What makes a hero?

​By Crystal Crichlow

What makes someone a hero? Is it like in the movies? Does the hero have to be a god or possess some superhuman ability that makes them special? I like to believe in the impossible, that heroes are made of flesh and bone and guts. I like to believe that anyone no matter their race, religion or country of origin all have the ability to save a life especially if that life is their own.

It's not true that people are born bad, it's just not. Something happens inside, something so dark it turns them bad, makes them snap. So today I want you to look in the mirror and tell me what you see looking back at you. What lies behind those eyes? If you see darkness then I'd say to you that the light cannot shine until it is dark and that's when it shines the brightest. Don't be afraid to let it consume you. Think about all the good you can only find in dark places, like the stars and the moonlight. Yes, the dark can be a good thing and never is it permanent. When you're at your lowest, when the darkness starts to suffocate you until you can't breathe anymore, think about how a single candle can defy all that blackness. Kick and punch and scream at the top of your lungs until your vocal cords are sore if you have to. Be a candle in the dark. Be your own hero.
In the movies heroes are broken and beaten down until they are dust, but then what happens at the end? They rise from the ashes and defeat the darkness.

​So why not keep going even when there is nothing left of you? You're already in pain. You're already beaten down by the world. Don't give up. Keep going and get your reward so at least you didn't suffer for nothing.