Celebrate-You are UNIQUE
In manufacturing, products must have the same quality and must be within tolerance. We humans are not, however, manufactured goods. We are more like works of art. Everything we have discovered about our world supports the theory that every being in our universe is
unique and special. From our genetic code to our physical appearance, science has yet to find two identical living organisms. It is as though every one of us occupies a special zone or band width in these vast cosmos. We might be similar to others but never identical. Even identical twins are not exactly identical.
Unfortunately many people feel uncomfortable being unique, even going so far as to call themselves weird. Mass media and certain powerful business industries portray the world as a homogeneous place with the same pretty faces, same fashions, same opinions. Research suggests advertising media may adversely impact our sense of individuality by creating a generic ideal, which can lead to unhealthy behavior patterns. Many women and girls strive for the “Barbie doll look” – the ultra thin body idealized by the media, while men and boys risk their good health to become like the perfect male image set forth by media standards.
When someone ridicules you or attempts to make you feel inferior, it’s easy to think they are too judgmental. But consider that the most influential judgment comes from within. In my case, my judgment person everyone seemed to like. By doing so, I alienated a large part of myself from me. I was afraid people wouldn’t like me if they discovered the “real me.”
As I get older (and hopefully wiser), I find that social norms mean less and less to me. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t wear my socks over my pants! I’ve just learned to embrace my uniqueness and my own point of view. I have learned to make my own decisions in accordance to my own unique belief system.
Here are some suggestions to help reduce the social pressures of “sameness”:
• Examine: is the difference really negative, or is it just your perceived idea that, Being different is no good? in the end, the only thing that matters is your self-perception.
• Consider Possibility: is it possible that what you perceive as “different” about yourself is what actually makes you special?
• Be daring: Accept and embrace your different-ness. Whether it’s your appearance, the way you do things, or the creative ideas you ignore and put on the back burner. Bring your quirky talents out for the world to see.
• Capitalize on Character: Think of ways you can use your differences to your advantage, and try them out. You may not get results immediately but i assure you, with persistence and patience, you will.
Last weekend I caught my six-year-old, Hannah, listening and singing along with a Disney song that said, “Every girl’s fantasy is to wake up one morning and feel she is special.” I quickly stopped the song. “Hannah, guess what? Your wish has come true.” She looked confused so I continued, “Do you know anyone else that is just like you?” She replied, “No.” I quickly said, “Then that means you got your wish. You are special. Now, how are you going to use this awesome gift?”
We must remind our children to feel special every day because each and every one of them is unique and special. They don’t have to become a princess, Barbie, action hero, or prom king and queen to feel special. We must replace false definitions created by mass media with our own message: “I am, therefore I am special.”
Dr. Noie has been in private practice in the Bay Area since 1996. He is a Diplomate of Int’l Congress of Oral Implantologists, Fellow of Academy of General Dentistry, and Assoc. Fellow of American Academy of Implant Dentistry. He has completed his surgical training at New York University as well as Medical University of South Carolina, Temple University, and Wright state University School of Medicine. He complet- ed his oral Anesthesiology training from University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is a member of American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.