Marvel Cinematic Universe aside, superheroes are generally low-key. They don’t make a big deal about being superheroes, nor do they wear flashy costumes that draw attention to themselves. And they certainly don’t destroy whole planets fighting Thanos.

Actually real-life superheroes rarely possess superpowers or wear capes – unless you count empathy, kindness, and great passion and dedication as superpowers.

But just like their fictional counterparts, real superheroes have a strong sense of fairness and justice – and many children (as well as adults) look up to them as role models. They serve and protect their communities. They look out for the powerless and marginalized. They dedicate themselves to helping others, saving lives, or serving as mentors.

Social workers, teachers, nurses, police officers, firefighters, and military personnel are just a few of the superheroes who protect us on a daily basis and who lend safety and support to our communities.

Other superheroes are simply those who have made a positive lasting impact on our lives through their selfless guidance and protection – like a parent, grandparent, uncle/aunt, friend, or mentor.

Yep, superheroes are pretty awesome.

The most wonderful thing about superheroes, though, is that anyone can be one. We just need to choose to do so.

We simply decide to protect the powerless, give voice to the voiceless, and fight injustice. We choose to build up rather than tear down, to give more than we receive, to help more than harm, to love more than hate.

Imagine what this world would look like if we all chose to be superheroes …

Either way, let’s take a moment today to thank and appreciate those who help to make life better for us all.

And let’s ask ourselves, “Is there room in my own life to be a superhero?”