Heroes are individuals with great physical and mental strength. They risk everything, living and dying devoid of fear. Heroes obey nothing but their own beliefs and convictions and are idolized by those who witness their courage. Their independence of thought and action is what sets them apart from others.
That's what I read on the back of a student's tee-shirt. When I first started reading it, I expected something totally different. I guess that's because an initial reaction to the word 'hero' is of someone who can leap tall buildings in a single bound! As I read, the words struck chord deep inside because I was struck by the familiarity of the how much is this also true of people who live
empowered lives.
empowered lives.
If we look, we can find heroes everywhere. Firemen are willing to enter burning buildings to save lives, though out there in the world. Policemen are willing to put themselves in harm's way to protect the people which is their duty out here Soldiers are willing to die for their country – a cause that only a soldier truly understands. Surf lifesavers are willing to battle the moods of the sea to ensure no lives are lost. Not to mention the ordinary men and women who have been of crucial assistance at a myriad of accidents and people whose job is to save animals. And there are people living empowered lives, who fit the above description so well.
Does it mean that I think of myself as a hero? Since reading the tee-shirt, I've thought about it a great deal, and at the risk of sounding big-headed, I would have to say yes.
Empowered living demands great mental strength. How else could I be an individual? How else could I follow my hopes and dreams – and have faith they will be successful? How else could I believe in myself – especially when times are tough and my world seems to be crumbling? As an empowered person I live life without fear – most of the time! But I am brave enough to acknowledge that although twinges of uncertainty and anxiety will always occur, those times will pass.
I am motivated by my beliefs and convictions – which require a great deal of strength sometimes. Especially as I work on the principle that it's easy to be bad and a lot harder to be good, so I rarely hold a grudge and never seek revenge for perceived wrongs.
It would be untrue to say that I am idolised by those who have known me, but I often hear "I wish I could be more like you". I put it down to my strength of character, a strong belief in right and wrong, and the fact that I always stand up for myself and my rights. Does my independence of thought and action set me apart from others? I'm sure, at times, that they would.
The plain truth is that I am not unique. I'm sure that you know, or have known, plenty of strong, confident, self-assured people capable of giving of themselves without asking anything in return. People who exert a great deal of influence, usually without realizing it. Dedicated school teachers would come into this category, without a doubt! (Yes, I admit it; the greatest influence on my life was Mrs Otubushi, one of my primary head mistress/teachers.)
If you are a person who possesses great mental strength because of your individuality … if you risk everything because you have strong beliefs and convictions … if other people look up to you because of what you stand for … if you are independent of thought and action … then, my
friend - You are a hero.
friend - You are a hero.
On the other hand, if you are a person who is developing mental strength … is working on self-esteem or self-confidence issues … is taking little steps to assert individualization … if you are doing all this, despite what others may say or think … then, my friend, you are a hero, too, for it takes great courage to consciously make changes in a life - And I salute you.
THE NEW FRIENDS
Friends they call themselves to you
Breaking the edge in deception daily
For their loot they pay wrong dues
Your future their carriage left behind
Daily you thought these friends
And pray you comfort be they
But life portrays lessons without ends
Another road must open to unleash
There are friends and friends indeed
For comfort or mischief man breed
Eyes and heart must parade for facts
For the future some do determined
Friends they say makes you, you
Show your friends we know you
Walks are made in pairs alive
The new friends to share their light
Salau O John©2010
JUST MY CHANGE
Looking the same sounding insane
Heroes are misunderstood in life
Letting go of all that’s sane
Who buys this thinking sure?
Love and life I’d woven daily
But all hands on deck plays
All men’s decision made them only
Here is the man that may
It was thought impossible to be
A vision and mission none sees
Daily the cry dull hearts freedom
But tomorrow the reign of kingdoms
My change has come but mine
Friends and love I am happy
But turned on my own line
Today dreams reality is seen
Salau O John©2010
I CHANGED ME
All the step I’ve taken before
All the road I’ve tread in time
All the words I’ve spoken and more
Another direction beckons me truly
Born a writer, speaker, singer and poet
I have made other roads to tread
Today the heart is poised in duet
For in circle same spot I see
Opportunities avails me so much alive
But nothing to end boils me
Fire or snow must end my strive
I changed me for purpose to tray
The days have been dealt with
Pursuing my intent for earthly vision
Today new decision but old is built
I am me making it happily
Salau O John©2010
About the author: Salau O John is a communicator, poet author, singer, mentor, coach, teacher and a business manager who specializes in helping people (youths and organizations) reach their potential at all levels (spiritual, emotional and mental) through his poems, writings and speaking.
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