The Thing About Heroes
Lately, I have been thinking a lot about heroes.
This year has seen the loss of an athletic icon in Kobe, and just this past weekend, we lost a superhero in Chadwick Boseman, not to mention countless others. When we find someone that inspires us, it can be empowering. Yet, when we lose someone we look up to, it’s devastating.
So, what makes a hero and what they do mean to us?
Maybe it is when we see someone doing the very thing, we think is impossible, that gives us hope to know that there are no limitations, except the ones we give to ourselves?
There are so many people that get called “heroes”.
“A true hero isn’t measured by the size of his strength, but by the strength of his heart.” -Hercules
Sometimes, it could be the athlete, who breaks new records or reaches new heights, that encourages us to keep going when it would be easier to quit. We see them, and maybe it helps someone keep practicing despite missing the shot, getting cut from team, or not knowing if you have what it takes.
Maybe it’s the leader, inventor, or innovator, who keeps getting obstacles put in their way, who faces every adversity with a fierce tenacity to break down every barrier? They can remind us, that it’s not falling down that defines us, but a willingness to stand up and try again.
In the movies, we have the “superheroes”, with their incredible, superhuman gifts, who can defeat evil, once they understand that their purpose is bigger than themselves. The on-screen heroes always seem to realize that they are capable of changing the world, when they use their powers for the better of all, rather than for the glory of one. They have this ability to help us believe that we, too, can do incredible things.
But even with superheroes, the image and ideas have changed, and now they have broken through old ideas of what it is a hero could or should be. Wonder Woman and Captain Marvel let little girls see that they didn’t need to be saved, but instead see that they could be the ones who are strong, fierce, and willing to fight for the people and things they loved. Black Panther became a new face of a superhero, that suddenly millions of children could see themselves in, and recognize that he was like them, and maybe, they too, could finally be just like their own superhero.
Whether we are looking at the athletes, innovators, world leaders, or even superheroes; the thing is that they all make us believe in something more. These heroes let us see something in them, that maybe we want to believe exists within ourselves, and gives us a chance to dream bigger, work harder, and believe in possibilities.
We all want to have a hero, but maybe it’s important to understand why.
Why do we need heroes?
Life is hard. To deny that fact belittles the trials that so many face every day. We need heroes to keep us going, when we feel like we can’t go on. We need our heroes to remind us, that what we are reaching for, working towards, and fighting for, is bigger than our fears, and bolder than our excuses.
“We all have the capacity to become a superhero. In order to become one, you just have to find your unique power or ability and exploit it for the greater good. The cape and mask are optional accessories, but a kind heart is essential.” -Robert Clancy
In books and movies, there are heroes that are born, heroes that are chosen, and sometimes, there are the unwilling heroes. These heroes become just that, because they make a choice no one else will make, and speak when others are afraid, stand up when others sit down, and face whatever hardships they must, in order to bring about something better.
Maybe that is just as true in life. Maybe some heroes are born. Destined to change the world. Maybe some are chosen, whether it is chosen to lead, chosen to fight, or chosen to make change.
But the truth,is that in real life, we don’t have to look far, because there are heroes all around us, who are heroes simply because they do what must be done, never quit, and remind us, that nothing is impossible. These heroes show us that when we are willing to believe, and work for what is right, we can do amazing things.
We need these heroes, because this can be any of us. We need to know heroes exist, so we can find the light in the dark, and continue to do what we know is worth fighting for.
“Heroes are made by the paths they choose, not the powers they are graced with.” -Brodi Ashton
These everyday heroes take on the challenges of this life, doing all that they can. They work to reach the unreachable, help one person or maybe millions, and lead by example, to remind us, that anyone out there, willing to do the work, can be a shining example to another, or a beacon of hope someone else needs to see.
A hero isn’t simply someone with superhuman strength, but far more likely, someone with superhuman courage or conviction, doing the things some are afraid or unwilling do, and not because they think there is some vast reward, fortune, or glory…but because it is the very need that needs to be done.
This year, has seemed to be one the most difficult for so many of us. We are facing obstacles and tragedies that seem unending. We have seen unspeakable acts happening in humanity and watched a pandemic have catastrophic consequences on the world.
And yet, in the midst of tragedy, this year has shown me how many heroes exist in our world. All around us, there are everyday ordinary people, who chose to extraordinary things.
Who are the heroes?
Luckily, there are heroes are all around you, reminding all of us, that we can do better, reach higher, and find the courage to keep going, because someone has already shown us the way, and reminded us that it can be done.
For one, teachers, all too often are the unsung heroes, who fight to give our children the chance to be the very best version of themselves. They made this choice, to take on a profession, undervalued and underpaid, and yet did it anyway, knowing that they make an impact, every day, on those they teach. They take away from themselves, and give, in order to better the lives of their students. They are heroes, but they are also hero-makers, because they inspire others to become whatever they dream to be, helping their students to become their own heroes. They are heroes for the choice they make, the commitment they have, and the devotion they give.
Another example of every day heroes are front line workers; those people holding what were once thought to have “ordinary” jobs. These people, became the ones putting their health on the line in order to make sure all of us could continue to get the things we needed, and live through these difficult times. It’s been a beautiful reminder that your job doesn’t define you and it doesn’t determine your worth, nor does your paycheck. Those front line workers were a shining example of how heroism can be achieved with the simple act of being willing to do what keeps life moving forward, for all of us, even if it means you are putting yourself at risk. You are all heroes, who deserve to be seen, for the beautiful strength and determination you gave so many of us, when life seemed to stop moving.
“Hard times don’t create heroes. It is during the hard times, that the ‘hero’ within us is revealed.” -Bob Riley
Another longstanding group of heroes, are the moms and dads out there They are taking on endless responsibilities, during this year, becoming at-home teachers alongside the virtual ones, and still working to parent their kids. Parents have somehow continued to find a way to support their children in every way possible, and work to help them understand how to live a world of uncertainty and pain, and show up every day with love, hope, and determination. You are heroes…because you do for them, at any sacrifice to yourself, knowing that when you love unconditionally, you armor the ones you love with a shield of belief, courage, and compassion.
And there are more, including citizens of the world, all around us, who have no extraordinary platform, or amazing skill, but fight to give others a chance to be seen, be heard, and be valued. They risk themselves, and sometimes even their freedom, to do what is right, and give someone else a chance that may be taken for granted by others. They are simply being heroic, by using their voice, their choices, regardless of the cost, in order to bring about positive change.
If you can’t find one, be one
Maybe you have never felt you had a hero? Sometimes it can be hard, if you feel there hasn’t been someone you find, who becomes that example for you. But the beautiful gift this world offers you, is that you don’t have to be born a hero to become one.
You can choose…every day, to be a hero for yourself or for the ones you love.
Choose kindness over cruelty, choose perseverance over excuses, and choose courage over fear. You can do the things every day, that make a difference in the world around you. You can speak up against inhumanity, take every chance you get to do the right thing, and work to leave this world better than the way you found it.
“I think a hero is really any person really intent on making this a better place for all people.” -Maya Angelou
Mr. Rogers, a beautiful hero to me, reminded all of us, that even the simple act of kindness, inclusion, and generosity of spirit can make someone a hero. And that is something all of us can work to add into our lives.
If you don’t have a hero, learn to be your own. Show yourself there is nothing you can’t do, when you make the choice, every day, to work on becoming the person you know you are destined to be.
Be the light in the dark, choose what is right over what is easy, and know, it is the choices you make, every day, that may end up letting yourself and the world see you for the hero you really are.
Love and light to all!