Stephanie Staples presents...The everyday hero concept

I couldn’t help it. My daughter told me not to, my husband told me not to, but I did it anyway. I called the wrong number back, on
purpose.

But it wasn’t just any wrong number, it was Anthony.

I had tried to call a client a few days prior and discovered I had dialed the wrong number.

“Sorry to bother you,” I said to the elderly gent on the other end of the line.

“Oh dear, it’s no bother; in fact, this is the highlight of my day. I am 91 and I’m just sitting on my porch and I haven’t talked to anyone all day. It’s so nice to hear your voice!”

He left me speechless, I knew I only had a nanosecond to decide what to do: say ‘thanks’ and hang up or engage this man in a conversation and try to make a positive difference in his day.

What would you do?

I asked him his name and told him mine and we talked about life and love like we are old friends. His voice was so delightful that not only could I feel his spirit and energy right through the telephone wires, I could feel mine being lifted. He absolutely and totally made my day.

Some people think that to be a hero, you must literally donate a body part, start a foundation, travel to a third world country or rescue someone
from the Red River. That would be an occasional hero, doing an unrepeatable act: wonderful, but rare.

You and I have an opportunity: we can be everyday heroes. Each day presents us with countless opportunities to make a positive difference. It
may be by standing up for someone when they are being belittled, inviting someone new to our lunch table or picking up some litter. No matter
our age, wage or station in life, we can start looking for the chance to be an everyday hero.

My conversation with Anthony allowed me to be a hero that day, but as so often happens when you do good, you get so much more back in return. I felt like I gave a nickel, got back a loonie and was thanked for the transaction. I have talked to Anthony many more times since I dialed that wrong number and in fact, we have even met in person. He is a beautiful and insightful soul who taught me the secret of life.

This holiday season, as you celebrate with your family and friends, consider starting a conversation about how you can, either individually or as a group, be an everyday hero in 2011. Trust me: it will help you live Your Life, Unlimited!

Stephanie Staples lives locally but speaks internationally about living your life with full gusto. Anthony’s story is condensed from her soon-to-be-released book, When Enlightening Strikes. For more life views you can use, visit www.YourLifeUnlimited.ca. If you want to see Anthony reveal the secret of life, visit ‘Stephanie Staples presents…Your Life Unlimited’ on Facebook; it's magical!