Have I Found My Hero?

By Demi Johnson

Today I was asked who is my hero? Why do people ask this? I will answer this in two sentences. People want to know, connect, and understand you better. The human condition loves to hear stories about overcoming odds in a heroic way.

So my hero is someone who begins the heroic task of escaping the negative conditions of life. I see a mother, father, HH Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, or Mother Teresa, basically someone who sacrifices to change the world to become better not for them self but others.

Each day I strive to remember to overcome my battle with my own demons, greed, pride, anger, ignorance, and desire. My hero taught me to stay aware of myself and the effects I have control over. To ask why I suffer, cause suffering and to what end. In this way, I have learned my eyes are a mirror because all human experience is the same, just in a different shade.

So who is my hero and how do they overcome the odds? They remind and inspire me each time I see them defy these negative conditions with a kind act, or demonstrate the pain their actions can have on myself and others. My hero is YOU! You're the best teacher!