Welcome to Day 32 of the Wellbeing 9-a-Day blog! Yesterday, we considered how the habits in Your Journey can help you set goals for a better future, be mindful in the present, and let go of bad habits from the past. In today’s blog, I want to take a closer look at the Hero’s Journey and how it can help you on your journey towards transformed health and wellbeing.
The Structure of the Hero’s Journey
The Hero’s Journey structure has been around for millennia, passed down for generations in the stories that humans tell each other. From Heracles to Harry Potter, many of the most popular stories follow this same structure.
Act 1
The Hero lives their normal life in the Ordinary World. Aware of a problem they must address, the Hero receives a call to adventure that they cannot ignore. Though they may refuse the call at first, they must then accept the call and cross the threshold into the Special World.
Act 2
The Hero faces a series of trials and tribulations as they come to terms with the Special World, making allies and enemies along the way. They are then transformed by an ordeal that threatens to derail their journey. Using what they have learned, the Hero is able to claim the reward that they seek.
Act 3
The Hero returns to their Ordinary World to solve the problem that sent them on their journey in the first place. They re-integrate with the people that they left behind and re-frame a new status quo for their life going forward.
An Example Hero’s Journey
So far, we have looked at the Hero’s Journey as an abstract concept. Now, let’s look at an example from real life – my journey of learning how to drive.
Act 1
I was a 27-year-old man who did not know how to drive. After running out of places to visit on public transport, I realised that it would be beneficial to learn how to drive, so that I could expand my horizons. I finally decided to start learning when I received money for lessons as a birthday gift.
Act 2
I struggled to learn the skills needed to drive safely while simultaneously learning the knowledge required to pass the theory test. Thinking I was ready, I booked my practical test, which I failed, and then failed again. Finding a new instructor, I took my third test and finally managed to pass.
Act 3
I got my certificate, and I started driving on my own in my mam’s car, continuing to learn from my mistakes. I bought my own car and integrated my new skill into my lifestyle, enabling me to enjoy the freedom of having a car. After a year of driving, I transformed into a competent driver, and in so doing transformed the world around me.
This Hero’s Journey took me from not being able to drive to being a competent driver on the roads.
It is a story of change that you will perhaps have experienced yourself. Knowing this structure can be incredibly helpful when you are going through the trials of life, or the ordeals that change always brings.
Call to Action!
Think back to a goal you have set that you did not complete. Where in relation to the Hero’s Journey did your progress end? Often, people give up during the trials or the ordeal, thinking that they can’t go on. In reality, these are essential phases of any story of meaningful change, and you must persist through these challenges if you are able to claim the reward that awaits you on the other side.
This blog was written as part of a 90-day blog writing fundraiser for Live Well with Cancer, a volunteer-led charity serving North Tyneside and the surrounding areas. If you enjoyed this blog, please show your appreciation by donating to my JustGiving page. Every penny raised from donations or sales of the journal will help deliver workshops, events and support groups that empower better health and wellbeing for those affected by cancer, including family, friends, carers, and healthcare workers.
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