Designated

Some people are designated heroes just as one of a group of friends is deemed the designated driver at a party.  The designated hero is labeled such and is expected to fulfill that role.  It might be an Astronaut, the soldier, a politician, the athlete, a family member. It might be the survivor.  Whoever he or she is, they are looked up to. The media tells stories about them. Books are written about them.  Their deeds are exalted.  They become icons and are enshrined.  We all know about them.

Not Designated

But for every designated hero that is looked up to, there is somebody else looking at those looking at the person looking at the hero.  The teacher who is pointing to the famous artist is himself being pointed at by her student.  The beginning pilot who is pointing to the astronaut is herself being pointed at by a person with a model airplane in his hands.  The young woman off in the wilds of Canada who is pointing at the world renowned inspirational speaker is herself being pointed at by the many who listen to her modest broadcasts.  The small business owner pointing to the CEO of the major corporation is himself being pointed at by his inspired daughter.

You

Now, it could be that someone who is actually a world renowned hero is reading this. But the overwhelming probability is that you are not world renowned.  You probably don’t see yourself as a hero.  But you probably are. If you are a parent, you probably are.  If you are a business owner, you probably are. If you are pursuing an athletic achievement at any level, you probably are.  If you are a policeman, fireman, soldier, you definitely are.

The Point

So, what’s the point? It’s not to give you permission to brag about something. It’s to give you permission to know that you are seen.  You see heroes and look up to them, and that is good.  And you are seen as well and it’s important to keep that in mind as you reach for your own goals in life.

Periscope

Here is the periscope video of me creating the drawing while viewers try to guess the quote.  You can find me on Periscope as @thenapkindad.

Drawing and commentary © 2015 Marty Coleman | napkindad.com

Quote by Helen Hayes, 1900-1993, American actress