Although some singers can cover a wide range of octaves, generally a soprano is a soprano and an alto is an alto. The same is true of each of us in life. We all have our unique place in our families, on our jobs, and in the world. Just as there are no two fingerprints alike, each of us have a unique place in the lives of others. When we accept the uniqueness of others, we stop asking them to change who they are, consciously or unconsciously. Instead, as we celebrate their uniqueness, we help to liberate them so that they feel better about being themselves. It would be wonderful if children had this celebration of their uniqueness in their formative years.
Instead of one-size-fits-all, I am learning that everyone has something amazing and valuable to bring to the table. There is an African proverb that says, “if you can talk, you can sing, if you can walk, you can dance.” I encourage everyone I can, to find the unique gifts they bring to the world, and to take their place in the choir and on the dance floor. I believe everyone has at least one note that can enhance the choir and one step or move that can bring art to the dance. Unfortunately, it is our tendency to want everyone to be like us, or to conform to a standard that we have, which makes it difficult for children and adults to be free to be themselves.
So, our challenge is to discipline ourselves to work on the notes and steps that are uniquely ours, and to sing and dance until our notes fit in compositions, and our steps are choreographed into dance routines. When we are disciplined for success, those who laughed or scorned our differences will celebrate our uniqueness.