Unveiling the Hidden Gems of My Identity: A Dental Professional's Unexpected Journey
Have you ever looked at someone and thought you knew everything about them? Little did I expect that a simple “Is this guy a doctor/dentist?” would catch many off guard. I've been a dental professional for almost 50 years, and my journey has been quite unexpected, filled with surprises that one might never guess just by looking at me.
More Than Just a Dental Professional
First of all, you may wonder, “Why does this guy work as a dentist?” It's the kind of question that might awaken in one's mind a grand idea, like a game show winner who wished to be a dentist. In reality, it was a far cry from that. Some dental school had a chance to give me a shot, and after a few visits, what I earned was their trust and respect. “They were skeptical at first, but after a few visits, they realized that I truly knew my stuff.”
Perceptions and Realities
Perception is often different from reality. To many, I appear to be this kind of person who is lost and could end up in a bad situation someday. However, this is not who I am. I try not to throw my weight around, knowing full well that it wouldn't lead to a fun or even interesting outcome. My judgment is based on observing and getting to know a person before making a decision. While people might sometimes think, “What if this guy bites me off?” I prefer to be social and let social interaction build a foundation of trust. “If we become friends, you'll see that I can be dangerous in different ways.”
A Down-to-Earth Family Man
When it comes to my family, there's no pretense. My parents are the most loving couple I know. My dad’s morals and values are top-notch, and my mom’s love, nurture, and sacrifices are insurmountable. They are both down-to-earth yet have a divine spirit within them. We pray together every night and morning, which is hard to bear sometimes because I feel that they pray for me more than the others. Despite the occasional issues, I have never seen a couple who preys on each other more. The sacrifices we make for one another are a testament to the love we share. “Yes, I know what I put them through, but I also know what God put me through. Without that love, I could not treat people with the love, trust, forgiveness, time, and material possessions I do.”
A Journey Through Adversity
My career started off strong, and I felt like there was nothing I couldn't do. However, I couldn't ignore the fact that my ascent would eventually come to a downward turn. Drawing inspiration from the film Rocky III, I realized that when you're at the top, the only direction you can go is down. Despite this, I still have a belief that my turnarounds will come. It's not about fear anymore; it's about the fear of losing the people closest to me. The thought of losing my kids is the scariest, followed by the fear of losing my parents. However, I've come to terms with these emotions and accept them as part of my reality. “I have a feeling that my fight isn't over, and I'm not alone in this journey.”
Lessons Learned and Future Reflections
Through my journey, I've learned that the unexpected can shape us in profound ways. If I had continued on a steady upward path for another 10 or even 15 years, my anxiety would not be as high. I now realize that life is not about being exceptional, but about being human. My kids are grown, and I can see that life is no longer as scary as it used to be. “In the end, I'm just trying to be a better person and let life's challenges shape me, in the best way possible.”
Wouldn't it be interesting if, next time you meet someone, you take a moment to peel back the layers and guess what kind of journey lies beneath?