As a little kid weren’t you always told that you had superpowers and that adults were amazed by you? Running around in Underoos I almost believed the hype. Then as we grew older we were presented a stunning multiple choice question regarding a gift from the universe… Would we rather have invisibility, the power of flight or a good voice? Remember that gem? None of those ever appealed to me. As an adult I have some thoughts on the concept of superpowers.
Now I feel like a superpower would be sleeping a full eight hours in a row. I think I’ve done this three or four times this year? But maybe I’m looking at it all wrong. Maybe a superpower instead is being able to complete cognitive tasks at 3:30 in the morning while crossing household chores like laundry off my to do list before the sun is even up. That sounds pretty super, no? My 10am self sure thinks it’s awesome. And I do have the ability to nap. Which in and of itself some consider a superpower!
Another superpower I wish I had was the ability to relax. To just go with the flow. Not worry so much. But maybe my ability to research, plan and execute while not leaving all that much to chance is a superpower? After the incredible trip to Paris I took last fall, even I was delighted by all the places I was able to visit and experiences I was able to pack in because I was so well prepared with an insanely detailed itinerary. So instead of thinking of myself as anal (guilty!) or controlling (I swear I’m flexible!) I could embrace the fact that the trip prep was actually informative and fun to complete and of course the actual trip was amazing due in large part to my planning.
Do you know people who have a “situation,” handle it with grace, and move on with their day or their life? They are able to just let it go. I think that’s a huge superpower. I wish I wasn’t so affected by certain triggers that hit my self-esteem right in my smile and temporarily block happiness for me. But I’m aware and it’s something I’m working on. So I don’t get over it immediately. Okay. But I’ve been able to shorten the timeline from hurt to happiness and work through it. So that’s something super in the making.
My Mother is someone I admire. She is always one to appreciate the small joys in life. Getting a parking spot close to a restaurant thrills her! She could literally talk about it for days. Enjoying ice cream– nobody digs into a hot fudge sundae like the Mothership! Being ready early also fills her with so much joy. She just can’t wait to start her day. I’m so glad that I’ve either learned or inherited this type of outlook. And while it’s true that we are both sensitive gals, having a positive attitude brings great vitality and a zest for life.
All of these ideas really made me think that what gives us superpowers isn’t about taking flight or having a good singing voice. It’s leaning into our own strengths while accepting our weaknesses to maximize our individual potential. Kindness, generosity and patience are superpowers we can all exercise. But for us to appreciate our uniqueness and harness our personal voices and efficacy? Well now that’s just super.
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