We love these kind of stories. This is a story about one person becoming a hero while making the dream of another come true. It is in the moments we decide that people are more important than our own pride that we get to make a difference that matters. Acting beyond ourselves is something humanity has always, and always be moved by and celebrated.
It is the selfless legacies we celebrate the most; people who put others first. Something that disturbs, distresses me, is how easy it is for us to see others as being the ones to make a difference. Why can’t we all see ourselves as those being able to make the difference we know is needed?
Many of us are not willing to act beyond ourselves because we don’t see past ourselves. We don’t see ourselves being the heroes we celebrate. I use heroes in a practical, non-romantic way.
hero |ˈhɪərəʊ|
noun (pl.heroes)
a person, typically a man, who is admired for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities
Simply put: heroes are people who act beyond themselves for the good of others. Though rather utopian for some, but it is a reality we all can embrace and live out.
Momentary selflessness can be destiny altering for those who benefit from it. The reward of putting others before ourselves is greater than putting ourselves first.
If everyone cared and nobody cried
If everyone loved and nobody lied
If everyone shared and swallowed their pride
Then we’d see the day when nobody died— Nickelback, If Everyone Cared
Have I stopped to ask myself questions that have less to do with what I want for myself and what others need?
It just ain’t the same, old ways have changed
New days are strange, is the world insane?
If love and peace are so strong
Why are there pieces of love that don’t belong?— Black Eyed Peas, Where Is The Love
The questions aren’t and should never be an expression of despair but a war-cry summoning all of us to act. The question to stop asking is, “What is wrong?”. The question we should all be asking ourselves, and acting on is, “What can I do?”.
[featured image: Cristian Bernal]