I’ve been feeling down on my own power lately. I didn’t quite realize it until a man in his 60s walked up to me during a community volunteer reconstruction of the labyrinth at Eagle’s Point at Lands End in San Francisco. In the chaos of eager helpers, on-lookers and photographers, he looked to me for direction. I gave him an answer that I felt would be helpful, we’d go off to complete the small task, and then he’d return to me for the next step.

As far back as I can remember, I’ve been a natural leader, finding myself in positions where I am looked to for guidance, advice, and direction and I’ve never quite understood why. I guess I get whatever that little trait is from my mom. She’s the kind of person you meet and you want to tell her about the best day of your life and the worst day. She’ll look at you the same either way, give you all the time in the world, smile at you with a sparkle in her eye and nod empathetically. If I have even half of that quality, I’d call myself quite lucky.

The things is, is that I don’t know that we’re aware of this first-hand. When that internal light is recognized, I walk a little taller, smile a little more, and that stride in my step makes a huge impact on everything I do and who I interact with. That little acknowledgement makes me realize that how I show up impacts others and how they feel they can be.

Besides the man who wanted to know if he should start another pile of big rocks to facilitate the re-build, a fairly new acquaintance-turned-friend simply said “we should really hang out sometime” and I would love that. I had always felt connected to this new friend and to hear that the bond was mutual, made my guard come down, my smile broaden, and my own power, realized.

It’s about time for gratitude list because why not and my mom said it’s a good thing to do. Based on previous findings, mom is right. Always. So here goes:
organic farmer’s market spinach is a lovely thing (anti-gratitude because I get one: the insanely long stems that make for eating at the desk or in front of anyone, well, embarrassing.)
pasta made in house. nothing quite like it.
the power of laugher and family. especially when those two are synonymous.
pictures. sorry i’m not sorry for taking a lot of them.
music. it’s been setting the tone for many of my experiences lately. pick it out mindfully and intentionally, notice how you feel in that moment.
the older man in a suit reading the score to a play.
my voice. having one, and using it. it’s scary and it’s worth it.

We all have a power, and yes, it’s a super-power. The power to make someone laugh, make someone’s day, make a paper airplane. Whatever it is, and whenever you realize it, hold onto to it and use it. The world needs it.