I absolutely advocate you becoming your own superhero. I might be showing my age here, but I idolise Buffy (the Vampire Slayer). I so much wanted to be her, despite the fact that her life was hard. Her ability to face everything life threw at her, to move through it and come out victorious every time, really inspired me.

Is there someone similar who inspired you?

We can do this for ourselves in our own lives. I welcome you to join me in an annual ritual. Every November, I plan to do something that I want to do but generally wouldn’t because it scares me a bit. I face a fear and embrace my inner superhero. I’m sure you’ll have dreams too that you want to experience, but something overcomeable is holding you back.

Can you write a list of those things?

When I was younger, I contracted a deadly illness. I was close to death, and survived. I had my first little superhero moment! It left me with other challenges, but for now I want to tell you how I rode that superhero momentum, and continue to do so.

Every November, I celebrate my “deathaversary”. I choose something from my “dream but fear” list. And I make plans to do that thing. I celebrate it afterwards with friends, or post about it on social media in a space that’s more for me than anyone who follows me.

Here are some of the things I have feared, faced, and loved:
- Visited an adventure playground built at height. I’m scared of heights!
- I did the above, whilst also being filmed to advertise the park.
- I travelled by myself to Iceland and went on some amazing trips.
- Moved to a non-English speaking country.
- Did a lil public speaking, to 30 people eek!
- I’ve also danced, sung and recited my own poetry in public.

And the gifts keep coming

Since I started doing this I move the bar higher around things I’m comfortable doing. I’m more free! I can make more decisions and create beautiful memories that I treasure. I become more of the person I am.

Aren’t those gifts worth stepping into our discomfort zone for?

I also become more responsible for myself. As Genevieve Davis often says, no one is coming to save you. When I made the decision to go to Iceland I begged all my friends to join me. No one had the same passion for visiting the Land of Fire and Ice as I did. I looked for other solo travellers online, but didn’t make any connections. Then I realised, what’s the harm in just going by myself? I researched safety then booked my trip. I cried out of pure fear a total of four times on the way there. When I had to leave, I cried again. But this time because I didn’t want to leave. I was in love with Iceland.

You will cry when you face some fears. That’s okay. It’s scary stuff! Just keep moving forwards. Like when I was suspended above the woods with a few planks under me. Just one more step. And another one. You will get there. Keep the momentum. Be brave.

You can also recruit your own little cheerleaders. I was messaging my Mummy at each leg of my journey to Iceland. She kept me going.

I’d love to know how you intend to become your own superhero. Or how you’ve already embraced that part of you. Let’s see that cape flapping in the wind!

Written on 29th of June 2023 by Belle DreamCatcher