We all have the power to be heroes, don’t we? After all, we all know small ways that can change the lives of others and therefore help us to be ever-so-slightly heroic even for just a few minutes. But what does it take to be a Super Hero? 

 

Is it the ability to whizz up and down vertical surfaces and use spider web-like cords to swing from tall buildings? Is it the ability to make ourselves really tiny in order to infiltrate challenging situations and bring hope to the masses or is it using our lasso of truth to help people make great choices thus making the world a safer and better place?

 

These are some of our favourite Super Hero qualities, according to our friendly film critic Mark Kermode, but they aren’t readily available to all of us so perhaps it’s time to investigate our own superpowers. 

 

Most people don’t think about the far-reaching effects of their behaviours, bad, or good.   Many people simple trundle along in their day being…well ….whoever they are.

 

Many people don’t even think about the ramifications of their words and deeds either good or bad. Personally, I think it’s time we did.

 

In our strange and beautiful world it is easy to see the vast impact of one negative action- a random act of violence covered by the news media, a group of rebels that start a war, or just a poorly planned Facebook post which can all but destroy a persons’ reputation and even threaten their lives. 

 

We can easily see that every action has a cause and effect.  So why not see the good effect that can be had instead of what the media tends to focus on which is negative. Why not think about the power we have in our hands, in our bodies and in our smiles? 

 

We have been given great power, as human beings, the power to consciously create change, for the better or worse.   

 

And with this power, yes, there comes great responsibility.  Use your powers wisely and you can make great change for good in tiny ways each day. Use your powers harshly and long term damage can be done. 

 

Help someone with their shopping, make eye contact and thank the cashier at the checkout or wave at the person in the car next to us. Connect with others. You never know what a profound effect you could have on their lives. When we connect we are making positive changes.

 

To gain Superhero status though you have to make these choices and perform these actions on a regular basis. You don’t see Peter Parker just putting on his outfit once and thinking his work is done so we must be like PP and continually find ways to perform teeny tiny Super Hero acts.

 

We might not be able to save the entire planet from an alien invasion but we can do our bit in our own environment. We might not be able to conquer every adversary but we can stand up for those who need us. It might not be possible to protect everyone around us but we can use our powers to be more aware and see what’s happening to those who are vulnerable and afraid. 

 

To be a superhero, you don’t have to have superpowers; you just need to be a superhuman being.

 

Now go forth and exercise your kindness muscles. Make acts of kindness a daily habit. Make someone’s day and help to create a better world by being a Superhero for Kindness.