Freeing Your Inner Hero

Freeing Your Inner Hero

In Greek mythology, a hero was the progeny of a mortal and a deity, thereby creating a demigod. Today, it needn't be only superheroes that can fire our imagination as invincible role models. Many modern day heroes come from ordinary families that have instilled values rooted in the belief of doing things for the greater good and a clear sense of living a purposeful life.

Before donning your cape and valiantly vanquishing global forces of evil, try pondering the benefits of other, equally important, ways to act heroically:


• Doing the "right" thing in daily life-not substituting excuses for inaction- belief in a task (however small or less than monumental), cause, or mission that must be addressed, often putting self-interest on "hold".

• Displaying a willingness to take physical or social risks to ensure fairness and shake up the status quo (e.g. Rosa Parks' extreme bravery in refusing to move to the back of the bus, no matter what the consequences).

• Conviction in having the power to make a difference-being a leader, teacher or mentor, and/or using imagination and creativity to guide a vision to implement change.

• Seeing adversity as a challenge that transforms experience- triumphing over fears, difficulties and dramatic events that must be successfully navigated as part of life's journey.

• Being armed with knowledge and information, (which allay fear and anxiety in oneself and others), that aid in committing to positive courses of action.

• Extraordinary and unforeseen situations often enable "regular" people to respond passionately, selflessly and courageously-September 11th is a prime example of this phenomenon.

• Who are your heroes? What makes them worthy of your admiration, respect and emulation?

• How do you think these individuals got their capacity to persevere, their sources of inspirational power and the ability to intrepidly create their own destiny?

And remember, taking action is the catalyst for change!