Growing up, I loved reading comic books. I enjoyed getting lost in a world where everything was possible. My first crush was not the cute boy in class who sat in front of me; it was Batman. Who wouldn't want to have a strong, intelligent, mysterious man as a boyfriend? Plus, he was a billionaire! But, of course, being Batman's girlfriend would constantly put me in danger, and I'd have to keep quiet about his secret identity, so bragging to my girlfriends that Batman loves me is out. Also, I wouldn't be an ordinary girlfriend, either. I, too, would have special powers and fight the bad guys. Batman and I would be the Dynamic Duo, and Robin would have to find his own superpowered girlfriend.
Whether it's Wonder Woman, Xena-Warrior Princess, or Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the idea that I could walk down any street and not worry about being harmed would be a fantastic feeling. To know that I had the strength and invincibility to help people in danger and protect them is something I think most of us wish we could do. So until I get bit by a radioactive spider or find some ancient amulet that gives me unlimited powers, I will try my best to help people in more minor ways.
Finding our unique superpower, though, isn't always easy. For example, it took me a long time to discover that I can help people communicate more effectively. What started out as simple suggestions and advice for people who wanted to reduce their anxiety when speaking in public turned into the most rewarding career I've ever had. In the process of coaching someone, they often find strengths within themselves that they hadn't recognized before. When we take time to focus on the person in front of us and listen to their ideas, we may find a new perspective and direction.
It's not always easy to find the time to sit with our thoughts and contemplate what we want for ourselves. Even if we do, it's hard to know what steps to take to create something new and wonderful. My advice is to find a quiet moment, maybe before bed, or first thing in the morning, to write down an idea or two that might be worth pursuing. You might find that putting it on paper will give it some attention, and lo and behold, someone or something will inspire a path forward. Keep yourself open for opportunities that may have never crossed your mind and see where they may take you.
We all have superpowers that we utilize every day without realizing it. A smile, a friendly "hello," a compliment to lift someone's spirits goes a long way for each of us. We can't be so lost on our phones that we can't look up once in a while and acknowledge the people around us. You never know, the person sitting next to you may be the one who can make your dreams come true. It's all about connecting, learning from different people, and expanding your network.
Just to be clear, I don't have any supernatural strength; Batman isn't really my boyfriend, and we don't fight crime together. It's simply a coincidence that you don't see us in the same room at the same time.