I was being interviewed yesterday by Amy Otto on Atlanta Busness Radio and was asked about"Super Heroes and Who Needs One?" She was referring to a topic that a colleague at Trove presents, but the whole idea got me thinking. On the show we discussed how every super hero has a defining moment that sets the tone and direction of their life. In many cases a defining moment even changes the whole course of ones life. The death of Bruce Wayne's parents set the course of Batman's fight against evil and Peter Parkers loss of his uncle Ben did the same for Spiderman, "with great power, comes great responsibility."
So, it makes me think about what defining moments I have had in my life and how have they shaped who I am? And also, do I need a super hero? I managed to minimize damage and survive a serious sky-diving accident at 10,000 feet and miraculously escaped another sky-diving disaster when a failed parachute finally openned. In these incidences I expereinced both the calm of surrender knowing that there was nothing else I could do, and the absolute fight to not give up and do everything to survive. Now, if these occurrences haven't defined some aspect of my life, then few things probably could.
Although I forget it some days, the lessons I've learned from coming close to death is to appreciate each day and live it with enthusiasm. I think that each day we should do something to sharpen our sword, whether it be physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual. In life you never know when you may need to respond quickly to ones own needs or the needs of others. If your sword is dull, you are of little use to yourself or others. A sharpened sword is of benefit to many.
I don't feel that I need a super hero, but I know that a little help from above can come in handy.
What is your defining moment and how has it shaped you? Have you met your super hero?
Thursday, March 13, 2008
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2 comments:
Before deciding whether or not you've met your super hero, one should question exactly what a super hero is. If your house is on fire you'll most likely see a fireman as your super hero. Just as if you or someone close to you were in an accident needing medical attention, a doctor would surely be your super hero. In a time of need that friend you call at three o' clock in the morning who manages to stay awake and say just the right thing to comfort you could be viewed as your super hero. I've had several defining moments in my life, probably enough to write a book. Rather than asking who needs a super hero, I think we should question how we can become someone eles's super hero. It doesn't always take a shield or the ability to fly. Dig the blog, Charlie. Glad you're keeping your feet on the ground.
Since I wrote the speech "Superheroes: Everybody Needs One" I thought I should clarify the essence and meaning behind the speech.The direction of the speech is from the speaker to the leaders in the audience. It exposes some familiar Marvel comic heroes and their defining moments. Each of these heroes became unigue, determined and focused after their defining moments.
The speech does NOT imply that we are to strive to be "super human" or perfect in our altruism, but, rather, available with our individual gifts and talents. I think Jeanette was correct when she commented that a fireman is our superhero when in a fire, and an EMT when ome needs medical attention.
Answer these questions:
1. What are your defining moments?
2. What have you done in response to them?
3. How can you be someone's "superhero?"
One incidence that defined Mother Teresa's life sheds some light here. As she and her entourage landed at La Guardia Airport a reporter broke through the containment and stuck a microphone under her nose and asked about her recent work in India. She quickly answered and moved away.
Later she wrote in her memoirs that giving an answer to the reporter violated who she was as a person. She said that she never intended to bring light on her doing the work, just the work getting done with the poor, the sick and the needy. Although she didn't want to be it, she was a super hero to many in need.
Superheroes: eveybody needs one, and maybe you can be it for them today.
Rick Forbus, PhD
Principal
Trove, Inc.
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