about the journey

The Hero’s Journey is a classic narrative pattern often utlized for stories where the main character goes through a significant transformation. Originally coined by Joseph Campbell, the archetype is built from both the analysis of storylines, but also his understanding of the human experience.

Understanding this helped me during my transformation journey. Not only did it help normalize my experience, but gave me the hope necessary to trust that there would be significant personal reward on the other side of the adversity.

A basic overview of Campbell’s structure:

Stage I: Departure (Separation)

• Ordinary World - The hero is introduced in their normal, everyday environment

• Call to Adventure - A disruption occurs that presents a challenge or quest

• Refusal of the Call - Scared or hesitant, the hero initially rejects the call

• Meeting the Mentor - The hero meets a older, wiser figure who provides training, equipment, advice, and guidance

• Crossing the First Threshold - Fully committed to the journey, the hero finally leaves their comfort zone and enters the unknown

Stage II: Initiation

• Tests, Allies, and Enemies - As they face challenges, the hero meets friends, and confronts villains

• Approach to the Innermost Cave - The hero and their allies prepare for a major challenge in a dangerous, unfamiliar place

• The Ordeal - Facing a massive crisis or deadly foe, the hero hits a metaphorical or literal rock bottom

• Reward (Seizing the Sword) - After surviving the ordeal, the hero finally claims their prize, magic item, or secret

Stage III: Return

• The Road Back - As they begin the journey back home, the hero must deal with the consequences of their actions

• Resurrection - In one final, ultimate test, the hero must use everything they have learned to achieve their final transformation

• Return with the Elixir - The hero returns to the ordinary world permanently, fundamentally changed, bringing wisdom or a reward to help their community

coming soon - my story of anguish and the journey to find my favorite self

coming soon - more from the literary world, but this time, regarding people - those we meet along the journey and what we can learn about ourselves

I love psychology - I always have. There’s something about understanding how our brains work to drive our behavior that intriquest me. As if, understanding the mind and behavior gives access to a secret world only the most curious know…

Using various measures, here’s what makes me unique.

The Campaigner - ENFP (Myers-Briggs/ 16Personalities)

• Curious, perceptive, enthusiastic

• Independent and creative

• Vibrant energy; free spirit

• Intense desire for meaningful, emotional connections with others

• Introspective and driven by imagination

• Struggles with self-discipline and consistency

• Good-natured, positive, excellent communicator

Creativity - Appreciation of Beauty & Excellence - Love of Learning - Curiosity - Bravery (Via Character Strengths)

• Three of my top strengths fall into the WISDOM category - these are cognitive strengths related to the acquisition and use of information (creativity, curiosity, love of learning)

• One strength (appreciation of beauty & excellence) is classified as TRANSCENDENCE - strengths that forge connections to the larger universe and provide meaning.

• My final strength (bravery) is categorized as Courage - emotional strengths that involve exercising will to accomplish goals, despite opposition

The Enthusiast - Type 7 (Enneagram)

• Extroverted, optimistic, versatile, spontaneous

• Playful, high-spirited, and practical, they can misapply their talents and become over-extended, scattered, and undisciplined.

• Constantly seek new and exciting experiences; can get distracted and exhausted from staying on the go.

• Enneagram 7 with an 8 wing > The Realist… the seven’s natural enthusiasm and optimism meet the determination and rampaging style of eight.