At the time that I am writing this, the latest super hero movie “The Avengers: Endgame” has grossed over 2.2 BILLION dollars! Based upon that statistic, I feel as if I may be the only person who has yet to embrace the blockbuster movie franchise. The movie brings together many of the super heroes who are represented in the Marvel Comics such as Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Ant Man, Captain Marvel and the Hulk, just to name a few. Each has his or her own super power such as controlling lightning, super strength and regeneration. From what I have heard, fans of this genre enjoy these movies not only because of the “escapism” that the story lines provide, but also because they find what the characters do with their super powers to be inspiring.
There is a cocktail party question that asks “If you could have any super power, what would it be?” Have you ever given this question any thought? What would you wish for? Supersonic hearing? The ability to fly? Invisibility? Time travel? Water breathing? Night vision? Telepathy?
One of my sons recently read the short story “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” written by James Thurber in 1939. Discussing the story with him brought back vivid memories of when I read the story for the first time many years ago. I recall being struck by Walter’s animated imagination as he pictured himself with a variety of super powers. Walter Mitty imagines that he is in many different situations as a hero performing stunning feats.
He thinks of himself as the commander of a Navy hydroplane in the middle of battle.
He imagines he is a renowned doctor about to perform an important surgery on a millionaire banker.
He imagines himself as a calm and collected witness being interviewed on the witness stand, blissfully answering every one of the district attorney’s question.
He thinks of himself in a dangerous mission over a worn-torn country.
The story shows not only Walter’s penchant for daydreaming, but also how he strives to have super human abilities and to do greater things with his life.
Walter Mitty and his creative imagination are a great reminder to us all that Super Heroes don't always wear capes. Powerful people come in all shapes and sizes and from all walks of life.
You need not look far to find the super heroes around you....the teachers, the nurses, the firefighters, the EMT’s and the first responders are all examples of people putting others first in a selfless way. They are extremely committed to using their personal “super powers” to help others, even though their "uniform" does not include a cape.
In the Avengers movie, each character has more than one super power. I do not think this is something that is limited to just fictional protagonists. We need to start thinking of ourselves as the super hero in our own movie. Whether you realize it or not, you have your very own super hero abilities and powers.
Perhaps you are a creative cook that has the ability to make vegetables taste flavorful.
You may be the person at your fitness center who has the greatest attitude and perseverance and inspires everyone around you.
If you are able to walk past the candy and cookies aisle at the grocery store, then I think your super power is that you have iron will!
Your uncanny ability to remember every health improving factoid you have ever read could really come in handy helping your family and friends.
While you may not be able to bend steel with your bare hands or have x-ray vision, you can do things to help others as well as yourself. Much like Walter Mitty, we should each be daydreaming about all of the wonderful things we can accomplish in a super hero way! Then take it one step further...turn those daydreams into an Avengers-like action plan!