What’s Your Superpower? (Need a Little Inspiration? Ask a Child)

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

There are so many horrors in the world, we could all use a little pause to ponder our superpowers…and those we’d like to have

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Walking along the ocean’s edge on a cool, sunny morning, I saw the sweetest thing. A little girl, about four years old, in a ruffly pink swimsuit with a matching pink bucket and shovel, was drawing on the sand. She drew her intricate design with her tongue sticking out of her mouth in concentration. She tilted her head as if shifting her view would reveal hidden secrets. To her, it was the Mona Lisa, but I couldn’t figure out what it was supposed to be. Her satisfied smile indicated that she was complete and incredibly proud of her work.

Unfortunately, she picked a terrible place for her masterpiece.

As we all know, the ocean moves up the beach with the tides, and a giant wave was headed directly at her creation. It was like a category-five hurricane headed toward a mobile home community. Only complete devastation would result. But this little powerhouse was not worried. With confidence, she moved in front of her artwork as if to guard it, and with hands stretched in front of her and her palms raised, she screamed, “Stop!!!” And to her surprise and mine, the wave halted inches away from her design before retreating to the sea.

She looked at her hands as a smile of accomplishment spread across her face. She had done it. She stopped the ocean. She had saved her precious creation. I quickly went on my way, as I was sure the next wave would not be so kind, and I didn’t think I could bear her reaction when she discovered that she did not actually have superpowers.

I am often reminded that there is much to learn if I pay attention and accept seemingly random events without judgment.

My observation of the young bathing beauty was no exception. I do not believe in coincidences, so later that day, as I was working with a student, it did not shock me that her essay prompt was, “What is your superpower, and why do you want it? “

With my beach baby and her magic hands on my mind, my student and I explored a litany of superpowers that might be amazing to possess. Her list included things like flying, invisibility, and seeing the future, but she chose the ability to travel anywhere with a snap of her fingers. I was a little disappointed in her choice. Yes, it would save time at the airport, but I hoped she would choose something more transformative. So for the rest of the weekend, I surveyed just about anyone who would indulge me. Maybe someone would have some exciting ideas about a superpower.

Many realists I asked responded, “No one has superpowers, so why bother imagining?” Clearly, these people were too literal to have fun with this fantasy.  However, others became aminated not only by telling me their powers but also, in most cases, enthusiastically acting them out with huge smiles. The answers ranged from fixing stupid to ending suffering; one not so serious and one a solemn vow. The concept of pretending or imagining was not lost on them. I am sure these are the same people who buy lottery tickets and happily spend all the winnings on a house, car, or vacation before the drawing even happens.

We could all use a little “glass-half-full” thinking. That kind of forward-thinking fuels the imagination and spurs positive vibes.  

A brief moment of fantasizing that we possess superpowers that can control the world’s chaos can be satisfying. There are so many horrors, events, and troubles that we cannot control.

So, we need to have the confidence and determination of our little beach girl. For a few moments, she believed she could control the ocean. What do you believe you can do?

Now I know that you are not going to don a red cape, but I think there needs to be an acknowledgment that we are indeed unique and we can, all alone, make a change for someone (or ourselves). If you’re still not convinced that you are super, take stock of the times you received gratitude from others. What did you do to garner those feelings from another? Throughout our lives, we leave our mark on others without ever knowing our impact. It’s time to reflect on our influence on the world. Make a mental note of when someone said, “Thank you,” or “I really needed that.” Before long, you may have a list of examples that will clearly reveal your superpower.

I consider myself a creative, imaginative woman, but I know that the lab-created superpowers of the Justice League are not real. 

I understand that no man can fly on his own, or see the future (or do I?).

But I do believe that we all do have at least one superpower. We just need to adjust our understanding of the definition of a superpower.

Can your hugs make someone feel better? Are you a problem solver? Do you bring people together? Can you communicate in sign language? Perhaps you are a good listener or help others see the positives in an otherwise depressing situation. If you’re a mom, your superpower may be getting through a day with a smile and happy, safe children. Some of these behaviors are learned, and some are just part of who you are. Either way, the feelings or skills make you unique: your superpowers.

After all my ruminations, it was my turn to answer the question. What would I want as my superpower?  The answer came as clearly as if someone had asked me my name. I wanted power to stop the unstoppable. This power would be transformative. Think about it; the implications would be mind-blowing. Cancer cells — stop! Raging floods, not on my watch! Natural disasters — a thing of the past. Death — no more.

So, instead of fretting over the things we cannot control, consider how much better we would feel if we focused on celebrating what we can. Use your superpower often, and you might be surprised by the power you hold.

And about that little girl…I may have had that wrong. If she believes she has a superpower to bend the ocean to her will, who am I to say otherwise?

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You may also enjoy reading The Season of Gratitude, by Judy Marano.