What Is Your Superpower?

I was listening to the car radio and “Something Just Like This” by Coldplay and The Chainsmokers began to play. The lyrics describe super heroes and their gifts and the singer stated not seeing himself upon this list. It immediately made me think about how each of us are super heroes in our own ways. We are warriors, defenders, protectors and heroes in our own lives, within our families, in our communities and sometimes even around the globe. We may not be comic book super heroes defending a city from an evil nemesis or rescuing the damsel in distress, but we all have experienced or are currently living with challenges, struggles and unexpected changes in our lives that have shook us to our core and made us wonder “how will I ever get through this?” For each of us the challenges appear different and the degree to how it impacts our lives will vary, but the feeling of distress, worry and fear may be the same. So how do you get through this?

One amazing point about comic book super heroes is they often start off as ordinary people that tap into their gifts to transform themselves into these heroes with amazing powers and abilities to beat the villain and save the day. Well, that means You and I have Superhero powers too!!! Just like comic book super heroes, we can tap into our strengths to make it through the moment, the day or the challenge as needed. We assess the situation, see what needs to be done and find ways to make it happen. We do this every day!!!

Quick and speedy actions to keep others safe, breaking down walls to connect with others, tackling the responsibilities for the mission of the day, managing challenges of others not getting along and planning the most effective ways to make the day bearable for all… just to name a few things we do all the time!!! And just like comic book super heroes our work is never done, but we are faced with our “enemies” more often and sometimes with no end in sight! So we then try to find time to decompress, debrief and breathe to stay calm at the end of day. This is a lot of work!!!

So, just as super heroes have their sidekicks and leagues, we call upon our tribe, our community, our friends to provide emotional support when we need help and to debrief after the task is done or the moment has passed. It is often our amazing league of friends and helpers who show us how to acknowledge, embrace and enhance our strengths, our abilities – our “super powers.”

I believe everyone has at least one “super power!” People demonstrate their “super powers” all of the time! The ability to thrive under pressure, remain calm in difficult times, think rationally when emotions are high, find solace when faced with sadness, provide forgiveness, focus on the positive, see others’ strengths and live a life of kindness towards others. All of these and so many other actions and enlightened states are “super powers” that empower yourself and those around you. “Super powers” are strengthened by how you view life and the lenses you choose to look through. Those who demonstrate amazing “super powers” do not look through distorted or rose-colored lenses…they look through clear lenses that allow one to see others’ gifts, know when an action should be taken and when love and nurturing is all that is needed.

We can be affected by (and feel great emotional pain and distress from) many sources and life situations that must be attended to at any given time. These moments can weaken us and make us feel defeated. Superman, one of the best known super heroes of all times, who is powerful and fast can be weakened, incapacitated and taken down quickly with kryptonite. But unlike Superman, our kryptonite is often found within ourselves. For anyone to remain powerful, strong and grounded within themselves, and to be able to handle life situations, we have to be aware of what blocks our “super power” from working. When you know what your blocks are you can then plan how to avoid them or ways to handle them so you are not left fragile and debilitated. You can rise in your strength!

Here is a perfect topic to Journal and Act upon:

What Is Your “Super Power?”

What does it look like?
When do you use it?
How do you use it for yourself? Others?
How has it helped you? Others?

What Blocks Your “Super Power?”

When do you feel deflated or defeated?
When do you need support from others?
What makes days or moments harder than others?

With your discoveries from journaling, it is time to acknowledge and demonstrate your “Super Power” and understand how to work through or avoid your blocks. Remember we all have at least one “Super Power” that we are amazing at, thrive when doing and feel personal success with while often helping or supporting others. So even when we are faced with challenges and struggles, we can exude strength when we tap into our abilities, have a positive state of mind, see the challenge for what it is and have a plan for the given situation. Super heroes are ordinary people that acknowledge and use their super powers to better the world around them. They also need help and support sometimes. Reach out to those who support you and build you up. You do not have to face your struggles alone.

So tap into your “super powers” when things get tough. Remember that every super hero is an ordinary person in disguise.