The internet is making everyday people celebrities and heroes. First we had “Chewbacca Mom.” Now we have the Hot Dog Princess. You can read about her “heroic” effort here. As Mashable puts it:

It was recently princess week at five-year-old Ainsley’s dance studio, so, naturally, Ainsley dressed as her favorite princess: a hot dog.

People loved it because Ainsley expressed her individuality rather than conforming with the crowd. If you look at the photos taken that day all the other girls are dressed in the traditional way you would expect a little to dress as a princess. But not Ainsley. She’s dressed as a hot dog. She has become internet famous. Her dad says it was all her idea.

Let’s just admit for a moment that using the word “heroic” for a little girl dressed as a hot dog is a bit of hyperbole. The word “heroic” ought to be saved for people who risk their lives in our defense. But in terms of expressing her originality, Ainsley might just be a minor hero. She knows who she is and she’s not afraid to express it.

One of the things that I’ve enjoyed about spending time in Nashville, where our son lives, is that it is filled with people who aren’t afraid to express their individuality and originality. It’s a city filled with artists. Folks there have come to expect unique tattoos, eccentric styles of dress, and an artsy flair in the people they encounter. I have always respected and admired people courageous enough to be themselves.

I appreciate it when people wear their creativity on their sleeve…sometimes literally. That might mean dressing like a hot dog during princess week, or it might mean wearing skinny jeans, a t-shirt, and a baseball hat.

Being heroic like the Hot Dog Princess means not being afraid to express who you are. Life is too short to conform only because you’re concerned about what other people think.

So here’s how to be heroic like the Hot Dog Princess:

• Have a little flair
• Buy that hat
• Take a leap into an endeavor you’ve always longed for
• Try something new
• Take a selfie doing something fun
• Join Snap Chat and make some creative videos
• Get out of your comfort zone
• Be in touch with who you really are
• Express it
• Get a (gulp) tattoo

It’s OK to be who you are. Don’t be afraid to show it. People might even call you “heroic.”

How will you express your individuality today?