THE HERO’S JOURNEY

Looking ahead at 2005, it might seem hard to be both optimistic and realistic at the same time. Still, if forced to choose between the two, I suggest optimism. As the old adage goes, optimists and pessimists are both right about half the time, only optimists have more fun.

Fun is what I want in 2005. And yet, life can be so serious. I picked up a book last week about the Hero’s journey. It turns that out each of us is on one of these solitary quests. Now that is serious business. Does it sound fun to you? I don’t think so.

I like my little life and its creature comforts. Living the hero’s journey sounds like I have to give it all up. Are heroes allowed to whine? Probably not. Are they allowed to live less than their full potential? It’s unlikely. Sounds like a lot of work to me.

In mythological terms, the alternative to being a hero is to be a clown. Now that sounds like fun. Sadly though, a clown is someone that does not achieve their purpose in life from lack of effort or skill. The clown is funny because he fails at being the only thing he can be - himself. I would rather be a hero. Wouldn’t you?

Well, Joseph Campbell, (the guy who wrote the book) says that a hero’s journey is nothing more than discovering your bliss and living it. When you do, you live the life that has been waiting for you all along. You fail along the way because that is part of it. But you get up and keep going. When you ultimately discover your bliss and start living it, you give to the community in a way that only you can give. You fill a void that the universe has created only you to fill.

Following the hero’s journey may be the hardest job we ever take, but it leads to bliss. What more can we ask for?

Happy New Year! Have a great week.