When we think of real life heroes, what immediately comes to mind - military, police, fire, ambulance - all of whom do amazing work. It might be - doctors, nurses, teachers, caregivers - again all doing incredible things. Then there are those who often go unnoticed - mothers, fathers, siblings - always there when you need them.
For me, real heroes are also those who struggle with getting through what a lot of us take for granted, daily life. Those who get out of bed each day despite the desire to hide under the blankets. Those who have a shower and put on clean clothes despite the fact that they aren't leaving their homes. Those who take their medication or undergo medical treatment despite the desire to cease.
It takes a lot of effort to keep moving forward when you can see no reason to. It takes even more effort to focus on routine daily tasks when you cannot see the need to. It takes amazing willpower to keep going when all you want to do is to stop.
To those in continual pain, to those in the depths of anxiety or depression, to those who have lost a loved one, to those who can't find a reason to keep going but still do, you are all genuine real life heroes.
Celebrate the fact that you got up, got showered, got dressed. Celebrate that got a can of food and ate it, that you walked to your letterbox, that you went to the shops, that you simply got moving.
We tend not to want to celebrate our small victories when we feel it isn't one. Most people do these things every day right? But, they are not where you are so don't compare yourself with them. You are you, not them.
It is a massive victory for you to do these small tasks, regardless of what others do. Celebrate your achievements no matter how small they might seem to others, it is you that matters. You are what counts. You are the hero.
Plus, you also have an obligation to keep going. That's right, an obligation. You are obliged to help others who might be n the same situation as you. Because you are going through a really tough time, you have an obligation not just to celebrate but also to share. To share your journey so that others can learn from you. You are now a teacher, a leader, someone to look up to.
Heroes became heroes not just for what they have done, they became real heroes because they were able to tell people about what they learned from their experience. They are heroes because they are there to support others who are in the same position as you. And together, you will learn, grow, and recover.
You are a real hero, you must know that. We are all stronger than we think we are, you have the strength like no other has. Go, right now, and celebrate your victory. Go, right now, and share your story. Become an even greater hero. A legend.
Let's talk!