Super Powers

"I wish I could fly!"
"I would be invisible."
"My power would be teleportation!"

Does this sound like a conversation that you have had in your youth? Or maybe you had it last week. It's an ageless topic since the dawn of fairy tales and comics: if you could have any super power, what would it be? The choices range from the common ones listed above, include super strength and x-ray vision, and vary as a far as the ability to find the best shopping deal in the city or lethal bile projection (someone actually came up with that once!). No matter what the power is, it belies a desire to be something special or to make an aspect of your life easier. But because they are so hypothetical, we come up with the most outlandish and improbable attributes....like killer bile. What would you choose if I asked you what real life ability do you wish you had?

My very first blog was about having many talents and not knowing which one to choose to pursue. It's ironic that I still wish that I had yet ANOTHER talent. I get jealous of anyone, especially men, who have this talent, and in particular, if they don't use it.

I wish I could sing.

Simple. And for clarification, I don't want to be a famous singer or use my voice for monetary gain. I just want to be able to sing to my wife and my child and have them enjoy my voice. Or sing at church (step one: join church). Or sing my fraternity hymn in key for once. Simple. Every time I see someone effortlessly belting out a tune at karaoke or just singing while working, I wish that I could trade one of my attributes for that one.

The funny thing is that someone who knows me may say, "why are you jealous of singers? You are a great photographer, orator, and writer. Surely, those talents are just as fulfilling as being able to sing." That brings up an interesting point: sometimes, the super power is just out of our reach and we have to just sit and appreciate those who have it. For instance, have you ever wanted to be a great cook like your mom? Does someone's ability to build things impress you and make you wonder why you can't do that?

Super powers are cool to dream about but what's that one, seemingly unattainable, skill that you wish you had? And how "unattainable" is it really? Is there a dream that you have put on the back burner? I know that if I took lessons, I probably could develop a good voice, however, there is NO room left on my plate. That's my excuse. Do you have one too?

These are my thoughts...what are yours?