I found myself watching a “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” marathon last weekend, which got me thinking. Why are we so fascinated with slayers, Jedi knights, sexy vampires, superheroes, demi-gods, mutants, mythical warriors, and young wizards?
The idea of being chosen for an important purpose, of being uniquely gifted with incredible power, of being different and special, is incredibly appealing. We resonate deeply with this idea because … well, it’s true for each and every one of us.
Do you dare see yourself as a superhero?
In truth, each one of us is unique, and blessed with incredible gifts and powers that no-one else has! Our Soul’s history, our present-life experiences, and the totality of who we are as energetic Beings gives us certain skills and advantages that are simply inherent to who we are. Our gifts don’t exist in anyone else quite the same way.
Like most superheroes, we are often oblivious to our powers … until the day we realize that we are different.
Of course, we don’t believe we can truly be superheroes. We don’t consider ourselves special. And so we may hide our unique talents, or take them for granted. We may choose to work hard at being “well-rounded” and fitting in, because no-one has taught us that it’s okay to be a superhero. Instead of focusing on our brilliance, we focus on our flaws and set about relentlessly “improving” ourselves.
But at all times, we have the opportunity to acknowledge our superpowers.
What happens then?
Once we accept our superpowers, everything changes. Because (here comes one of my favorite movie quotes of all times, from the first Spiderman movie) “with great power comes great responsibility.”
Once we accept our superpowers, we cannot help but use them to serve others on their path. How could we possibly not dedicate ourselves to using our unique powers for good? How could we ignore something so precious? Once recognized, could we leave our powers undeveloped, unexplored, and unutilized? Of course not!
But what else comes with being a superhero?
There is a perception of loneliness to the superhero. Many of us don’t acknowledge our powers because we don’t want to be different from everyone else. We don’t want to give up the illusion of normalcy that allows us to keep playing small and unimportant.
The responsibilities of a superhero can seem overwhelming. Superheroes are busy battling vampires, destroying Death Stars, and saving the world. A lot seems to rest on their shoulders. Of course, when a superhero doesn’t show up to his or her gifts, the world suffers a far worse consequence.
What if you were a superhero with as yet undiscovered super powers? Wouldn’t you owe it to yourself and the world to discover what you’re capable of?
What if you’ve discovered your unique superpowers? Would it be okay to keep them to yourself? Would it be okay to merely dabble with them? Or would you feel compelled to share your Divine gifts, to serve others on their path?
The truth is – you already ARE a superhero! There is no-one like you anywhere! Your gifts are unique to you, and they are much needed in the world.
What will you do with your superpowers? Will you step into their responsibility – to discover them and express them fully in your life?
Will you dare be a superhero?
Blessings,
Andrea
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks Andrea for another tremendous post. As I have come to accept my powers I find myself increasingly in the fellowship of others, usually entrepreneurs, who are willing to divulge their secret selves, instances of clairvoyance or prophecy, healing or manifestation where they have transcended “normal” reality. And I get the feeling that I’m among mutants like the Xmen. But these companions also carry with them a lot of pain and some fear. I have found service to be the antidote to the lone hero syndrome as well as the recognition that we are all super, whether we realize it or not. My new website is designed to help people capture their greatness and manifest it to the world as a new, powerful and profitable identity. The side effect is that I’ve discovered an abundance of playmates for myself and I know that I am never alone. Thanks again.
This is amazing and right on time for me! Thank you so much! You should see the movie The Last Airbender. I just saw it this weekend and it truly speaks to everything you just said! I don’t want to give the movie away, but it’s awesome! So many times we run from our greatness for the exact reasons you named. I have been doing it for years and just recently decided to own up to my greatness and use it to serve myself and the world. Thank you again!
Andrea,
I love the saying with great power comes great responsibility, so many these days are feeling that pull to really shine their light and accept the responsibility. What a wonderful time of growth and opportunity.
From My Inspired Soul to Yours,
Cathy
how does one find out what powers are within them?
i had a dream where i found it very difficult to walk, so, being curious, i decided to look it up. The dream archive stated that difficulty walking means being hesitant about taking the next step. Then i found your e-mail, i feel as if this is the next step in my life, but im not too sure yet. i guess only time can tell.
Nice post, Andrea – thanks for a subtly super-inspiring collection of words.
Keep up the good work.
Love, Windsor
Andrea,
I rarely comment on blogs or message boards, but I feel compelled to this time. That… was… AWESOME! Thank you for that amazing post. It’s given me a lot to think about, and it appealed to my inner geek as well!
Yes we are all superheroes in our won unique ways but our powers must be engaged and activated frequently do do good for ourselves and for humanity. No sense being a hero who never gets off the couch.
Great post Andrea! It’s been some time since I’ve had contact with you but I’m following my impulse to let you know of the “miraculous” changes that have occurred since taking one of your courses.
One of the things you said that has been the turning point for me was to “bring the energy of what you prefer to the present”! Well I did and have learned to live in it! Since then, my story has exploded in the media even receiving phone calls from Oprah and Ellen and I am literally in negotiations for a movie deal. Today, I am just hours away from taking in a meeting with a producer who called me to pitch a tv show idea based on my family. Why? All because I lived in that space where what I wanted was already done and the Universe just started handing me opportunities to express who I really am. It truly was that easy…
Thanks Andrea! I knew I was directed to you for a reason. I wish you the best of health and abundant blessings.
Michelle
Thank you Andrea Hess, that was brilliant!
I’m a huge fan of “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” (as well as “Angel”) and I watched a marathon of it recently on Logo. I also love that line from Spider-Man, “With great power comes great responsibility”. That line gives me courage & strength.
I’ll admit two of my “super powers”, I’m a artist & a writer. I usually bring my artwork & storytelling together in phenomenon ways! However, I’ll admit that those are just two of my “super powers”! I believe that I have so much more powers to give to the world and my friends & family are what helps me “awaken” them.
Love, Laughter, Happiness, Harmony & Peace are the keys to life, friendship, family & our “super powers”. We all have the gifts, we just have to awaken them. Again, I loved your article Andrea & I think of you as a new friend. Have a lovely day! ^_^
@Ken – Thank you, Ken! I agree that the more we step forward into our “powers” the more we attract others who are on the same path. And service IS absolutely essential … although how we serve also has to serve us, otherwise it’s easy to get resentful. Good luck with your new site!
@Alexis – I hope to see that movie this weekend! Congrats on owning your greatness!
@Cathy – Thank you! The connection between power and responsibility is, I think, what keeps us in integrity as we shift into our full capabilities!
@Viet – Not a question I can answer in a comment reply! But I do know that if you’re looking for your “super-power” you are sure to uncover it. Remember it’s already there, and you’re already using it every day.
@Windsor – Thank you SO much!
@Paul – Here’s to the powerful geek that lies within, LOL. Thank you!
@Tom – I agree – we can’t be superheroes if all we do is sit on the couch and don’t use our abilities to sere others and create what we want!
@Michelle – Wow!! Thank you SO much for letting us know how things are evolving for you! Congratulations!
@Andrew – Thank you so much! How fabulous that you are already owning two of your super-powers!!!
Blessings,
Andrea