Tuesday, December 1, 2009...
I subscribe to the magazine Outside, a magazine where extreme sportsmen meet living green. I'm not an extreme sport's person, but get a guilty pleasure from reading about people who do.
This month, I skimmed an article "Reader of the Year", which is Outside's pick of extreme do-gooders with an amazing life background. One was a Navy Seal purple heart recipient, another helped rebuild a fallen government and under the age of 35.
For a moment, I felt a twinge that I couldn't be a hero because I didn't have the backgrounds posted in the magazine, but then I woke up.
I realized not everyone is meant to live the extreme lives these individuals have lived, BUT, could still be a hero without knowing.
I guess I define "hero" a bit differently than Outside magazine. For me, a hero can be a parent who teaches their child to say "thank you" and "please" or an adult who holds open the door for another (especially when their arms are full), or a person who drops one canned food item in one's grocery store food pantry box to help out a hungry person.
Not every act has to be over-the-top, but I've noticed as I've gotten older, people connect less and less to strangers and move about in their own world. Why is that?
In the end, I define "hero" as one's ability to connect with another person....and in many cases, put a smile on their face or make their life a bit easier by performing simple small acts.
I will probably always have a subscription to Outside, but based upon my definition of hero will probably never be featured in their magazine....and I'm okay with that.
30 comments:
A hero can mean different things to different people, just like you said. It's all about perspective.
Awww, that was nice, I agree with you! I like your definition of a hero!
I like your take on it...and agree that not everyone can live an extreme lifestyle. I think heroism can be seen in smaller acts too.
How very appropriate for the season. I love that magazine too, mainly because I live vicariously through the articles and photos.
I like your way of thinking.
Secretia
I think everyone has a bit of hero inside them. We just show it in different ways.
I think everyone is a hero in some small way or another. I always kind of wondered if I've ever saved someone's life by doing absolutely nothing. Maybe I bought a drink one day that was going to spill and cause someone to trip and crack his skull open. Is that weird?
I totally agree with you. It doesn't have to hit the news to be an act of heroism. There are every day small things that are heroic. :)
I like the concept of everyday heroes. Those who don't do something big and flashy, but little things every day that make a difference. Sometimes just smiling at a stranger is all it takes. I prefer quiet heroism that basks in its simplicity and doesn't seek fame.
♥Spot
The ability to connect with another person is a gift. That's what I like about blogging... gives me more opportunities to connect with people.
Your definition and view of a hero are beautiful, and I can appreciate them so much more than those who do extreme things [although no less heroic] that most of us will never achieve or accomplish. It is the simple things in life that brighten people's days and restore their faith in humanity. Heroism is a fluid, changing word, and everyone can fit the definition if only a bit of effort and good will are put forth.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. :)
Your kind of hero is kind of lacking in this world.Hope every one finds the hero inside them.Cool thought :)
I agree, a hero doesn't have to save the whole world. The traditional definition involves courage, brave deeds, and noble qualities. We can all demonstrate those in our everyday life. Besides, not too many of us actually are put in the situation where we get to save the world, anyway.
Great post! Seriously- you are so right about everything you wrote.
and yes, I totally watched it last night! terrible!
Great post! Seriously- you are so right about everything you wrote.
and yes, I totally watched it last night! terrible!
I agree, and think there are many everyday "hero's" amoungst us!
(In response to your comments: I hope we don't have to take the lights down each year!This is our first year decorating the tree. Last summer we left lights on our entire house and during a fierce summer storm they came down with a vengence!
I never did make my Sage/butternut squash pasta yet. I hope to this week~finally!!
Agreed. Now I have Bonnie Taylor's song I Need A Hero running on loop in my brain ;0)
You know who is NOT a hero today? The skinny beyotch in line at the cafeteria today behind me who then proceeded to cut in front of me and the two girls in front of me to order her sandwich. Just walked right past all 3 of us when the guy at the counter said "Next" - like it was an optional "Next" - "Whoever REALLY wants/needs to be next - as opposed to the actual next person waiting patiently in line." She was not a hero. She was evil. And I hope no one held the door open for her when she left with her hands full of line cutting lunch.
I like your description of a hero; a single mom who gets up faithfully every morning to go to work to put food on her children's table or provide a few gifts for them at the holidays; a person who lets someone cut into traffic to get to their turnoff, yep those are heros to me. In my book, you're a hero for what you are doing with the food drive with your weight loss :)
helping others is always a good thing :)
betty
i read something today that said, "accept that your role in life might be a warning to others." i like that. :)
I wrote a post on what a hero was a wee while back. I agree that a hero can be anyone; the person who makes you smile or laugh, the mum who teaches her child manners, the great teacher at school. Great post! x
really insightful post. I agree. We find heroes in our everyday life if we just stop to take a look.
really insightful post. I agree. We find heroes in our everyday life if we just stop to take a look.
did I stutter? lol
Thank you and please.....I love you for pointing those out!!
I agree.
Those little acts of kindness, of care & concern for others, all add up to something bigger than all of us.
Have a great week,
Lynn
I think your definition is great!
Hero is a relative term. A Mother can be a son's hero. A teacher can be a students hero, ect.
When it comes to bravery, a hero, to me, is someone who puts their own safety in jeopardy to help someone else.
It is like the word "Love" It can mean so many things.
I am doing rant and rave on my main blog, you can link me if I am not linked.
Everyone has their own definition of hero. Just like beauty, it's in the eye of the beholder. To some, hero is a deed performed. To others, it's a simple act. I don't think there's any right or wrong answer. It's up to you what it is.
Badass Geek – You’re right. I guess reading an article where the people had OUTSTANDING accomplishments made me second guess my ability to do any good.
Deborah – Thanks.
JennyMac – Very true.
Eyes Wide Open – So do I. Aren’t the photos amazing?!
Secretia – Thanks.
Herding Cats – I like that way of thinking.
Ice Queen – Okay, this had me cracking up. But, you’re right. You could save someone by doing nothing.
Blueviolet – I just hope I do my part.
Spot – A smile from a stranger is an amazing gesture.
CatLadyLarew – I love connecting with other people through blogging. I’ve learned so much from so many people. It definitely has left a positive impression in my life.
New England Girl – I like that “heroism is a fluid, changing word” – so true.
Miss_Nobody - I wonder if people are afraid to give of themselves for fear of rejection.
Erin P – What? You’re not the next Mother Theresa? I don’t think I’ll ever be in that position, but hope to continue to do small acts.
Girl, inspired – Thanks and I watched it – I have to email …so many thoughts about the episode.
Natasha – I’m curious how it will be a low calorie dish.
The Bumbles – Okay, this comment also made me laugh. Ya know the real hero in the crowd would have been the cashier who would tell her to wait her turn and let everyone she cut off go first.
That corgi – the traffic thing is so true…I swear if everyone let another person in, the highways would be better. ….Thanks for thinking of me as a hero. I definitely don’t feel it because I have so much fun hosting the dinners.
Very married – hmmm…interesting thought.
Helen – I’m sorry I missed the post – now, I’m going to go back and read it. I hope you survived yoga.
rxBambi – I think that’s the key, taking the time to look around. However, you do so much for others – you’re an amazing inspiration.
Jules – I think being a teacher and dealing with the type of parents you do is a heroic act. You can’t do anything about the parents being idiots, but can impact a child who might be a better person because of you.
Actual Scale – Thanks.
Kys - Thanks!
Otin – Yes it is. I think New England Girl summed it up perfectly. Heroism is a fluid word.
Matty - I agree.
Hear! Hear! I think your definition is spot on! We need people who connect in little every day ways, which is, I think more difficult than the grand gesture. Thank you for this post- it's made me think.
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