When I say the phrase “Super Hero”, what image pops into your head? For me, it’s Superman.
“Faster than a speeding bullet. More powerful than a locomotive. Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Superman! Superman, man of steel, Superman. “
Superman was born in a time (1938) when this country needed heroes. Early Superman was a social activist at heart. He fought for social justice; a champion for the common person; he was the “big blue boy scout.” His archenemies were corrupt business men and politicians. With the exception of kryptonite, nothing could stop Superman. He was invincible.
In 1938, America was struggling to emerge from the great depression, the Mob scene was in full swing, Nazi Germany was beginning its assault on the world, and people were desperate for hope and change.
The world is facing many of these problems today. We are struggling to find our economic footing and are facing the worse financial crisis since the great depression. We expect and demand more from our leaders. At the same time, our patience, tolerance and acceptance is becoming shorter and shorter. Climate change is challenging our traditional beliefs. Global warming is not just about the planet warming and the ice caps’ melting; it is about human survival. We need to develop alternative energy solutions. We need to reduce our current carbon output. We need to preserve and enrich our farmlands or we face the inevitable of not being able to feed the world.
History is full of global population reductions. The earth is as bent on survival as you and I. Change will happen and happen soon or nature will take matters into its own hands. We need a superhero.
Superheroes do not idealize or pontificate issues. They are constantly evolving their belief system and do not rest on their laurels. They are uncomfortable with the status quo. They do not allow people, politics or parties to tell them what is acceptable or unacceptable. They do not pretend to have all the right answers and are open to finding new ways to solve problems. They see a problem, make a decision, and take action. Yes, it is that simple.
We know what is right for us. We do not need to examine all the angles and potential outcomes. We do not need someone else’s approval or acceptance. We are responsible for our own action or inaction. We are our own expert.
Superheroes are present in our everyday life. They are parents who take an active interest in their kids well-being. They are people who actively engage in the local community. They volunteer for all sorts of activities. They placed the greater good above themselves. Everyday super heroes recognize and respond to people, situations, and themselves with compassion, empathy, appreciation, gratitude, and by being helpful.
You are the superhero the world needs. You have everything you need to take action at your disposal right now. The only kryptonite is the excuses you make for not taking action. Nothing can stop you. You are invincible.
Claim you role as a superhero. Be the superhero you want to be.
What super hero act are you going to perform today?
