This is the first year I’m not sewing any Halloween costumes. Sadly, my grand babies are all grown up and don’t need them anymore.

When my boys were youngsters, I sewed costumes out of what I had around the house. After each October passed, I added the costumes to a collection stored in a big, brown, plastic, football, toy chest.

My sons, who are twelve months apart, loved to play imaginary games and could easily reach into this giant, plastic football to retrieve any costume or combination there-of to outfit themselves for the day.

 One year, I was especially low on funds, so I made super-hero capes out of an old, ripped, white, bedsheet. For the emblem on the back, I used some bedraggled blue jeans and cut out an “A” for Andrew and a “D” for Derek to appliqué on the back. I explained to them that they were “Super Andrew” and “Super Derek,” the strongest and smartest super heroes in the neighborhood! Those capes were the favorite addition to any other costume from there on afterwards.

I’m reminded of their little boy greatness today as I re-visit vignettes of them leaping out of trees, across streams, down stairs, and across imaginary obstacles. If we could all muster up that child-like confidence and leap, soar, and fly through life, how much easier life would be!

At 65, I don’t have to embroider my super power emblem on my cape to know that I’m my own super hero. I don’t need a fancy, stitched grand “S” to remind me of my bravery and strength.

In a previous life, I allowed others to belittle me for approaching life with passionate purpose, and for being my idealistic self. These were laughable characteristics, used to make sarcastic remarks about me. No more!

I got to where I am today because I refused to let the negative messages of “you’re too emotional,” “you’re too passionate,” and “you’re too sensitive,” to take root and grow in me.

I got here because I was brave enough after heartache and disaster to not be afraid to put feet to my dreams.

Why not me?

Why can’t I be my own super-hero?

Which negative message do you need to kick out the door?