When my son was 4 years old, he created an invisible lightening suit that he put on when he wanted a little super human, super hero strength (adult translation: confidence and verve). Like a flash, he would stop what he was doing and make the motions of putting on the suit: draping the hood and mask over his head; putting his arms through the sleeves, and of course, taking his super human, super hero position (lightening sound effects included) as if he were ready to take on the bad guys and conquer the world.
I would smile as he would transform himself and then I would marvel at the real life power this imaginary suit held for my little guy. It gave him certainty, confidence and inner strength. And it was always there, for play or purpose. It was a game changer in the best possible way and I secretly hoped that he would always have that lightening suit in his life and at his ready.
It's been a while since I've seen him put it on so I asked, "Where's your lightening suit these days?" In the most natural, matter of fact manner, he told me, "It's not gone. It's always with me." We talked about it a little and he told me that the lightening gives him special powers. He went on to say that the suit just turns on "like, if there's a mean kid or bully or something." I asked if it ever turns on at hockey and he said, "sometimes, if I have to go super fast or Coach needs me to do something really hard or something."
It took me decades to figure out what my 6 year old innately understands: when you give positive energy a tangible form, you can see it, seize it, and make anything possible. It's not make believe; it's real. So, where's your super human, super hero suit? Put it on today, or just try one on for size. You may discover a whole new road to remarkable and you may have a little kid to thank for it. RELAX. SET. GO.
I would smile as he would transform himself and then I would marvel at the real life power this imaginary suit held for my little guy. It gave him certainty, confidence and inner strength. And it was always there, for play or purpose. It was a game changer in the best possible way and I secretly hoped that he would always have that lightening suit in his life and at his ready.
It's been a while since I've seen him put it on so I asked, "Where's your lightening suit these days?" In the most natural, matter of fact manner, he told me, "It's not gone. It's always with me." We talked about it a little and he told me that the lightening gives him special powers. He went on to say that the suit just turns on "like, if there's a mean kid or bully or something." I asked if it ever turns on at hockey and he said, "sometimes, if I have to go super fast or Coach needs me to do something really hard or something."
It took me decades to figure out what my 6 year old innately understands: when you give positive energy a tangible form, you can see it, seize it, and make anything possible. It's not make believe; it's real. So, where's your super human, super hero suit? Put it on today, or just try one on for size. You may discover a whole new road to remarkable and you may have a little kid to thank for it. RELAX. SET. GO.