Our keynote speaker at Credit Congress in May, Brett Culp, is an independent film maker. His livelihood is to go about finding and sharing inspiring stories of those who are making the world a better place through personal triumphs, community service, raising awareness of needs and money for charity. Through his work he shows us that there is still a lot of good in the world.

Many of us find ourselves being uplifted by these stories. We probably hold admiration for those who have achieved so much. It might cause you to take a look at yourself and think "I could never do something like that." I know that is what I often do. Does this mean that I don't want to make the world I live in a better place?

Of course not, but where would I even begin. I am just an ordinary person. I am not a hero.

But what is a hero? When you think of a hero does your mind go to a superhero, a war hero or someone that has done the unimaginable? That is what I thought when the word hero came up, but I learned that a hero can be anyone. You and I can be heroes.

Okay, I know that sounds great. Who wouldn't want to be a hero? However, I am guessing at this point you still aren't convinced that you can be one. I get it, it is just a bunch of words on a page.

What I learned is that being a hero doesn't mean that you must do something monumental. You can be a hero through everyday simple acts. I am a hero when I visit my elderly neighbor who lives alone and doesn't get much company. I am a hero when I teach my children. I am a hero at work when I help someone solve a problem. I am a hero when I am a listening ear to a friend. I am a hero when I try something new that is out of my comfort zone. I am a hero when I believe in myself.

There are a myriad of opportunities to be a hero each day. We just need to act on them. Your action will allow you to join the hero ranks. We all have within us what it takes. We are heroes!