Remember being ten years old, and thinking you could be Wonder Woman? Some day you would finish school, and magically fly to some super hero school, countries away, to learn how to master awesome super powers, and be schooled in dressing like the most kick ass woman alive. You didn’t know where this country was, nor were you really sure what the word country meant. It could have meant walking to the next town or taking a 5 year long trip in a rocket ship to mars… either way – you were going there. You wanted to be her and you would do whatever it took to be her!
As a child, posters of this amazing woman were plastered across your walls. She stood on your shelf in the form of an action figure and was locked in your heart as a strong woman who could always save the day. You wanted more than anything to be just like her.
As you grew older, you watched the boys in your class get picked on for still admiring super heroes, so you sadly replaced her with other women. Strong women. Women who grabbed life by the horns and never looked back.
By your mid teens your new role model was Angelina Jolie, a woman reminiscent to Wonder Woman, and just as ballsy as her popular movie character Lara Croft. She wasn’t really Wonder Woman but she would do for now.
High school was slowly coming to an end. This meant you would need to make a decision – fast. You were now well aware that your fantasy Super Hero Academy didn’t exist, and you would have to move on to other endeavours. This scared you. Your whole life you wanted to be this amazing woman and now you had to pick a career. Any career. It was life. You had no choice, it was time to leave your family and grow up.
Years went by. You tried different careers (none of which made you feel whole), hoping to find happiness. They didn’t allow you to be the woman you were – deep down inside. Where was your lasso of truth hiding? How could you find justice for all? What could you do to teach the world of love, peace and sexual equality.
You studied Criminology, thinking you would finish as a Wonder Woman replica, one who wore a police officer uniform. You weren’t a right fit. You were too soft. Physically and emotionally. You didn’t train yourself well enough in previous years. How could you be an amazing, strong woman if you didn’t know how to be one? You had failed.
Then one night, as you held your crying toddler, you became flooded with happiness and realization. Every day of your life you show your children love. You show your kids how important it is to always tell the truth – no matter the situation. You watch as your 6 year old runs up to you as fast as he can and apologizes for telling a white lie – without any coaxing. These little humans have given you the gift you have always wanted. They have allowed you to be a super hero. They know how to be honest, because of the lessons you have taught them. They know how to love whole heartedly because they have felt your undying love. They flourish in a home that is safe and caring, because you have made it your priority to keep them cared for and unafraid. They stand up for the underdog, because you taught them that no one should stand alone.
All of these years I’ve (yes, I said I’ve.. SURPRISE!) tried so hard to be this amazing, strong, super hero type of person. I couldn’t wait to wear the blue, red and yellow uniform and save the day whenever I was faced with a dangerous or compromising situation. I achieved my dream…
…I am Wonder Woman! I may not be the Wonder Woman I imagined I’d be, but I am a super hero to my children. I don’t need a crown, to be a role model. I don’t need to have super powers to change the world. No one does. Anyone can be a super hero. All it takes is a caring heart and drive to make the world a better place.
For now, I will keep dying my hair black and teaching my kids right from wrong. This super hero has a big job ahead – teaching future super heroes how to save the world!
Perception really is an amazing thing. Life is wonderful – don’t ever let anything hold you back from being who you’re meant to be!
DS
THE REAL DEAL 
I cried when I read this! So true!
Awww! I hope they were happy tears, Danielle! 🙂