Everyday Heroes
I live in a house full of males, all of whom love superhero stories. While I confess to having a soft spot for watching the occasional well-done comic-book film or TV series, the kinds of heroes I look up to are much more ordinary.
My heroes' superpowers weren't given to them by gamma radiation leaks or meteorites. No, the people I try to emulate have displayed uncommon amounts of grit, determination, and often, grace, to achieve what many others only talk about.
I have heroes in every area of my life—women and men who inspire me to do better, not quit, try harder, who show me that failure is only a temporary setback or that faith, kindness, and love are stronger than fear.
What makes a hero, anyway? Here's my short list:
- Heroes show up.
- Heroes go above and beyond what is required of them.
- Heroes put others first.
- Heroes never quit.
Some heroes I want to mention here are my mom, who seems to take every adversity with grace and a smile and still retains a sense of adventure to tackle new things; my dear friend C, who found the courage to leave an abusive relationship and strike out on her own with four kids; my sister, who risked losing everything so she could be true to herself; and my husband, who shows me every day what sacrificial, unconditional love looks like.
But the list doesn't stop there. In fact, the more I think about it, the more I realize that I can find something to admire in practically everyone I know.
We all have war stories. We all have things in our pasts that we either regret or would not want to repeat. But those things make us who we are. As long as we keep growing, keep learning, and keep moving forward, we are checking items off of the hero list.
Heroes aren't born. They're made. And that includes you, my friend. You might not feel like a hero. But trust me, you're a hero to someone.
So keep being faithful. Show up. Love other people. Be kind. Don't quit. Even—or maybe especially—when things get tough.
You might not ever know the full impact your life has had on others. But it is through small, everyday, ordinary heroism that we can change the world.
"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."
- Aesop
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Inspiring Women on International Women's Day
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I was privileged to co-host a special event called "Inspiring Women" for International Women's Day (March 8) with authors Joy Norstrom and P.D. Workman. These ladies are on my hero list, and I was so pleased they agreed to do this with me.
I am also grateful to Audreys Books in Edmonton for hosting us, and for the wonderful, engaged group of people that came to listen. Thanks for making my first authors' night a success!
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While this event was a lot of work, in the end, it was all worth it. I couldn't have asked for better teammates putting this together.
I also love the idea of hosting an "Inspiring Women" event every year on March 8. So, perhaps this will be the "First Annual..." ?
(Check out my "Puppies and Heroes" post to read about how I almost missed the event and other misadventures.)
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This round of book tours is wrapping up. I have four dates left, from March 22 to 25, with book signings in Calgary, Edmonton, and Red Deer. Check my "Events" page for details.
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Meet Hiro
We got a surprise puppy last weekend! We named him Hiro (pronounced "Hero")—a Japanese name meaning prosperous, tolerant, and generous (and the name of two of our favourite sci-fi/fantasy characters).
Check out the story behind how we got Hiro and why. (Hint: Spring is always a tough grieving season for me.) Read "Puppies and Heroes" on my blog:
Read the Post
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What I'm Reading
This is a new feature I'm trying. Just a quick list, nothing fancy, to let you know what I've read within the last month or am actively reading. If I like it, you might, too. Links go to Goodreads.
For fun:
Out of Play - Joy Norstrom (women's fiction), 5 stars
Steelheart - Brandon Sanderson (YA sci-fi/fantasy), 5 stars
Research:
The Slave Trade - Hugh Thomas (nonfiction, ongoing)
Narrative of Sojourner Truth - Sojourner Truth, Olive Gilbert (nonfiction, biography)
The Book Launch Blueprint - Tim Grahl (nonfiction)
Do you like this? Hit "Reply" and let me know!
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Be an author's hero!
As much as I love it when someone tells me that they loved my book, I would much rather they told other people!
That's because your simple review can make an enormous difference to the success of my books. It doesn't have to be long—just a rating and a sentence or two will help. However, if you want to put a little more thought into it, check out my 2-Minute Review Writing Boot Camp.
So if you haven't already left a review for a book of mine that you've read, please go do it now—even if there were things you didn't like. It still helps, honest.
And if you haven't read my books yet? Please go leave a review for another book you've read. Remember what Aesop said about kindness. :-)
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My dad (another hero of mine) taught me that we have moments throughout every day where we can choose to do the right thing—or not. Our lives, and our circumstances, are the result of all the choices we have made up until now. Essentially, every moment, we can choose to be a hero.
The good news? Even if you've screwed up a million times before, every new day gives you the chance to choose better than you did last time.
May you make heroic choices today, friend.
Seek beauty, spread sunshine!
P.S. Did you read this in your browser? If you haven't already subscribed to this list, go here to make sure you never miss another newsletter: www.talenawinters.com/contact.
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