What is your Super Power?

Once, my grandson was attributing super powers to everyone in the family. He asked me what super power I would like to have. I answered, “Invisibility! That way I could go anywhere undetected, and listen and watch others.”

I said this because I love witnessing the beauty in people… the complexity, their personal challenges and victories, their varied histories…

He decided to give me that, plus the power to speak many languages. At least he was kind enough to humor me.

But it hit me today, that I might have a talent. Something that others remarked on before, but I was young and beautiful, and frankly, chalked it down to the “halo effect”.

But now I am old and unattractive, so when I get this feedback, I am forced to take it more seriously.

I’ve had this happen a lot, but today I had to take over some students from another teacher, at the last moment, because she quit. I had replaced her while she was on vacation, so I knew these people already. (for context, I am an English teacher in France. Though my main work is working in high schools, I do a few hours for an adult English school that sends me into companies for individual lessons with employees).

Today, when they saw me, they were excited and all told me they were happy to see me, and prefer working with me over the other teacher. The teacher that quit is a wonderful person from my point of view, and has more experience than I, so I don’t want to put too much emphasis on that. But they said I am an excellent teacher and can explain things comprehensibly, while also making the lesson a joy.

I felt a bit weird, because I know that half the time, I just get carried away asking them to tell me more about themselves than teaching grammar! I love listening to people, and feel authentic awe at what they reveal to me. One guy explained that I make speaking English fun because I give them practice speaking, and on subjects that actually interest them and motivate them to try.

I have no plan to do this, I just get enthralled in their personal history and thoughts, and I suspect, everyone can feel when another is truly interested and caring about them. I have met people who seemed so “normal” from the outside, but I find out they are amazing in our discussions!

I’m itching to write about these people! Like today, one guy who is young, and kind of seemed stand-offish, acting like “I’m not interested in speaking English. I don’t know why I am here.” Turns out, he is fascinating! Is involved in tree climbing competitions (did you know that existed? There is even a world championship!) and it’s incredibly difficult! He also has always had a connection with nature- dreamed of being a park ranger, when he found out that couldn’t happen, became a lumberjack, but hated killing trees, so became an arborist - which he sees as being like a doctor for trees, helping them thrive. He also had all kinds of pets growing up. He had two Prairie Dogs, and snakes, amongst numerous other animals. He became this passionate spiritual being once talking about this. We share the dream of having a Gabon Gray parrot, but aware that one must make a huge commitment to them, in training, and knowing that they get very attached, so you can’t just leave on vacation… or die. Because they live very long, and get very attached, so if you die before them (very possible) they become chronically depressed and traumatized. This guy, that seemed disconnected and uninterested in others, is actually a really sensitive, caring, and interesting person. This is the kind of thing I find. The head accountant, that seems boring at first? He’s a fucking powerhouse in his personal life. Stuff like that.

Mr. Rogers said, “There isn't anyone you couldn't learn to love once you've heard their story.” I find that to be true.

So…. I suspect that my “super power” is simply being truly curious and interested in others, and making a heartfelt contact with them.

I’m old, so perhaps it is too bad to realize this so late, but it is also comforting to know I didn’t work on this, or fake it, or try to develop it. It’s part of who I am, and is beneficial to some people. It helps to feel less useless in life, in general.