Have You Ever Heard of Secret Heroism?

Unique Perspectives: Have You Ever Heard of Secret Heroism?

By Kim Stevens

When you think of heroism, what immediately comes to mind? Wait, wait, … let me guess. You think about the act of being courageous, of boldly facing your scariest fears with nothing but a metaphorical sword made from bravery and fortitude in your hands.

OK, so maybe that’s how I used to think of heroism. But I don’t anymore. I finally realized that a secretly heroic act is one where I follow my truth.

Just do it! Nike tells us? Easier said than done! Because it's one thing to say, “follow your bliss” or “follow your truth,” but it’s quite another to actually do it in the face of someone's look of disappointment or obvious disapproval.

Secret heroism in action is Nike saying, “Just Do It” and then, willing to face the critics and the naysayers, you do. I have many times in my life gone against what the world tells me is the right thing to do and believe me, it's a tough challenge. But there is a rightness in all this that’s undeniable.

Even if someone warns you that it’s a bad idea or that the economic conditions won’t allow it or plants that tiny, poisonous seed of doubt in your mind where there should only be happiness and hope. You still move forward in the direction of your particular bliss.

I took this idea of secret heroism to heart so much that during my yoga teacher training, I conducted a three-hour workshop for the group and called it “Secret Heroism: The Spirituality of Self Esteem.” Why? Because many of the most important accomplishments in my life are like small secrets that would be imperceptible to anyone else but are really powerful to me.

They’re the little secret ways that I exhibit heroism because I put myself first. I build up rather than break down. I heighten my self-esteem and hold fast to the heroic belief that it’s my judgment of myself that matters most. Not strangers online. Not competitors in my industry. Not those who say I can’t. In my story, there’s only room for one hero, and secret heroism is about reaffirming that the one hero of this epic journey is always me.