This article started out as a comment made to Mason Currey of Subtle Maneuvers on the post Step into your heroic period and then I expanded the comment for this article.
I remember a time when I was between adolescent and adult, trying to figure out who I was and what I believed. I didn't have a 100 % role model because there were things about others that I didn't want to mimic. It occurred to me that I don't have to accept or try to be like others. I could accept and adopt the things about others that I found positive (for me) and not try to adopt the parts that were not appealing to me. I was taught basic stuff like honesty, charity, trust, etc. The personality development was by taking bits and pieces I admired about others and adopted them to make up who I was /am (I guess like pieces of a collage, so to speak).
If someone asks me who my personal hero is, I really don't have one. Right or wrong? It depends on the situation. I've been through hard times where I imagined horrible outcomes, but I realize later that they aren't as bad as I thought they would be, and the directions I've been led to follow instead always ended up being appropriate. Of course, on a physical level, there would always be unattainable beauty revered because it is unattainable without a lot of unnatural "work" being done. But as far as how I ended up as a person, I've learned to trust my abilities and I am satisfied with who I am, a little insecure at times, but who isn't? Outside of myself (not meaning to sound egotistical) I have no heroes, but there are a lot of people I admire, even if they are contrary to who I am, but I think if one can be pleased with oneself, that is proportionate of being a hero. Am I rich? No. Am I gorgeous? No. Do I care about others? Deeply. Do I like helping others, yes, if it is appropriate. Do I believe we are all from the same Source? Yes, and that in itself makes us worthy heroes at some point.
Reading this really hit home for me. I’ve learned the hard way that no one is coming to save me; I have to decide what my life stands for and then put in the work every day to live by those values. This means even when it’s hard, even when nobody is watching. For a long time, I waited for something or someone to “rescue” me, but eventually I realized that’s not how real life works. If I want meaning, I have to create it.
I relate to what you wrote about ordinary heroism and the daily showing up, the falling down and getting back up, and the quiet persistence. It’s not glamorous, and there’s no applause, but over time, you start to become the kind of person you hoped you’d be. The journey isn’t easy, but I never give up. I’ve learned to be the hero of my own story, and that’s what keeps me moving forward.
Thanks for putting this into words. It’s a reminder that living heroically isn’t about recognition but living with intention, even when it’s tough.
I have a dear close friend I've known since university, who has MS. She's a retired attorney and has been creating art via ceramics and is really great at it in my opinion. She suffers from all sorts of issues regarding her disease yet she keeps on keeping on creating amazing art with an attitude of all the right stuff. She is my hero and we have such a fantastic connection as we discuss our thoughts/feelings/opinions/theories about art and life. I send her your essays and she loves them. I have learned so much from her over the years.
I remember a time when I was between adolescent and adult, trying to figure out who I was and what I believed. I didn't have a 100 % role model because there were things about others that I didn't want to mimic. It occurred to me that I don't have to accept or try to be like others. I could accept and adopt the things about others that I found positive (for me) and not try to adopt the parts that were not appealing to me. I was taught basic stuff like honesty, charity, trust, etc. The personality development was by taking bits and pieces I admired about others and adopted them to make up who I was /am (I guess like pieces of a collage, so to speak).
If someone asks me who my personal hero is, I really don't have one. Right or wrong? It depends on the situation. I've been through hard times where I imagined horrible outcomes, but I realize later that they aren't as bad as I thought they would be, and the directions I've been led to follow instead always ended up being appropriate. Of course, on a physical level, there would always be unattainable beauty revered because it is unattainable without a lot of unnatural "work" being done. But as far as how I ended up as a person, I've learned to trust my abilities and I am satisfied with who I am, a little insecure at times, but who isn't? Outside of myself (not meaning to sound egotistical) I have no heroes, but there are a lot of people I admire, even if they are contrary to who I am, but I think if one can be pleased with oneself, that is proportionate of being a hero. Am I rich? No. Am I gorgeous? No. Do I care about others? Deeply. Do I like helping others, yes, if it is appropriate. Do I believe we are all from the same Source? Yes, and that in itself makes us worthy heroes at some point.
amen
Reading this really hit home for me. I’ve learned the hard way that no one is coming to save me; I have to decide what my life stands for and then put in the work every day to live by those values. This means even when it’s hard, even when nobody is watching. For a long time, I waited for something or someone to “rescue” me, but eventually I realized that’s not how real life works. If I want meaning, I have to create it.
I relate to what you wrote about ordinary heroism and the daily showing up, the falling down and getting back up, and the quiet persistence. It’s not glamorous, and there’s no applause, but over time, you start to become the kind of person you hoped you’d be. The journey isn’t easy, but I never give up. I’ve learned to be the hero of my own story, and that’s what keeps me moving forward.
Thanks for putting this into words. It’s a reminder that living heroically isn’t about recognition but living with intention, even when it’s tough.
I have a dear close friend I've known since university, who has MS. She's a retired attorney and has been creating art via ceramics and is really great at it in my opinion. She suffers from all sorts of issues regarding her disease yet she keeps on keeping on creating amazing art with an attitude of all the right stuff. She is my hero and we have such a fantastic connection as we discuss our thoughts/feelings/opinions/theories about art and life. I send her your essays and she loves them. I have learned so much from her over the years.