Welcome to Day 76 of the Wellbeing 9-a-Day blog! Yesterday, we considered the fifth stage of the Hero’s Journey, The Ordeal, where the Hero passes through their darkest moment to be transformed by what they have learned in the Special World. In today’s blog, I move onto the sixth stage of the Hero’s Journey, Claiming the Reward.
Claiming the Reward
Ultimately, the Hero’s Journey is about claiming the reward.
Whether it is a new skill or new way of looking at the world, the reward is the reason you face the trials and go through The Ordeal.
To claim the reward, you must reach beyond your ego, your imagination, your community, even your humanity. This is the only way to achieve the inexhaustible power of recognising that you are part of something greater.
In a Bond movie, this is where 007 escapes the villain’s grasp and gets the item or information that he needs to complete his mission.
In Beauty and the Beast, Belle and the Beast come together as one, culminating in a wonderful dance where both transform together.
When learning a new skill in life, Claiming the Reward is when you become consciously competent. Though there is still a way to go before the skill is a part of you, you have reached the point where you are able to do it well.
By claiming the reward, the transformed Hero finds a new profound truth or way of being in the world. They discover a different destiny or sense of self.
The Hero can now do things that were previously out of their reach. They have gained a new skill, learned new knowledge, or found a new way of being.
The Hero has found the answer to the problem that sent them on their journey in the first place – now all they need to do is bring it home.
The Transformed Hero
The journey of learning new knowledge and skills enhances the character of the Hero to the point where they become more competent at tackling the issues that stand before them.
Through the transformations, the Hero can overcome things they never thought they would be able to, mustering the strength to overcome their inner demons and claim the reward they seek.
The reward could be the acquisition of skills, knowledge, wisdom, money, respect, or anything the Hero may need for the next part of their life’s journey.
The Hero finds a new profound truth or way of being in the world, or a different destiny or sense of self.
The Hero can now do what was previously beyond their reach, but the Hero’s Journey is not complete until they re-integrate the reward into their Ordinary World.
Call to Action!
Think back to Hero’s Journeys from your past. What rewards have you been able to claim? By reflecting on your successes of the past, you can increase your confidence for having more successes in the future.
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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