Jamie's Corner: Superhuman Feats!

What is Jamie’s Corner? 

Jamie's Corner is a humorous look at life, in particular my life. 

In the movies, I am not the elegant lady that walks down the stairs and charms her guests with grace and beauty. I am the one that trips on her gown, spills wine on her new dress and tries to carry on a conversation with spinach stuck in between her teeth. Years ago, it used to affect my sense of self and make my depression worse. But I no longer see it that way. A writer once told me anything that does not go smoothly in life makes for a good story. I agree. And I have lots of stories.

View the full archive of Jamie's Corner here.

My story this week: Jamie and Superhuman Feats!

We are always amazed at those who have talents and abilities that we ourselves do not possess.

Someone who does not have the natural inclination to draw tends to admire anyone else with this talent. The same is true for singers, dancers, scientists, and sports figures. For me, since I am somewhat limited on what I am able to do physically, I am amazed by those who do not have the same limitations. 

Fortunately, I have had a couple times in my adult like where I was able to do what I wanted. I am grateful for the opportunity. But I sure miss it! I don’t remember what it feels like. I just remember I liked it. Today, I was able to walk from the parking lot to my doctor's office (a few hundred steps and up a slight incline) with a lot less pain than usual. I was very excited. 

Therefore, I am amazed at the superhuman feats some people possess. Years ago, I used to stare in awe at a co-worker of mine who participated in triathlons. Not only triathlons but the biggest one of them all, the Ironman. She prepped for many months before completing an Ironman in Hawaii. And not only did she compete, but she came within the first half of the contestants. No last place for this girl. I looked at what she ate, what she drank, how she trained. Fortunately, I don't think she realized I paid this close attention. Otherwise, she might have taken out a restraining order on me. 

But I have noticed that as time passes, and it is harder for me to do some of the more basic things I would like, that my definition of “superhuman” has become, well, less stringent. No longer does it just refer to those performing feats you don’t normally see on an everyday basis. 

Fast forward a few years and no longer do only near professional and professional level athletes count as superhuman. Anyone participating in a sport on a regular basis held my admiration and met my definition. I would stare at them and wonder how come their bodies allowed them to perform such feats. And, of course, I admired their dedication to their sport. Just add a cape and they could be the next Superman or Superwoman!

 

Go ahead a little further into the future and now anyone jogging on the sidewalk was exceptional in my book. Even if it was clear that this was their first time jogging since 6th grade physical education class.  Watch out, Captain America or The Flash, you have competition. 

Currently, my definition of a herculean person is even broader. Anyone who can remain active all week and still do activities on the weekend meets this definition. 

By next month, my definition of superhuman or extraordinary will be anyone who can go to more than 2 grocery stores in a single day. 

If that is you, please stand up, I will be awarding you your medal.