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What are you super powers?
You might be wondering about behind the scenes happenings as Casey and Heather prepare to close the retail location and launch their new business endeavor. The details of one phase of their life not fully complete while the ideas and inspirations for what is on the horizon continue to pulse with possibility. So many of us can relate to the essence of this experience. Who isn’t mid-leap in some aspect of their life, right? This IS life. And no matter how many times we have leapt before—no matter how many times we have landed—we still feel the bundle of emotions that come with leaping. We feel the fear and the anticipation. We feel clarity amidst the fog. We feel life pulsing as we fly, and we feel an urge to land—even temporarily—in something that feels familiar.
So Casey, Heather, Gene and I landed in the back room earlier this week for a few moments of grounding. I honestly can’t tell you exactly how the conversation unfolded. I’d be making it up if I tried! You might well be able to create your own version of the story knowing what you know about us—or don’t. Here’s one version that feels accurate if not complete. Gene was talking about his plans after graduation from college in a couple of months. Without a solid plan, he is among those of us in the mid-leap club. Someone asked him what he, as a child, wanted to be when he grew up. Do you remember your childhood dreams of becoming? Have you ever explored the depths of those yearnings from your present position? Gene, among other things, wanted to be a super hero. This response sent us all spiraling into a wonderful dialog that was a bit of “landing” during our individual and blended leaps.
The super hero response sparked an entire new direction to the conversation. We all started to ponder our own super powers. We laughed. Four adults engaging in a playful conversation about purpose. Maybe you can picture how some of this went. Heather was the first to suggest her super power. She brings light to dark places. Candles, kindness, and more. Casey has the ability to disarm people as she gains their trust… I have the ability to see beyond the details. I should be clear that these self-identified “super powers” came spontaneously in the spirit of light-hearted exchange. We weren’t intending to solve the problems of the universe. We simply intended to land in the familiar for a moment. And we laughed… and learned…. and leaned into the expanse of what is possible.
Have you ever thought about your super powers—the talents and gifts that are uniquely expressed through your soul? Maybe this is not a “familiar” place for you. I’m remembering one of the social work interns I supervised several years ago. During her final evaluation with the school’s liaison, she shared something like, “One of the things Heidi said really stayed with me.” Now, I have to say this lead in caught my attention. Of all the things she and I had discussed throughout the year, she was going to highlight one. I was curious. “What did I say?” I asked with intrigue. “You said “It’s okay to be good at something.’” I was stunned. I absolutely remembered saying it. I just hadn’t recognized its meaning… or perhaps the significance of identifying and celebrating strengths.
So what are your super powers? Where do you shine? Who in your life celebrates these with you? I’m not referring to arrogance here. Esteem and arrogance are not the same thing. And it seems to me that true esteem—self and other—embodies the ability to shine and support shining in those around us.
Now the back room conversation continued a bit longer. We started to giggle about costumes. What would our super hero self wear? Now that there aren’t any phone booths to secretly change in, how would we manage to shift from our ordinary selves? A cloak of invisibility could come in extra handy! Maybe even a cape would be of infinite value. The costumes could be shiny or subtle—with or without glitter or flashing lights. All things are possible… and playful. And for now, since the costumes are part of what’s not yet fully here, I’m going to look extra-hard for the super powers in others as we continue to move, leap, and land.
