Photo: Mark McGregor, Unsplash
“Name two people, living or dead, who are your heroes?”
I’m puzzled. I don’t have heroes. I pause and wonder why that is. And if I did have heroes, who would they be?
I google “hero” hoping to get some understanding of my “no hero” syndrome. Typically Canadian, I feel like I may be thinking too highly of myself.
The definition of “hero” clears up this illusion.
Hero: a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.
It is the “idealized” word that stops me cold. That definition sheds light on my reticence around the hero word. “Idealized” is someone or something that is regarded or represented as perfect or better than in reality.
Perfect annoys me. My feet are firmly grounded in reality. Anything better than reality, I am not into it. It reminds me of how perfect the images on some TVs are. They are clearer than I see with my glasses on. And the movie seems all the less authentic because of it.
Life will press people down. Anyone who consistently, sincerely lifts people up gains the ability to influence, to lead.
What inspires me most? In no particular order, I invite you to remind yourself of people who have inspired you.
And I invite you to not be too “Canadian” and think about whom you have inspired.
• People who are willing to do hard things, new things.
• People who are prepared to put their fears behind them.
• People who can see the other side of a challenge.
• People who stay positive, optimistic.
• People who keep their heads when those around them are losing theirs, to misquote Rudyard Kipling.
• People who act with kindness when they have not been treated kindly.
• People who love with abandon.
• People who act with grace when they may not be inclined to.
• People who don’t give up and people who “know when to hold them, know when to fold them,” as the lyrics from The Gambler sung by Kenny Rogers reminds us.
• People who encourage.
• People who see the light in others.
• People who freely express themselves with art, with words, with food, with kind touches, with warm greetings.
• People who see beyond the actions, beyond hurtful words, to empathy.
Do you want to be a hero? Or do you want to be inspiring? Heroes are rare and idealized; they must be brave and accomplished. People who inspire can be found everywhere.
In your mind and in your conversation, change the question from “Who is your hero?” to “Who inspires you?” I think you will find the list will be almost endless.
And finally, in your own way, whom will YOU inspire?
Myrna Selzler Park is a lifelong entrepreneur who works with organizations and individuals to turn their passion into impact. As former owner of Century 21 Assurance in Kelowna, Myrna uses her experience to build value in organizations. She is certified in behaviour and motivation analysis, emotional intelligence, as well as being a growth curve strategist and a certified value builder advisor. As a wannabe athlete, Myrna has run several half-marathons, deadlifted 215 pounds and has now put her mind to becoming proficient in Muay Thai kickboxing. She can be reached at [email protected].
All Columnists Stories
