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

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

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 of the Week

"That is the decision all lovers must make -- whether their relationship will destroy...or heal the other. It's often the most difficult decision-- and, as love is not a constantly stable factor, it's one they'll have to make again and again." - BLACK PANTHER

CS CHALLENGE:
Superheroes, I wouldn't normally post two quotes, taken from the same source, back-to-back, but being that it is Valentine's Day, and love is in the air, Black Panther's words provide such wisdom and perspective for love and relationship.  While there should never be just one designated time that we choose to give love to those we care about (the same goes for times to recognize someone's greatness, celebrate a life, do community service or to give gifts), this quote sidesteps the sugar-coated, pink and red haze version of love that is normally equated with Valentine's Day, and provides a real, lasting truth about the power of love.  Of all of our superpowers, love is the purest and the most capable of change.  Love can build as easily and with as much strength as it can break and destroy.

Be conscious of your power to love and do it well and every single day!
-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

"Sometimes the most obvious things are the easiest overlooked." - CAPTAIN AMERICA

Keep your eyes peeled, superheroes!  Don't forget about the bigger picture.  It is way too easy to get caught up in the little details.  Have a powerful week.

- Citizen Superhero

Superhero Wisdom of the Week

"If you knew how you are loved, not one of you would raise a hand in rage again." - SUPERMAN

Superhero Wisdom of the Week

"Life is always hardest on the survivors." - CATWOMAN

Superhero Wisdom of the Week:

"Love should never be a secret."  
 - DOCTOR OCTOPUS

Superhero Wisdom of the Week:

"If sacred places are spared the ravages of war... then make all places sacred. And if the holy people are to be kept harmless from war... then make all people holy." -SILVER SURFER

CS ACTION ALERT: MY HERO PROJECT

Click on the link above to visit myhero.com and find out how to pay tribute to those who have served as life superheroes for you.  This is an amazing resource for those of us to give homage to those individuals who have so greatly influenced and strengthened us through their words and actions.

Superhero Wisdom of the Week

"I'm the sum of so many people who have influenced me, shaped my thinking, and given me love." -NIGHTWING

Superhero Wisdom of the Week:

"Value the character of my heart, not my appearance." - NIGHTCRAWLER

Superhero Wisdom of the Week

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

Superhero Wisdom of the Week:

"We've wasted so much time on things that DON'T MATTER!... but love's the only thing in life that has any real meaning! Everything else...might as well be a dream!"  

- ICEMAN

Superhero Wisdom of the Week:

"I'm the sum of so many people who have influenced me, shaped my thinking, and given me love." - NIGHTWING