From the Founder: Happy New Year

As 2025 comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment and wish everyone peace and hope. Whether or not the year turned out the way you had envisioned, let's have gratitude over the good that surfaced. I define this year as my personal reset. While some things didn't go as planned, other equally meaningful things took its place. I feel closure, knowing that what was meant to happen happened. I feel strength, knowing that every difficulty lead to growth. And I acknowledge that whatever I set my sights on tomorrow, wherever I think the New Year will lead me, no one really knows. I cannot predict nor can I control what lies ahead. But I have hope for all the goodness left.

This year, I wanted to choose a Word of the Year (WOTY). It's a word I want to embody in 2026.

I chose the word POLISH.

Well polished. Simpy stunning and sophisticated.

No, not like polishing teeth. Although I hope there is more of that next year too.

Polish as in refinement; the everyday, small improvements sort. Like the Japanese word kaizen.

Polish to reach clarity, until the murkiness fades away and all becomes crystal clear. Clarity in my mission, values, and ethos.

Polish as in to make beauty. And to have nothing that isn't beautiful. In essence, curate, curate, curate. Do not chase but attract.

Polished in appearance. Think simple, classic, clean and neat. As applied in the home and the self.

Polish but in the natural sense of the word. Think pumice on skin, brushed hair, and buffed nails. And polished teeth. Not the perfectly manicured, the perfectly brilliant white. More of nature this year please.

Polished in manners. To be a model for my children and all human beings.

Polish the skills by continuing education - from AI to dentistry, and beyond. Embrace the quiet dignity of mastery, even when no one is watching.

And lastly, polishing the mind. Having emotional sovereignty in chaos. Using meditation and breathe to cultivate inner stillness regardless of external surrounding.

Polish requires effort. As a verb, it is to make smooth, shiny or round by rubbing and effort. Polishing techniques and skills require growth. Polishing manners and appearances requires refinement and restraint. I chose this word because I wanted to manifest my destiny. At the same time, polishing is quiet and repetitive work. It isn't always seen or revered. And I wanted to focus internally. Improve myself and allow the results to speak for themselves. Not to chase, but to attract.

I wonder if this resonates? If not, what is your WOTY?

I am looking forward to sharing with the world Reset Dental Studio in 2026.

To all, a happy new year.

Samantha Tillapaugh, Founder of RDS