Building Something Better...

"This is all it takes, really. Two hands clasped in fellowship, pledging to build something better." - PROFESSOR X

CS CHALLENGE:
Recently, I took it upon myself to start cleaning out these two storm drains in my community (where I live, there happens to be some kind of unwritten weekly tradition where my neighbors and passers-through like to put all of their trash in the nearest storm drain.  Ugh.)  When it would rain, the storm drains would be too clogged to do what they were supposed to do.  After multiple flooding in the streets, I kind of had enough.  

So, I went out one day to get down and dirty and collect the garbage from the drains.  In the back of my mind, I was a bit worried about how I would be perceived if one of my neighbors saw me.  And just as I was elbow-deep in the storm drain and had nearly filled my second bag of trash, I heard a voice from behind me, "Hey, what are you doing?!"  Immediately, I got to my knees and turned around.  Across the street, staring in my direction was one of my neighbors.  We had never been very friendly before and I was under the impression that he didn't take too kindly to having me in the neighborhood.  "Hey," I answered back somewhat timidly.  "Hey, why are you doing that?" he said again.  "Uh, the drains were flooding because of all the trash," I said a bit nervously.  "Oh," he reacted, "I didn't realize that was what was causing the flooding.  I thought we just had old drains."  Then, as I knelt there, unsure of what would happen next, my neighbor reached down and picked up a plastic bottle laying nearby in the gutter.  He walked over to me and put the bottle in one of my trash bags and extended a big open hand. "Hey, thanks.  I'm Big Mike, by the way."

This is all it takes, really...

Citizen Superhero

Authenticity, Get Good At It!

"This is who we are. Accept it. Or better yet, enjoy it." - HUMAN TORCH

CS Challenge:

Superheroes, when was the last time you did something that was truly authentic to yourself?  I often catch myself acting or presenting myself in a certain way because it is what I think is expected of me.  In moments like these, I try to acknowledge the ridiculousness of it all, smile to myself, and then do something that really makes my heart sing.  It might be something silly like sticking out my tongue and making a sound or something more intentional like greeting the very next person I see on the sidewalk.  Either way, if you ever find yourself being anything other than who you are, practice recognizing it and break the cycle by striving for something a little more authentic.  The power of being authentic to one's self is a power much stronger than being anything else.  Be who you are...and GET GOOD AT IT!  

In the words of another citizen superhero, Abraham Lincoln, “Whatever you are, be a good one.”

Practice and Feel Strength,

CS

Superhero Wisdom

"Being true to what I am is the most important thing!"  -SPIDER-MAN

Superhero Wisdom: The Impossible

"Everything's impossible until somebody does it." - BATMAN

CS CHALLENGE:
Superheroes, often we wait- we wait for something to happen or for someone to do something first.  We convince ourselves that we need a sign, some precedented reason before we act, pursue or become.  The truth is, each of us is unprecedented, unique, original.  Nothing has been ever done quite the way that you do it.  That is precisely why you should not wait do what you've only dreamed of doing and to become what you see as your greatest self.  The impossible is only possible when we don't try.  It's high time to change the "impossible" to "I'm Possible!"

Go for it, we're all cheering you on as we do the same thing...
-Citizen Superhero

Superhero Wisdom: Love yourself best

"We are what we are...wishing won't change a blessed thing. Nor will feeling sorry for yourself. I learned very early on that...if you keep tearing your guts apart every time you think the world's shafted you, my friend, you'll destroy not only yourself, but those who love you." - NIGHTCRAWLER

CS CHALLENGE:
The absolute easiest thing to do... would be to allow your own self-image to become a reflection of the images that the surrounding world projects onto you.  It is a great test of will, strength and growth, superheroes, for us to take care of ourselves and explore who we are before letting others decide for us.  Take some time to get to know yourself by simply being present and in the moment to observe the way you interact with others, react to situations, when you become angry, feel beautiful, feel alone, and feel loved.  Do you ever catch yourself caring deeply about what someone else thought of you?  Do you ever wish you were someone else?  Do you ever treat someone a way you wouldn't normally just because it's what they expect of you or how others expect you to act?  Sure these things can happen.  Just be completely aware of when it happens and remind yourself: "I am powerful, I am hope, I am love, I am good, I am me."

Have a powerful week,
-Citizen Superhero

Superhero Wisdom of the Week

"A man who won't be beaten, can't be beaten." - AQUAMAN

CS CHALLENGE:
Your destiny is your own... and yours alone, superheroes.  No one can completely make your decisions for you or be the you that you've always aspired to be.  If you can decide, truly decide that you are great and good and powerful and true, then nothing and no one can tell you otherwise.  Dare to take control of your path, or if not control, than embrace it completely and with passion and deliberation hold on tight and enjoy the ride!

Weeeee!
-Citizen Superhero

Superhero Wisdom of the Week

"Mark your passage with fire. First impressions are so important." - GALLOWGLASS

CS CHALLENGE:
Relish and take full advantage of each and every opportunity to share who you are with the world, superheroes.  Do not shrink from that which challenges your character or threatens your ideas.  Your existence, your powers, the role you play in the scheme of things is crucial and special.  At the moment of introduction, rise up, unfurl your magnificent cape, set your intention and simply let the world around see your greatness, envision your contribution, and be in the presence of a true superhero.

I can feel your fire!
-Citizen Superhero

Superhero Wisdom of the Week

"To prove myself the best in life...that is my passion." -LADY SHIVA

CS CHALLENGE:
Superheroes, were we not always told to just "do our best?"  Well...do you?

Do your best.
-Citizen Superhero

Superhero Wisdom of the Week

"Understand how important every single decision we make is... when you have gifts like ours, you don't think about yourself first -- you think about how lucky you are to have them, and how much other people need help..." - SPIDER-MAN

Thank you for giving so much of yourself to others, to the the greater good, and for acknowledging your own greatness.  I feel stronger just knowing you are out there, superheroes.

forward >>>>
-Citizen Superhero

Superhero Wisdom of the Week

"Show them greatness... never possessed... show them strength... never had." - DEATHBIRD

CS CHALLENGE:
Live, work, play, and love to the fullest, superheroes.  There has never been a better time to be your best.

YOU ROCK!
-Citizen Superhero

CS ALERT: The Charles Schulz Philosophy

This is the personal philosophy of the late Charles Schulz, creator of the 'Peanuts' comic strip and fellow citizen superhero.  It is a true testament to his amazing superpower for making others see joy in the world and greatness in themselves.  You don't have to answer the questions. Just ponder on them...

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world
2. Name the last five World Cup winners
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss UK pageant
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel Prize
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress
6. Name the last decade's worth of Wimbledon winners

How did you do?

The point is none of us remember the headliners of yesterday.
These are no second-rate achievers.
They are the best in their fields.
…and…
Applause dies
Awards tarnish
Achievements are forgotten
Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?

The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the
most credentials, the most money...or the most awards. They simply are the ones who
care the most!

'Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. 'It's already tomorrow in Australia!'

''Be Yourself. Everyone Else Is Taken!"

Superhero Wisdom of the Week

"If a man ceases to exist -- how long will his memory survive him?" - IRON FIST

CS CHALLENGE:
Superheroes, how will you be remembered?  As kind, compassionate, forgiving, wise, loving?  Or perhaps stubborn, spiteful, or self-righteous?  Your path is your own and your life is the impression you make.  When you can no longer be responsible for your actions, make decisions on an everyday basis or affect the world around you, what would you wish that the world remembers about you?  Whoever that is, become that person, embody their spirit and know with conviction that your path is right and good.

So, how do you want to be remembered?  Dare to be great.

-Citizen Superhero

Superhero Wisdom of the Week

"This is NOT a costume. These are my clothes!" -SUPERGIRL

CS CHALLENGE:  It is said, superheroes, that, by dressing the part, we become the part.  You should neither choose nor don your superhero garb lightly or without intention.
YOUR SUPERHERO LIFESTYLE: Looking for a new cape or boots, crimefighting accessories or perhaps some updated accoutrements for your secret headquarters or batcave??!! CS supports the Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co.  Check them out by clicking here or on the logo.  Choose WISELY and let us know what you think.

Be your own hero first,
-Citizen Superhero

Superhero Wisdom of the Week

"Remember that sometimes even the most formidable walls -- like the walls we build around ourselves -- can be overcome...if someone is just willing to look at it...and wonder what's behind it."  -WONDER MAN

Be well, my fellow superheroes, and keep your minds and hearts open.

-Citizen Superhero

Superhero Wisdom of the Week

“Ever wish we could be...ordinary people with ordinary problems? I know it’s silly because we’re not ordinary and our lives are complicated by extraordinary circumstances.” - DOMINO

CS CHALLENGE:

Superheroes, dare to be extraordinary!

Have a powerful week,

-Citizen Superhero

Superhero Wisdom of the Week

"I believe in an idea, an idea that a single individual who has the right heart and the right mind...can change the world." - CAPTAIN AMERICA

Happy New Year, fellow superheroes!  May this year bring strength, great courage and clear vision to your life.  Be well and good in your intentions.  Serve the greater good, but do not neglect yourself.  Do not falter in helping another in need and remember that both peace and change are ongoing efforts which are always in great need of your support and attention.  Here's to using our powers always for good and never for evil, to being an active part of something greater and to saving the day...everyday.

-Citizen Superhero

Superhero Wisdom of the Week

"Everyone's got a role for me...But what about how I define myself? What I want my life to be about? And allowing myself the chance to succeed or fail at it." - FIRESTAR

Be your best self, superheroes...as often as you can.  Be well.

-Citizen Superhero

Superhero Wisdom of the Week

"Words aren't that hard to find. Look inside yourself—say what's in your heart." - THE BIONIC WOMAN

CS Challenge: Be open and honest with those that trust you, those you find conflict with and, most importantly, with yourself.

- Citizen Superhero

Superhero Wisdom of the Week

"Are arbitrary labels more important than the way we live our lives...what we're supposed to be more important than what we actually are?" - CYCLOPS

Superhero Wisdom of the Week

"We didn't choose to be what we are. And it could be argued that this life chose us. We live it. With all its changes and challenges. Obstacles. Disappointments. Failures. Its successes. Its joys." - WONDER GIRL