After viewing "Bohemian Rhapsody" twice in its opening week and subsequently getting sucked down the YouTube rabbit hole of Freddie Mercury and Queen documentaries, interviews, filmed performances, exposés, etc., I have learned a very amazing personal lesson — one that I want to remember: Although Freddie Mercury's appearance was, to some, rather exotic (he had a mouth full of teeth with four extra incisors, unique mannerisms, etc.), which one might find off-putting or worthy of derision (he was bullied and received the name "Bucky" at boarding school), he embraced those teeth and mannerisms and turned them into stunning assets. Rather than be halted or deterred in his musical dreams and aspirations by this unconventional look and style, he took a running start and leaped sky-high, right over any self-doubt or self-consciousness, and then, with great gusto, catapulted himself into someone unlike the world had ever before seen, sticking the landing by becoming a true rock legend.
As I watched this movie (both the first and second time, and counting), not only did I stop noticing his teeth, but Freddie's teeth and manner became very endearing to me, for they were what made Freddie Freddie. He became incredibly charming because of his passionate drive, talent and, most of all, his contagious confidence. It is that confidence that really seals the deal.
The lesson to be learned (for me) is to figure out how to live my own life and live my own dreams with so much determination, passion, confidence, belief in myself and my talents that others will look past my glaringly bright and prominent imperfections to see the good that I am trying oh-so-very-hard to offer and do.
This particular lesson settled in my heart and has me thinking that we should give ourselves permission to say, "I am me, and I am going to do the very best I can with the gifts I have." We could all benefit by giving ourselves permission to do that and allow others to do the same. In the process, we can touch and change lives in a way no one else ever could. Indeed.
Embrace yourself, quirks and all, and add value to the world, you beautiful people.
Deon Sagers, Cedar Hills