush with a new one with soft bristles. It’s easy to forget that toothbrushes should be replaced every three months to prevent fraying and loss of effectiveness. This is a perfect opportunity to switch to an electric toothbrush if you’re not already using one. Toothpaste and mouthwash can expire, so check the expiration dates and replace anything that’s past its prime. Ensure that you brush twice a day and floss once a day. SCHEDULE YOUR DENTAL VISIT Your dentist is your number one ally in protecting your smile and maintaining your oral health. Schedule an
appointment for a professional cleaning and check- up. During this visit, your dentist can remove plaque and tartar that basic home care can’t reach. They can also identify any signs of potential issues, such as gum disease or cavities, and create a plan to address them. If you have any dental goals, such as whitening your smile or straightening your teeth, discuss them with your dentist. CARE FOR YOUR WHOLE SELF Your oral health and overall wellness are closely linked, so by taking care of your whole self, you are helping to improve your smile. Make sure to drink enough water to prevent dry mouth and flush away bacteria and debris. Reduce your sugar intake, as it plays a significant role in tooth decay. Aim for a full night’s sleep because insomnia increases your risk of gum disease, dry mouth, and bad breath. At Exceptional Smiles, we’re here to help you start this season off smiling. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. This March, we’re offering a free sleep apnea consultation. If you are a new patient, don’t miss out on a $150 cleaning and X-rays or a free Sonicare toothbrush this April.
Zucchini Noodle Pad Thai
LEAH’S BAD DAD JOKES OF THE MONTH Q: What do you call a $2 chicken? A: Buck, buck!
Ingredients Pad Thai • 2 medium zucchini • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided • 1/2 lb peeled and deveined shrimp • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1/2 red bell peppers • 3 green onions • 1 large egg • 2 cups bean sprouts • 1/3 cup roasted peanuts
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional) • Lime wedges (optional) Sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar • 2 tbsp fish sauce • 3 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp packed brown sugar • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper • 1 tsp chili garlic sauce
Directions 1. In small bowl, combine sauce ingredients; set aside. 2. Using vegetable spiralizer, cut zucchini into noodles. 3. Heat large pan on medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil (reserve the other half). 4. Add zucchini noodles; cook for 2–3 minutes. 5. Let noodles rest for about 3 minutes. Remove noodles, drain, then reheat pan. 6. Add remaining olive oil and garlic; cook 30 seconds. 7. Add shrimp; cook 3 minutes. 8. Add bell peppers and green onions; cook 1–2 minutes. 9. Add egg and stir until cooked 10. Add back zucchini noodles, then add sauce, and cook for 1 minute. Then add bean sprouts. 11. Serve, garnishing with roasted peanuts, cilantro, and lime wedges as desired.
Q: What did one Dorito farmer say to the other? A: “That’s a cool ranch.”
If you would like your favorite joke featured, email Office@exceptionalsmiles.com You may see it in our next issue! Q: Why can’t NASA send a duck to space? A: The bill would be astronomical.
Inspired by WhiteOnRiceCouple.com
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exceptionalsmiles.com
(440) 483-1003
5825 Landerbrook Drive, Suite 121 Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
INSIDE
1 Strength Outside Your Comfort Zone
2 Turn Your City Into an Adventure
What People Are Saying About Us
3 Your Smile Deserves a Fresh Start
Zucchini Noodle Pad Thai
4 3 Essential Strategies Straight From Norway to Boost Your Daily Life
FIND YOUR ‘VELVÆRE’ THROUGH NATURE, COMMUNITY, AND COZINESS THE ART OF SLOW LIVING
According to the World Happiness Report, Norway consistently ranks in the top 10 happiest countries in the world, whereas the U.S. has been in the high teens for years. We can’t emulate everything Norwegians do to remain happy (nor would most Americans want to). But they do offer a unique strategy Americans can utilize to maintain a positive outlook on life. Velvære is the Norwegian word for the state of well-being, which can be achieved by adopting the Nordic concept of slow living.
Here are three strategies straight from Norway to help you reach velvære.
FRILUFTSLIV While friluftsliv may look like something found in a medical textbook, it refers to the Norwegian concept of open-air living and outdoor recreation. Norwegians spend ample time outside, regardless of the season. They ski, cook, and walk in nature. The outdoors plays a huge role in the Norwegian way of life, which directly impacts their happiness! DUGNAD As we already know, community and belonging have a significant role in our happiness. Dugnad is a Norwegian activity all about helping and supporting one’s community. Whether through doing volunteer work, cleaning up public spaces, or raising money to support local causes, finding ways to help others will provide more value to your life and help your heart stay happy. KOSELIG How do you describe your everyday sense of being? Do you experience your life as chaotic, calm, or consistent? Koselig is the idea of incorporating coziness into all aspects of your life. When you carry yourself with a sense of warmth and comfort, you feel better and spread happiness everywhere you go.
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