Being a Hero

"To me, being a hero means:

• To do what's right ... even if you are afraid.
  
• To listen to the inner wisdom of your soul ... and not the random opinions of others.
  
• To be kind ... and remember that sometimes the person you need to be kindest to is yourself.
  
• To live by choice ... not chance.
  
• To pursue excellence ... excel, but not compete.
  
• To have integrity ... keep your word and your commitments.
  
• To make corrections and changes ... not make excuses.
  
• To be fair and treat all people with respect, and understand their point of view... even if you don't agree with it.

Most of all being a hero means accepting yourself with a depth of kindness even when you act less-than-noble. All bad behavior comes from fear or ignorance and when you judge anyone (including yourself) for acting badly or imperfectly, you lose the ability to influence that being.

When you accept your imperfections—and still are willing to brush yourself off and start again—you can make changes... for you are on a heroic journey of the heart. To me this is the best kind of hero. The kind of hero I strive to be. "

- Denise Linn