I have been a die-hard Wonder Woman fan since age two when I was watching the original TV series with Lynda Carter. I dreamed it was me twirling around changing into a brightly colored, red, white and blue costume and fighting evil villains with my lasso of truth and bullet-repelling bracelets. I’m ashamed to admit I haven’t seen the new movie yet. I hear the well-cast DC comic flick is getting stellar reviews. It is getting five stars and two thumbs-up from nearly everyone in my Facebook feed. I’m hoping to see it myself very soon. (update – I saw it and LOVED it!)
With the revival of this strong, beautiful, gracious, classy, kick-butt superhero, I am humbled that so many of my close friends and my family have called me “Wonder Woman” for many years. Heck, I even play Wonder Woman in real life and the woman in the picture associated with this article is me. I purchased a tailor made suit several years ago for the sole purpose to entertain terminally-ill children at children’s hospitals and Ronald McDonald Houses and I’ve made people happy dressing up as her for other events. I’m flattered that people call me Wonder Woman and, to be honest, I don’t mind if they continue to do so.
The reality is that I am not Wonder Woman, the superhero. However, I am strong, and I have a healthy self-image. I am also gracious to others, well composed, and, given my competitive nature, I have been known to kick some butt at times. In this modern era of social media where comparing ourselves to each other is more pervasive than ever before, I would like to remind every woman that she, too, can be a Wonder Woman in the eyes of those that know her (if she so desires). This is not about being better than another woman or comparing ourselves to each other. On the contrary, it’s about seeing the wonder and beauty in each and every one of us. In knowing that our individual talents and traits are marvelous and wonderful, especially when we use them to help others be better people. A true Wonder Woman lifts others up, including other women.
The traits that make you a “Wonder Woman” are inherently possessed by each one of us. Each of us can possess a strong work ethic, empathy, sympathy, being proud of who you are and what you do, being humble in who you are, but also taking pride in all your accomplishments from the mundane to the seemingly incredible. Our daughters and sons need to see this of us too. You must also strive to achieve a healthy sense of etiquette and good manners. You must also be cognizant of your mental, physical, and spiritual health. Above all else, you must possess a passion for living life to its fullest.
This is why I believe that everyone is capable of becoming a “Wonder Woman”. It has nothing to do with possessing comic book style super powers or being better than someone else. On the contrary, these are all natural traits possessed by each of us, and to which we can all follow. By shifting your paradigm you will inevitably create a more wonderful existence for you as well as for those around you. I know many women whom I consider to be a “Wonder Women” because these women possess many, if not all, of these characteristics. Obviously, none of us have super powers. Spiritually speaking, none of us have any more or less value than the next person. What makes someone stand out as being a “Wonder Woman” is by choosing to live your life in such a way that you demonstrate your purpose in life is to help others become the best person they can become.
I’ve written several other articles, and sometimes I write about what I’ve done in my career. I also write frequently about what I am accomplishing as a business owner, a wife and a mother. Often I receive emails from women around the world who have discovered my blogs, and they write to me and tell me they found my blog at just the right time, and that it inspired them, motivated them at a time when they needed inspiration and motivation the most.
Last night, I received an email from a woman who said those very words to me. It made me feel good to know that I was able to help a perfect stranger in such a way. I pray that I will be able to continue to influence people not only in these ways but in many other ways as well. I suppose I am writing this article for the same reason. I would like to inspire, motivate and cultivate a sense of personal accountability in those women who wish they were a Wonder Woman of sorts. You are. You were born to be just that. Use all the natural gifts I mentioned earlier in this article and rebuke the notion that you need the strength and power of a comic book superhero to be a hero. Let your inner “Wonder Woman” shine for she dwells within you, and she is waiting, yearning to be released.