Superhero Wisdom: All you truly have is NOW.

800 × 531 - heartsteps.org

“We live on remembering and honoring the past, but always looking to the future." - SUPERMAN


CS CHALLENGE:
It is important to remember, superheroes, for our greatest lessons can be gleaned from our past.  It is also essential that we look to the future, for that is where the products of our intentions and dreams lie.  But it is the present moment which is the most imperative time, for it is the place where we can make the most difference.  All you truly have is NOW.

Here's to saving the... moment!
-Citizen Superhero

*Click here to see other wisdom from Superman

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, Superheroes! 

A new time is upon us. I offer this mantra (probably best recited aloud in the presence of someone else or to yourself, in the mirror).  This creates legitimacy and personal accountability.

"Let my powers shine in 2021. 

I will be the one to do what is right, 

the one to risk a new change in routine, 

the one to take the first step in breaking down a barrier between myself and someone else, 

the one to take deep breaths before acting, 

the one to love unconditionally, 

the one to embrace the simple greatness of the ripple effect 

and, in little ways, 

the one to save the day… Everyday."

This is your year, your time. There's never been a better time to be "super."

- CS

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

Embracing Identity

CS Challenge:

What is something you can do that few people can?  What is it that, no matter how small or seemingly trivial, is unique about you?  Whatever it is, superheroes, shout it from the highest hills for all to hear!!!  That one thing is only representative of a secret cache of amazing qualities you possess, and perhaps have forgotten about in all this time you have spent simply responding compassionately (and most times unknowingly) to the emotions, needs and actions of others.  We are tribal beings, remember.  We crave being a part of the whole.  That is why we might even sacrifice that part of ourselves that is beautiful and unique as a strategy for survival among the many...the rest of the tribe.  Ask yourself: Who am I? What do I stand for?  How, at the end of the day, can I make absolutely sure that my tribe knows who I am too?

Personally, I love playing the Ukulele :)

To tell it true, you got to be you!

- Travis (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

What the Heart Knows

Superhero Wisdom:

"Affairs of the heart always matter. No matter how silly or stupid. The heart knows no logic." - NORTHSTAR

Perhaps you feel as I do, but Valentine's Day used to be a time that confounded me- When I was young, I was easily under the impression that it was a day to "be with the one you love" or, if you didn't have someone, you should "find someone to love" (and quickly within the next 24 hours.)  There was this disorienting haze of red and pink and roses and chocolates and nasty confection hearts with cute little sayings like "Be Mine" on them and cherubic angels that would shoot people with bows and arrows to trick them into loving one another.  The commercialism of the day put love into a tiny little red box reserved only for romance.  The whole situation became increasingly confusing when I started to learn about the various origin stories of Saint Valentine, none of which are very comforting, nor do they truly inspire love. 

 Love.  Love, that thing which connects and embraces and lifts up.  That essence of something represented conveniently by a four-letter term, but cannot otherwise be described in words, only feelings and actions.  Love, that which has the greatest and most potent ability to unite, to heal and empower.  We most commonly associate love with the heart (well something that looks less like a real heart and is more of a shape.)  The heart is our lifeline.  I do appreciate this association because it shows the dire strength and possibility of love- that it is truly our lifeline.  Though it actually has no color, red, like our blood, is what coarses through our veins and enables life.  When stopped or abused or prevented in anyway, there is only pain and suffering.  Isn't it fair to acknowledge then that love is quite literally what keeps us alive? 

Make it what you will, but February 14th can be a beautiful reminder to love love love everyday.  Show love in anyway you can: tolerance, a selfless act of kindness, a smile, a thank you note, a hug.  Love is everywhere and is all the time.  Though when we try to mask love, to contain it or limit it in some way, such as assigning it a specific day, or color or dogma, we only mask, contain and limit ourselves and thus our children to the true superpower that love can be.  You will always be surrounded by love.  All you need do is be prepared to receive it and give it without restraint.  It is then, superheroes, that you can really save the day!

love love love,
-CS

The Dreams of Batkid!

Recently, I traveled to San Francisco for some adventuring during Thanksgiving. I did have many adventures, though encountered so many more things to be thankful for than I had expected. Namely, the Batkid! While I know that this story happened way back in November and is an event sure to be emblazoned on every citizen superhero's radar by now, I find myself reflecting on it daily. While in SF, I came across the various locations where the Batkid's valor had taken place. Though I had not been there a few days earlier to actually witness it, I was definitely moved by the story. While being a true superhero does not necessarily warrant a cape or mask, the desire to "save the day" is what resonates so deeply here for me. The Make-A-Wish Foundation and city of San Francisco have certainly created a heroic moment, joining forces to help make another's dream come true (something we should keep in mind for our own efforts.) But when I hear that "saving the day" is an actual dream for a child, like young Miles Scott (aka Batkid), I feel a little stronger, a little wiser and certainly thankful.

Our hero! Batkid saves the day in San Francisco

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

CS ALERT: The Superheroes of Boston

At the moment of greatest darkness can shine the brightest light.  In the face of the recent horrific bombings at the Boston Marathon, citizen superheroes from all walks of life materialized from the smoke and rubble to, literally, save the day!  It was not a self-serving moment, nor one for recognition or even in the name of a country or belief system...it was simply reflex.  It was compassion in the rawest form.  Runners who had run 26.2 miles (a distance that leaves most physically and emotionally spent) ran an additional few miles past the finish line to give blood at the local hospital.  Bystanders, instead of fleeing in the opposite direction of the blasts and carnage hurried to serve those with injuries, though they had absolutely no medical training.

  The people of Boston, MA and the attendees of the marathon are a people to emulate, and not because it was acting in a time of crisis, but because it was an act of grace and love and support and unity.  They are a community of citizen superheroes that show us what we can be capable of when coming together.  We can only be at our strongest if we act in this way during crisis, but also (and especially) regardless of crisis.

"In times of crisis, we come together and we help one another.  Moments like these, terrible as they are, don't show our weakness, they show our strength." - District Attorney Daniel Conley (in a press conference following the bombings.)

  Crisis can be our greatest teacher and not for the sake vengeance or hopelessness, but for a change in ourselves.  Be absolutely everything you can be and rise to the moment.

Take care of one another, -Citizen Superhero

Thank you for your support

"Heart is what wins battles." - CYCLOPS

Citizen Superhero Project 4th Anniversary
Hey superheroes,
Citizen Superhero turns 4 years old this month!  WOW! Thanks to all of the amazing individuals out there who give of themselves for a better world.  Every minute is a chance to explore and ignite the citizen superhero in each of us.

Now, more than ever, is the time to join our forces and strive to become our greatest selves.  Show your support for the CSP by joining us on facebook.  We look forward to the next four years of serving the greater good.

Here's to saving the day...everyday!  ONWARD!

-Citizen Superhero

Superhero Wisdom: With these gifts you posess...

"I have possessed these gifts for many years, but for the most part have refrained from using them. No More. Today I set a challenge for myself, a challenge to be of service to humanity. I will do this by being a living example of what's possible. I intend to hold myself to a very high standard. I ask no less of you. I challenge you to challenge yourselves. You are all gifted with special abilities. Strive to live up to your potential, as I will strive to live up to mine." - ICON

CS Challenge:
1) Read those words again...
2) Say those words aloud as if they were your own.
3) Now they are your own.

Be the change.  Represent what is possible.  Love openly.  Practice kindness.  Be iconic.  

Rock on ICON!
-Citizen Superhero

Superhero Wisdom: Nothing wrong with being wrong

"It takes a lot of courage to change your mind about something after going so far down the road.  Saying, 'I was wrong,' has to be the hardest sentence in the English language."  - THE FALCON 

CS CHALLENGE: 

Superheroes, when was the last time you opened up to a new idea or simply admitted you were in the wrong?  
Holding ourselves accountable and deciding to keep our pride at bay is one of the greatest personal challenges we will face on our journey.  Maintaining humility as part of your personal practice will make you a stronger ally and friend and it will give you the clarity of mind, normally obscured by old habits and an unwillingness to change.  So...when was the last time?

Be courageous...
-Citizen Superhero

Superhero Wisdom: Dreams

"Dreams save us. Dreams lift us up and transform us.… until… a world where dignity, honor and justice becomes the reality we all share." - SUPERMAN

CS CHALLENGE:
Happy New Year, superheroes!  Let this be the time for our greatest dreams- those which we have most treasured and protected for all of this time, hidden away and saved for the right place and the right moment.  So, let it be now.  May our dreams in this new time bring great light and be a reflection of our character and our effortless will to protect, defend and honor the highest potential for our existence as a true and kind people.

Forward on and be your best...
-Citizen Superhero

Superhero Wisdom of the Week

"Some...take pride in their gifts, especially those of us who are willing to fight for what we believe in." - CYCLOPS

Know your strengths and have a powerful week!
-Citizen Superhero

**Click here to create your own Superpower Inventory.

Superhero Wisdom of the Week

"I am the voice of your children -- the non-meek who intend to inherit the earth!"  - FIREBRAND

CS CHALLENGE:
Whether we realize it or not, superheroes, all we do, everything we build, each and every time we act in the name of peace, we do it for the sake of future prosperity.  Our children are our purest and most powerful asset.  We must teach our younger generations with intention, listen to them, learn from their lessons, demonstrate for them patience and empathy, show them kindness, and surround them with love.  Through these actions our children will become stronger than we ever could imagine.  Despite your affiliation with children in your own life, you still possess the power to affect them.  A child is always in your midst.  Be aware that you are always sending messages in the way you speak aloud in public, or when you hold the door for someone else, or say thank you, or wait for the right time to cross the street, or help someone who has dropped something or been hurt.  Positive and constructive action in these cases is your most potent superpower.  Use it and do so without restraint.

A child simply is the ripple effect.  We act and they will react.  We model and they will respond accordingly.  The seeds we plant should be destined to be great, bright and true and not a product of negligence, prejudice, hate or apathy.  Be a voice and be an advocate for those that will someday take all they have learned and apply it, as you have, to cultivating a better world.

Kindness without restraint!
-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

"It's not about where you were born. Or what powers you have... It's about what you do... It's about action." - SUPERMAN

CS CHALLENGE:
And the time is NOW, superheroes!  The greater good awaits.  All that you have hoped to accomplish, all that you have ever wanted to see done for a better, kinder, healthier and more peaceful world, the change, the vision, everything... the time has never been more ripe for your own action.

Get it done!
-Citizen Superhero