I recently saw Incredibles 2. This is the fun sequel to the animated film written and directed by Brad Bird 14 years ago, about a family with superpowers, fighting to save the world.

It got me thinking about superpowers. I realized most people possess these heightened abilities, whether or not they recognize it…perhaps not the ability to move at the speed of light or walk through walls…but unique, personal abilities they wield in their own way.

Last weekend, when I met up for lunch with three friends from grade school (we reconnected through facebook), I think I surprised them when I asked each about her superpower. After a good laugh, and almost without hesitation, each quickly responded. Sue said, “resilience,” Donna replied “my ability to empathize with others,” and JoAnn noted, “The ability to make the best of everything, and laugh at whatever life throws my way.”

I then asked my sister Ellen, who shared the story of telling someone she was “Never a mother, always a Mom.” Ellen never had children, yet she has a deep reservoir of love that she shares without reserve, and that  gives her the strength to be there when others need her most, just like a Mom always is.

As for my husband, years ago I recall his telling me that he felt he wasn’t a “good enough” dad for our twin daughters.

“I don’t know what to do with them. I just don’t have your ability to connect and play with them,” he worried.

Yet he found his own path, infusing his humor into parenting, and introducing our daughters to activities and events I never would have. I’m not even sure he’d see this as one of his superpowers, but I know and appreciate that it is.

As for me, I’ve long considered my writing and photography to be two of my superpowers. If I can inspire and entertain, or capture the essence of someone in a candid moment, that not only gives me pleasure but I hope, also gives back to others.

So what’s your superpower?  Once you identify it, I dare you to ask your friends to share theirs! I guarantee it’ll be an interesting conversation, and you might just be surprised at what you discover!

Written as Editor of BeyondtheNest.com and published in the June 28, 2018 newsletter issue.