Everyone has a superpower or two. A superpower is an extraordinary ability to do something and I would like to believe that we all have something that will make a difference somehow. So today I am thinking about my own superpower and I think it is pretty obvious.

Listening.

Yep. That’s my superpower.

Being a good listener is not something that necessarily comes naturally. It is something that you have to work at and develop over time and it is a pretty great superpower in my humble opinion. It’s difficult sometimes to step out of your own way and not insert yourself into a conversation and just be a listener. Sometimes being just a listener is really hard. I have to keep my advice and ideas to myself and not interject them as much as I would like to. There are times when it just isn’t appropriate.

Being a listener is challenging at times. Sometimes I feel like I have a sign on my forehead that says “tell me everything you need to unload” and it is an invitation of sorts. That can get difficult when I am carrying loads of my own and have to set those aside and focus on the other person. And sometimes the things that people tell me are really personal in nature.

Strangers talk to me and pull me into conversations. My boys always comment on that and it makes me laugh because it is true. I had one friend years ago who told me I was “unapproachable” and I have never forgotten that because I believe I am just the opposite and I think my experiences show that.

So having a superpower of being a great listener is a gift and I am glad it is something that I am good at. It makes life interesting. I guess if I wore a cape it would have a huge L on it.

Do you have a superpower? I bet you do. I would love to hear about it so leave me a comment and Comment for a Cause for American Red Cross.