Notes from a Psychologist
Dr. Mel Whitehurst

The purpose of Notes from a Psychologist is to encourage and inspire the spread of realistic optimism and hope.  Optimistic thinkers tend to be happier and healthier. I'll keep posting new ideas periodically.

“DID YOU EVER READ ABOUT A FROG WHO DREAMED OF A BEING A KING AND THEN BECAME ONE?” 

Just like the frog in Neil Diamond’s song, I dreamed of being a hero when I was a kid.  I imagined I was Gene Autry riding my horse chasing outlaws, Supper Man flying around everywhere saving people, Flash Gordon flying from planet to planet after Ming the Merciless, on and on with other idolized characters.  I really wanted to be a hero.  Unfortunately, my dream crashed, mainly because my definition of an all-powerful hero never existed.

Heros have no magical powers.  They are ordinary people, who act courageously and selflessly in catastrophe situations.  They are ordinary people who stand up for what is right even at great personal risk.  They are ordinary people who do not harm others.  They ordinary people who do not go around “hating.”  They are ordinary people who family and friends can depend on.  The are ordinary people who always seem to be able to do the right thing.

There are a lot of heroes running around in this world unnoticed.  They pass by us every day, unseen.