Feeling Focused on Manifesting my Superpowers

In ancient cultures, people were connected spiritually and lived in smaller tribes where there was a greater sense of belonging. The wise elders were trusted and the young people were supported to discover and develop their gifts. They appreciated and valued their abilities as treasures bestowed upon them from the spiritual realm. I imagine they never considered ignoring their talents to pursue other, more lucrative or perceived as prestigious paths. 

In modern societies, we’ve become secular, overwhelmed by the size of our communities and withdrawn into our tiny nuclear groups. We’re rendered immobile by unlimited opportunities and the story that we can do whatever we want if set our mind to it. This likely has some truth, within limits, but it smacks of pure Ego. Just because we can do something doesn’t mean we should. When we don’t honour our gifts, we don’t give them the recognition and respect they deserve.

As a young person, I had an intuitive sense of what I was good at and what came easily for me. But I wasn’t educated in a strength-based system and, like many others, I considered the world my oyster, my choices of a career unlimited. I dreamed about journalism and interior design, becoming a hair stylist or a writer. I focused on creative occupations. But then life threw me a curve ball when I found out I was pregnant, still in grade twelve. I decided that as a single mother, a career in teaching would be satisfying as well as practical, and I set aside my dreams.

I didn’t become self-aware until well into my thirties. Challenges in my marriage that were leading me into depression had me searching. That led me to go inward, to reflect and analyze and consider who I was and what I needed. But I was still thick in the survival years of raising a family and trying to find work-life balance, with little time left over for me.

When my children grew up and flew the coop, I realized I had the opportunity to dig deep into creating a life that was all about what lit me up. I went on excavational digs to discover my authentic self. I studied dharma and life purpose. I figured out that my passion is creativity and that my gifts of compassion and empathy are a big part of who I am too. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy to reinvent myself, but I was dedicated and, lucky for me, my Mister supports me.

Since I’ve been walking my path as a writer, new opportunities for connecting with like-minded people have been flourishing. I was invited by Valeria Teles to interview as part of her Quest for Wellbeing podcast. I started listening to other guests featured on her website. Catherine Nikkel was one of the speakers whose content resonated with me. I went online and ordered the book she wrote with cowriter Tim Holmes, The Lightbulb Moments Journal. I picked it up a few days ago and started in on the exercises. And then I had my own lightbulb moment, and the inspiration for this blog.

This morning’s journal prompt was: “If you could have a superpower, what would it be?” My pen flew to paper, as I quickly identified that not only do I have a superpower, I’ve been blessed with more than one. They aren’t what typically comes to mind when pondering such things. I’m not fast or physically strong, not athletic at all. My powers are all within the framework of creativity and my ability to love. 

In no particular order, I wrote my powers down on paper. I remembered how I started referring to myself as a Wish Magician, back when Mister and I first started dating. It was at that time that I first noticed how I was able to manifest my focused intentions. My triple approach – think it, say it, write it – often resulted in my desires being realized. I discovered that meditation and visualization strengthen my ability to create what I want too.

Working with my tribe here in Riyadh, we studied Heatherash Amara’s book, Warrior Goddess Training, and I soon determined I was also a Goddess-Warrior of the spiritual, mental, and emotional kind. I reaffirmed my commitment to myself. I remembered my gifts. And I made a new commitment, to align with Life.

The term empath is relatively new, but the awareness that some people are born with a gift for empathy – an ability to identify with the feelings and thoughts of others – has been acknowledged since early civilizations. Historically viewed as healers, spiritualists and teachers, some famous people thought now to have been empaths include Nostradamus, Confucius and Ghandi. As it turns out, I’m an empath too.

For me, being an empath is a gift as well as a challenge. I value my sensitivity to emotional energy. I appreciate being more attuned to others and able to respond with compassion. I’m grateful that I can relate to things I’ve never experienced. People, sometimes even strangers, feel comfortable opening up with me to reveal their truest, most vulnerable selves.

But that can be a burden too. This ability is rarely celebrated. I can’t count how many times I’ve been told I’m too sensitive, that I need to tone it down or lighten up. I often feel like an outsider or overwhelmed with emotion without knowing why. The older I get, the less I take criticism personally. I don’t worry as much about what others think of me. I accept myself for who I am.

I have an incredibly optimistic and compassionate personality, and I believe these are superpowers too. Being optimistic is the foundation to my own resilience. I can’t help feeling hopeful, no matter how many times I get knocked down, I dust myself off and get back into the ring. My compassion takes that same positivity and extends it to others. I’m able to lift up and support others to find their happiness and healing.

Last, but not least, I’m a gifted storyteller who writes from the heart. I’ve only just begun to hone my craft, but I can feel it manifesting the more I think it, say it, and write it. It was a huge accomplishment for me to finish writing The Healing, not to mention finding a publisher who believes in me. I released my first novel in April of 2021, while writing the prequel. The Holding is scheduled to launch in April of 2022. Currently, I’m writing my third novel, The Rogue Scorpion. All of my superpowers are coming together and manifesting into the world. I’m discovering my higher purpose and it feels amazing. I am so blessed.

To end, I encourage all of my readers to go on their own inward journey, to identify, reflect and consider, what are your superpowers? How will you go about manifesting them into the world, starting today?

So yeah, I’m feeling focused on manifesting my superpowers.