Chapter 1: The Beginning of Change

When I embarked on my journey with Medium, I had no inkling of the profound effect it would have on my life. I was unaware of the turmoil my emotions were in at that time.

A few years back, my marriage was in turmoil, my mental health was barely stable, and daily life felt like an exhausting struggle against an immense weight. I was just an ordinary person; what hope did I have?

Ironically, one of the most enjoyable pieces I penned was titled "The Averagest Unsuperpower." I found humor in self-deprecation, often drowning my sorrows in shame. The article depicted my belief that I was merely average in all aspects of life. Although it no longer reflects who I am today, I still find it amusing. It serves as a reminder of my growth.

At that time, I didn't recognize that I had crafted a caricature of mediocrity to shield myself from vulnerability. I concealed my true potential behind a facade of averageness, fearing judgment from others. Who did I think I was?

It was fear—fear of my own potential. I had relinquished so much of my power that I didn't know how to reclaim it or what to do with it once I did. I was caught in a cycle of shame-driven anxiety about being commonplace.

My self-esteem had sunk to an all-time low, shaped by the coping strategies I had adopted throughout my life. The trauma from my childhood, struggles with alcoholism, and the responsibilities of parenthood left me reeling. I genuinely believed I was worth no more than mediocrity.

However, dear friends, I’ve gleaned some valuable insights over the past couple of years. It turns out, I am not average after all.

Normal? Yes. Average? Absolutely not.

Alcoholism has played a significant role in my path to self-discovery, alongside my writing. I wouldn’t be where I am today without both—the highs and the lows. My journey of sobriety coincided with my writing journey. Coincidence? Perhaps not.

As I connected with fellow writers, I discovered many individuals grappling with similar fears, anxieties, and insecurities. The community of those documenting their struggles with addiction made me feel less isolated. Sobriety transformed from an abstract notion into a tangible goal.

I realized that countless others had compelling narratives just like mine. Yet, for some reason, their stories seemed more worthy of being told than mine.

What?

Even if they remain unspoken, there are emotions embedded within my words that only I understand—some humorous, some poignant, but all genuine. This illustrates the multifaceted nature of people. Looking back at my stories, I can sense the pain woven into them, revealing themes of codependency, addiction, and unhealthy coping mechanisms.

Throughout this journey, I've recognized how reliant I was on others and on alcohol. As I began to reclaim my strength from addiction, I also confronted codependency and attachment issues, steering myself toward personal empowerment.

Recovery is an ongoing struggle, but what once felt like a colossal boulder is now a manageable stone, and the daunting cliff has transformed into a more gradual ascent.

Though it may seem straightforward, asking for what you want is often a challenge—especially when mired in shame. If I’m truthful, I struggled to identify my own desires. It felt irrational to believe my life should not revolve around my family's needs. I failed to grasp that I could articulate my desires and that it was acceptable to have them.

I lacked the understanding to establish healthy boundaries and pursue my happiness. I was consistently searching outside myself for answers, rarely looking inward. Ultimately, while others might judge us, what truly matters is our self-perception.

Years were spent in anger and resentment. I lashed out at my wife over our struggles, neglecting to reflect on my own actions. I was upset with the world for its injustices, all the while failing to recognize that I was mistreating myself. Oh, the unfairness of existence and its harsh realities.

When someone reacts with hostility, it is invariably a sign they are not managing their own issues.

Well, I’m finally addressing my own matters.

The era of toxic codependency has passed. The days of prioritizing others' opinions above my own are over. No longer will I suppress my thoughts and feelings or seek validation from others, nor will I struggle to articulate my needs.

You know that advice on airplanes about securing your own mask first? There’s a reason for that.

My classification as "average" hindered my ability to embrace self-love, which, in turn, stifled my capacity to love others fully. I take pride in who I am becoming and eagerly anticipate my future accomplishments. I no longer harbor anger towards myself or resentment toward those around me. I am committed to being a source of love in the world, spreading it as far as my words can reach.

Though I may be normal, I am anything but average.

Chapter 2: Discovering the Power Within

The first video, "Not Your Average Superhero," explores the journey of personal transformation and the realization of one's unique strengths.

The second video, "Not Your Average Superhero" (A Harker Film Club Production; Director's Cut), delves deeper into the themes of self-acceptance and the courage to embrace individuality.