We relish news of our heroes, forgetting that we are extraordinary to somebody too. – Helen Hayes

Feats of heroism are often equated to extraordinary actions.  Firefighters dashing into a burning build to save a life or police officers that run into danger to keep everyone safe.  Sometimes they dedicate their lives for a worthy cause.  Soldiers who run into battle to protect their fellow comrades. 

At first glance, for the most of us, we don’t have the opportunities to fall into common heroic categories.  We don’t have the strength or courage.  I never ran into a building to save a life or dedicated my life for the common good of all.  We may not have the opportunity or know who to respond.  Perhaps we don’t have the split-second reaction times to act in the heat of moment.  It’s quite easy to go through the cycles of life without thinking about our own extraordinary capabilities.  We tend to focus on the superhuman feats of heroism and shortchange ourselves. 

I saw the quote from Helen Hayes in my page-a-day calendar the other day and found it quite thought provoking.  We may be so focused on the heroic feats that are beyond most of our abilities that we end up thinking we’re going through life in a routine pattern, ordinary in every sense of the word.  In our society, ordinary can be thought as boring or dull.  Probably not extraordinary.  Not heroic by any measure.  But are they?

Take a little time to reflect on what you’ve done, your actions that made a difference.  We all do things that may not capture the imagination or attention, but all add up.  Maybe a parent makes some sacrifices for their children and family.  They may have to skip out on some interests to raise their family.  They may have to work extra to make ends meet, to make sure there’s food on the table or clothes to wear.  These are extraordinary actions.

As we go through our daily lives, common interactions with others add up.  Someone who is positive and leaves small impacts can be extraordinary.  Smiling as they greet someone working behind the counter at a coffee shop can make a day just a little better.  Holding the door for someone or letting someone into the road during rush hour.  The little things can all add up.

We should celebrate someone who’s actions are heroic.  We should celebrate those who sacrifice for the common good.  But at the end of the day, always realize that your actions throughout the day can all add up.  Our impacts can travel far.  Our ability to make a difference, even in a small way, is immense.  And as Helen Hayes said, we’re extraordinary to someone.  Never forget that.