We need heroes.
And I don’t mean the spandex-wearing kind. I mean the regular sort; the ones who don’t even realize they’re heroes yet.
Because whether we know it or not, every one of us has something bouncing around inside that could be helpful to someone else. A talent, a strength, a little spark of goodness that could be shared. We may not shoot lasers from our eyes, but we all have gifts. And every time you use yours for the benefit of someone else… that’s hero stuff right there.
It doesn’t have to be overly dramatic either. You don’t need music playing in the background while you carry a stranger out of a burning building. It can be something seemingly small; helping someone carry a heavy box, noticing the car next to yours in the grocery store parking lot has a flat tire and breaking out your tire pump, listening to a friend when they’re having a tough day.
The small things? They count. Sometimes they count a lot.
So here’s my challenge to you (and myself): take a moment and notice what you’ve got going for you. Maybe you’re a great listener. Maybe you’re the friend everyone calls when their car won’t start. Maybe you make people laugh without even trying. Maybe you just have a solid pair of shoulders that can carry a little extra weight.
Whatever it is; name it and claim it (so to speak).
Then watch for those moments when your particular brand of superpower is needed. The chances are everywhere once you start looking. For example, one thing I notice constantly: people just want to be heard. Really heard. Not advised, not fixed, not judged. Just listened to with genuine compassion and interest. Honestly, that might be the greatest superpower there is. I’d love someone to do that for me and I’m willing to bet that you would too.
And I guarantee you can come up with more. A small list of your own powers. Things you can do that make someone else breathe easier for a moment. Imagine if everyone brought their list to the table and actually used it.
Wouldn’t the world look a little different? A little kinder? A little more sane?
Yeah. I think so. And I’m pretty sure you do too.
So maybe it’s time we all embrace our inner cosplay (minus the embarrassing suits) and let the good deeds roll.
Join us in making the world a better place. You’ll be glad that you did.
Cheers, friends.