Even Heroes Need Saving

Finding the Tribe That Brings Out Your Inner Hero

To wrap up Superman Week, and in the spirit of the Tribal Member archetype, I think it's important to recognize Superman’s greatest strength — the people in his life whom he trusts and works alongside.

Throughout the long-running show Smallville, Clark is incredibly careful about who he reveals his secret to, knowing full well how that knowledge can put his loved ones in danger. This fear once led him to believe that solitude was his destiny — that in order to fulfill his purpose and protect those he cares about, he had to walk the path alone.

But both Smallville and the newer Superman stories show us something different: that it's not about going solo — it’s about finding the right people who support you as you support them.

Another common criticism of the new Superman movie is that he doesn’t seem as strong — that he's constantly needing to be saved by others, whether it's Lois, the “Justice Gang,” Mr. Terrific, Jimmy, or even the super dog, Krypto.

But to me, that doesn’t make him weak. In fact, a Superman who’s impervious to everything wouldn’t make for a very interesting story. Without struggle, there’s no depth — no reason to care. For years, Kryptonite was his one and only weakness, and they just had to keep figuring out new ways to slip it into the plotline - but by introducing new forms of vulnerability, the story becomes more layered and complex.

What this actually shows is that despite being the strongest man on the planet, the people in his life are his greatest strength. Even Superman needs a tribe. Even Superman needs love, loyalty, and support to rise. And the love in his life gives him the strength and courage to do what he needs to do.

Throughout Superman’s storylines, there’s often the question: Are the people in his life a liability? But in this new movie — and especially in Smallville — there’s no question. Without the people he loves, from his adoptive parents to his closest friends, he wouldn’t be Superman. They aren’t his weakness — they’re his foundation.

The key is in finding the right puzzle pieces — the people with whom you can be your authentic self, where your purposes align in harmony, and where trust, respect, and loyalty move hand in hand.

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Over the last year, as I’ve mentioned, I’ve spent a lot of time in isolation. But that space has been a blessing — it’s helped me return to myself. I’ve been able to reclaim my thoughts, call my energy back, and reconnect with the version of me I had buried beneath other people’s expectations. And all of this has helped me better understand how I want to return into the world and help in the way that I can.

I’ve taken time to reflect — on where I’ve gone wrong, who I may have hurt, and where I truly want to go from here. And in that process, I’ve realized something: over the years, I’ve contorted parts of myself — sometimes consciously, sometimes unconsciously — just to make others around me feel more comfortable.

But here’s the thing: I’m not even sure it worked. Because deep down, I knew I wasn’t being true to who I really am.

It’s not that I’ve ever faked friendships or pretended to like people — if I don’t vibe with someone, it’s usually pretty obvious (which might just be my kryptonite). But I’ve definitely stayed quiet about my own values at times, just for the sake of comfort or convenience. And honestly, that doesn’t help anyone — not me, and not the people around me.

Lately, I’ve pushed people away — and maybe I should have explained why before going quiet. But the truth is, I didn’t fully understand it myself. I haven’t been the best friend lately… but I also haven’t been in the best place. And I didn’t want to drag anyone else into the heaviness I’ve been carrying.

One of my toxic traits is believing I can rebuild my life — and find new community — anywhere I go. And while that may be true, I’m beginning to see the beauty in repairing and tending to the roots I already have. There are beautiful bonds I’ve let wither that I’d like to nurture again — not because I need to, but because I want to.

My tribe will always begin with my family. They’ve shown me unconditional love, even when they don’t fully understand me (which, to be honest, is often). But now, I’m ready to find a tribe that does — people who share my values, see me clearly, and support me without competition, confusion, or hidden agendas. And I’ll show up for them the same way — openly, honestly, and wholeheartedly.

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Last week, I saw that man from the park again — the one who once shared with me that he had lost his wife and child in the war. I had always hoped to bump into him again, just to see how he was doing. But when I saw him this time… I walked the other way.

It breaks my heart to admit it, and I feel like such a terrible person for doing so, but there’s been a shift in me. Over the years, I’ve become more cautious around men I just meet — especially when I’m alone. In the past, I’ve tried to be friendly, open, and kind — just offering genuine human connection. But too often, that friendliness has been mistaken for flirtation. And when I didn’t reciprocate, some of those men became aggressive or entitled. It left a mark and has changed the way I interact with the world.

So now, I notice myself keeping my distance. Even when my heart wants to connect, a quiet voice inside says, “Be careful.” And I listen.

I miss being able to speak freely, to connect with anyone without second-guessing how I’ll be perceived. And sometimes, I think… maybe if I had a partner I could trust, or a close-knit tribe around me, I’d feel safer stepping into connection again.

We were never meant to navigate life alone. And the right tribe doesn’t just empower you — they protect your ability to love freely.

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This past year has humbled me, healed me, and helped me come home to myself. I’ve seen where I’ve dimmed my light, where I’ve stayed quiet to keep the peace, and where I’ve lost pieces of myself trying to make others feel comfortable. But no more.

I don’t want to be someone who hides. I don’t want to be someone who holds back love, or avoids connection, or contorts myself into something I’m not. I want to find the people who see me — the ones who celebrate authenticity, who value truth over pretense, and who understand that real strength isn’t about standing alone, but standing together.

So here’s to the tribe I haven’t fully met yet, but already feel in my heart. And here’s to the one that’s already here — in every kind word, every honest conversation, and every shared vision of a better world.

If you’re reading this and it resonates… maybe you’re part of it too. 🌀💙

Happy Sunday, Fam! One Love Always!