4. Compare lists- What do these people have in common?

    When you are done listing the wonderful traits of these people, look at them closely and see if there are any commonalities among them.  These are the qualities that you associate with heroism. You will start to see patterns emerge within these people.  Maybe a majority of them are adventurous.  Maybe many of them live honestly.  When you see these traits start to repeat themselves in more than one of your heroes, you know that you have found something that speaks to you on a deep level.  If you can find these qualities within yourself, you will be well on your way to seeing your own personal hero every time you look in the mirror.

5.   Put yourself in your heroes shoes

    Now is the time to find these qualities within you.  This is where it gets fun! First you will need to start by being honest about which qualities you already have, which ones are attainable through hard work, and which are probably never really going to happen.  

    For instance, I knew that I had kindness and compassion.  I also knew that finding integrity and courage within my self would be a struggle, but that I was capable of both.  These are things that all people are capable of.  

    However, no matter how much I looked up at them for their humor and community outreach, I did have to realize at some point that I was never going to be a Harlem Globetrotter. The point is, this wonderful body that I was given might not be suited to jumping hurdles or teaching gymnastics, but I can certainly adjust my goals and dreams to use the attributes that I do have.  

    Now, start looking for opportunities to act in accordance with your own ideals.  When these situations present themselves, think to your self, “What would my hero do?”

    Remember, a hero is defined by an action that he or she took. It is not a vague idea that occurs in someone’s mind.  Looking back on the lists in your journal, it was an action that caused you to look at each of those people and say, “I want to be like that”.   In each case, their heroism was embodied in an action.

Whether it is the grand gesture of a firefighter putting his life on the line, or the simple act of a woman refusing to take part in the vitriolic gossip around the bunko table, heroism lies in the actions we take daily.

    Finally, remember that being a hero isn’t easy.  If it were easy, everyone would be one!  When it gets hard or scary to act in accordance to the ideals you have set out in your Hero Journal, lean on your champions.  Use their courage as your own.  Through emulating them, you will find your own personal hero emerging in front of your eyes.  And then, don’t be surprised when someone tells you that you are their hero. 

    Who are your personal hero’s and why?  Comment below and tell us all about them…….