by Sue Hodgson –
This jolly old man, Santa Al on our cover (and on pg 29), who brings presents to good boys and girls around the world, could really be considered as real as Superman in that he may not be a live person, but his influence is felt across the globe. And just like Superman, Santa is a superhero!
If I had to answer: “who is your hero?”, I think my mind would go blank for a moment not knowing who it was supposed to be. But then in a split second I would remember that my heroes are all around me and they have carried me through to my 50s. I couldn’t just pick one! We all need heroes, whether it’s a family member, sports figure, a politician or a journalist.
I can remember a few years ago reading about Cathy Black, former president of Hearst Corp, and called the “first lady of American magazines” in the book Basic Black. I reread it every so often; especially when I need a boost for my inspiration. I think sometimes we might get jaded by talk of heroes as various icons fall from grace in politics, business or sports. But perhaps we all have to flounder at some point; that way we learn more about who we are and who we want to be. As we strive to become a better leader, a better mother, a better person, it helps to have heroes – great leaders you respect, relate to and get roused up by. There is a big lesson we can learn from our heroes: they are all hungry enough to dream big dreams, despite all the odds.
Like Santa! He pursues the impossible all over the world. I’m on this journey with him, and I invite us all to stay in this conversation and explore the question together … how can I be a hero? I may not have the reindeers or a sled, but I do have hope.
Happy Holidays from all of us at Seaside Magazine!
Seaside Sue
Photo by Janis Jean Photography. Clothing provided and styled by Ecotopia Naturals.
For more, visit www.ecotopianaturals.com. Shot on location at Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse.
