Superpowers

I've always wanted a super power...when I was a kid I used to flick my wrists like Wolverine in the hopes that I would someday have adamantium claws of my own. I would pretend I had Spidey's webslingers. I can still imagine what it would feel like to fly like Superman. Even to this day when I walk through an automatic door I pretend I'm a Jedi opening the door with the Force. (what can I say, I'm an big kid in many many ways).

Lately though I've been thinking about what Superpowers I actually might have. Some people call them talents. Others strengths. But when I think of what my superpowers are I'm truly grateful for them.

It's taken me a while to be able to recognize my strengths. Being a Kennedy, I'm naturally kind of self-deprecating. As a family we don't like to recognize our strengths. On the other hand, we celebrate when others recognize us and I think deep down we know that there's something special there. But it's still hard to come out and admit that we have some goodness going on there.

I think the Gospel has something to do with it - we're taught to not to be prideful. Also, our humble upbringing combined with our genetic makeup make us resistant to boasting. At least that's what I think.

But I've been thinking about what my superpowers are, I think they are the following:

1. I think people like me quite easily - almost instantaneously. I don't mean that I'm so cool or anything. But I think I must put people at ease or something.

2. People trust me - I think I'm unassuming and approachable, making it easy for people to open up to me. And I'm genuinely interested in people, their lives, and their stories so that I think that comes across in a positive way.

3. I'm smart (enough). It's a good combination of social skills and the right kind of smarts. Still not book smart, and not great at exam situations (couldn't be further from reality). But in day to day life and the right kind of work I think I'm smart.

4. I work hard. Because I have done it all (dishwasher, bus boy, server, retail nerd) since I was a kid I know how to work. I think a lot of people I work with think that certain things are above them. Because I've worked my way up the chain, I'm willing to do what it takes.

5. Friendly. I'm not the most outgoing person in the world, but if I need to be I can be get along with anyone, anytime. I've had some doozy of co-workers and managers and I always get along with all of them.

6. Patient. Few things really ruffle my feathers. Because I had some really horrible experiences as a kid trying to learn things, I think I'm more understanding of others and willing to work with them.

7. Forgiving/empathetic. I can easily put myself in others shoes...I think this helps me be more forgiving and empathetic of others as they travel through life.

8. Funny. It's a certain kind of funny, but I think I do it pretty well.

Anywho, tell me if you agree/disagree. But I've been trying to figure out what I'm good at and I think these are pretty representative. I'm grateful for these superpowers. I sometimes wish I were smart like so and so, or handsome, or had a ton of musical talents or something. But when I think about those that I have I can't help but be grateful for them.