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I was thinking today as I walked down a very, very long hallway that it might be cool to have super zoom vision. Where I could zoom in on something far away. I’d be able to see far off street signs while driving, read funny bumper stickers from a distance, recognize friends from far away, and view theater or sports games up close and personal. Think about how awesome that would be. You would never need binoculars or telescopes; you just zoom in your vision and can see anything you like, at any distance. Birdwatching, no problem. Stargazing, piece of cake. Spying on your neighbors, shame on you, un-zoom and mind your own business.
A Lame Superhero
Then it occurred to me, if I was granted the power of super zoom vision it would be a VERY LAME superhero mutant power. For a normal human it would be great, but it’s no crime fighting superhero kind of power. I’d be like the lamest superhero ever. Superman would fly in and say, “Hey Zoom-O, can you read that small print for me?” And he’d laugh as he flies off to save the day. Even Aquaman would probably laugh at me and he’s arguably one of the lamer superheroes.
Put it in Perspective
Seems I stumbled upon a matter of perspective. More and more I’m noticing little themes that pop into my life and then into my writing. I’ll go for a few days and a theme keeps popping in. Looks like this week’s theme is perspective. On Monday I posted about an Enchanted Walkabout, and the wonderful new perspectives it revealed; allowing me to completely change my perspective for a few hours to see new and wonderful things. Then today, I sit down to write about a super power and KA-BLAM; back into the perspective theme.
I have to take the hints that my higher self passes down to me. I must look around to find the perspective in my own life. Where am I headed, how will I get there, and am I looking at the whole process from the right point of view? I’ve been thinking of two different dreams lately. On one hand, I would love to do some traveling. We do some, but I want to do more, maybe for several months or even years at a time. Then, on the other hand, I have been thinking about how wonderfully happy I am where we live now, with our home, with our community, and with living in sunny central Florida. My home is truly my sanctuary, and I love spending time sitting on our big cushy couch talking or playing. I love sitting on the patio enjoying the outdoors and swimming in the pool splashing around with my daughter. I feel really good at home with my family.
The Dreaded Mid-Life Crisis
Long ago I set some goals for me and my family. To have a good job, to own a house, to have a child. After achieving those goals, I’m now left to wonder what’s next. Those are very typical life goals. I’m starting to see where a mid life crisis could come from. Achieving all the standard dreams, and not knowing where to go from there. Arriving at the middle completing everything I set out to do, and then wondering what’s left. Well, I wouldn’t say I’m having a mid life crisis, but I can see it on the horizon if I don’t set some new goals and dreams.
As perspective creeps back into this, I have to remember the journey that has brought me to this point. I have to look at everything I set out to accomplish and be truly happy that I have been able to enjoy this wonderful life. Then, from that happy perspective, I can plan for the future. I can plan home improvements, travels, pursuits of pleasure, and possible changes in work or streams on income.
Grasp the Future Potential
I realize I must be flexible and change as my life grows and expands. I can see a path where I continue working at my current job until I retire. In some ways that path seems numb to me. It’s funny, because I can easily see ways to advance at work, given time, focus, and effort. If that becomes my path, then my goals become very career oriented. Trying to move up into management and leading others.
Another path I can see as a possibility is one that leads to a web based income. Every day I read about people that have been able to quit their day jobs and focus on things they love. Many are making a living through various web based businesses. I’m sure I could go that route as well.
For some time, I’ve had this nagging feeling that I can’t have it all. That I must choose one dream or the other. Deep down, I’ve known that feeling to be false. I am gradually coming to see that I can have it all, I can have everything I dream of. I’m not exactly sure how yet, but I know that I can. So my old perspective of “one or the other” is changing to a new perspective of, “I can have everything I dream of.” I can earn a living doing something I love. I can have a house and travel too. I can do anything I want to do.
I am an Extraordinary Super Human
I’m still honing my perspective on these issues. I’m finding the perspective aligns everything on my path into the future. It may take some time for me to work out exactly what I want; what new goals and adventures I want to have. After my lay off last year, I’ve been in a state of change and in some ways of a rebirth. Reevaluating my life, my goals, my path, and my journey, and seeing them from a new perspective. It’s been a fun year, even with the ups and downs. The future is bright. I am not a lame superhero. I am an extraordinary super human.
Now it’s your turn.
Are you a lame mutant superhero, or are you an extraordinary super human? Do you find a need for perspective in your own life?
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Hmmm…I would have to say that I am an extraordinary superhero. Here I am, venturing into unknown territory and being brave enough to take the leap. The journey has not always been easy. I’m learning new ideas and concepts every day. I’m meeting new friends and not allowing my fears to keep me closed in a box. Sounds pretty extraordinary to me. Thanks for reminding me.
.-= Patrenia´s last blog ..Bank or Credit Union? =-.
Patrenia, that definitely sounds like superhero territory to me.
I’m a parent.
I’m not a perfect parent, but I do my best every day. No matter how tired, sick, confused or grumpy I am.
I like to think that makes me a super hero even if it’s a boring, average everyday one.
I always need perspective. It’s easy to get caught up in the little battles of daily life with two little ones under three.
.-= Scarlett´s last blog ..Don’t Judge By The Cover =-.
Scarlett, Doing your best is extraordinary. You are way better than those lame mutants, and I bet your kids would agree.
So much good, juicy stuff here Eric. Love the super hero metaphors.
You’re very wise to recognize that impending mid-life bend in the road, when you realize that once you reach all those outer goals, there may be a void. And how you speak of loving your life right now is so compelling – loving it, yet the thought of staying right where you are for the rest of your life makes you feel numb. Isn’t it paradoxical?
You’re quite the seeker, my friend. And when you say you can have everything you want, it reminds me that I’m working on a post right now about how sometimes we have to let go of what we love. It’ll be interesting to see what you think of that!
Anyway, you certainly got me thinking today, and I suppose as far as super heroes go, sometimes I’m extremely lame, other times perhaps extraordinary. You know I like to live in the gray areas, so I won’t pin myself down!
Thanks, Eric.
.-= Patty @ Why Not Start Now?´s last blog ..Eight Black Shoes =-.
Patty, I’ve been feeling very Matrixy lately, where there is a perceived reality in the Matrix and a real reality outside of it. So perhaps we can have it all or we can just let it all go. Sometimes I could go either way. I look forward to your post.
I’ve been ruined by the Jungle Cruise at Disney, every time I see the word pardox, I’m reminded of that ride. At the end of the boat ride, they tell you “there is a dock on the right and a dock on the left, we call them a paradox”
As for the superhero, I supposed we’ll call you Gray Patty.
Hi Eric! I really enjoyed this post – you are experiencing the whole gamut of the game of constant change and evolution. Don’t go thinkin’ it’s ever OVER! If you can look at it like a life long process – because it is – and enjoy the ride so much the better! You sound very upbeat and open to possibilities and that is half the battle – not that it IS a battle, but I think you know what I mean. Hubs and I are in our 60′s and still reinventing ourselves, taking new and different paths. I sure do understand where you are in all this “what’s next?”. I hope you live a full life where you never stop asking that question. It is SO over when you do. You may want to read the book I reviewed on my post last week – about seniors who start totally new, fresh “careers”.
I’ll be around a LONG time to cheer you on, Eric!
hugs
suZen
Hi suZen, I’m glad you enjoyed it. I don’t think it’s over, not by a long shot. I read that post; I’ll have to take a look at the book. You offer some good advice. I like the idea of continually reinventing ourselves.
Funny, sad and lovely all in one. Trying to think what superpowers I’d like. Seeing into the future would be so cool but then life wouldn’t be as much fun.
.-= Annabel Candy, Get In the Hot Spot´s last blog ..3 Ways to Inject New Life Into Your Life or Blog =-.
Ah yes, precognition. That’s a popular super hero power. Much more useful to a super hero than zoom vision. I think you’re right though Annabel, it may just take the fun out of life. Half the fun of being here is not knowing what to expect next.
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