"It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to." ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
Mythology has always held a special place in my heart, serving as a bridge between our mundane reality and a world filled with magic and heroism. And today, we journey into the realm of the Odyssey, for after every personal Iliad, an Odyssey inevitably follows.
From ancient myths to modern literature, stories of heroes have always stirred our souls. Why, you may wonder, do these tales of perilous journeys and triumphant returns resonate so deeply within us? The truth is, these stories stir something innate and powerful in our hearts: the call to awaken the Hero within us.
Our fascination with heroes, I believe, stems from our yearning to glimpse our own heroic potential. We dream of receiving that letter from Hogwarts, discovering our father's lightsaber, or standing alongside Gandalf on the threshold of a grand adventure. We long for these moments because they give us a taste of our true identity — Heroes!
As a child, I was captivated by Lloyd Alexander's books about Taran's travels. One story that remains etched in my memory is when an old shepherd deceives Taran into believing he's his long-lost father, thus thwarting his journey. I remember breaking down into tears over Taran's suppressed potential. At that tender age, I couldn't fully grasp why this instance of treachery moved me so deeply, but it's a sentiment I've carried with me into adulthood.
Our lives, in many ways, mirror Taran's plight. Born in the fog of oblivion, our heroic path often lies concealed, leaving us to fumble in the darkness. But how do we awaken from this state? By taking action.
Look to your favorite heroes and study their journey. They act - they make choices, they stumble, they rise, they evolve. It's these actions that distinguish them and ultimately transform them into Heroes. We're all capable of such transformation.
We're always acting, but it's the intentional actions - the ones that propel our personal narrative, mirror our inner Hero, and hint at something divine - that make a difference. These are the actions that lead to magical moments in life: finding that last parking spot on a busy day, receiving an unexpected job offer, or getting a clean bill of health from a medical test. They might seem trivial, but these are the echoes of our hero's journey telling us we're on the right path.
As we embark on our heroic journey, there's no room for unconscious habits. Can you picture Heracles pausing his labor to light a cigarette? Or Theseus too absorbed in his social media feed to change his sail? It's absurd, isn't it? And yet, aren't we guilty of similar follies?
Take the first step, no matter how small, towards embracing the image of the Hero. Don't hesitate. Shed what makes you ridiculous in this guise. The path is laid out before you, waiting for your journey to begin. Embrace the trials, the tribulations - they are what forge a Hero. Remember, your actions will gradually transform into deeds and, eventually, into feats.
May your Hero's journey be filled with wonder and joy, illuminated by love and gratitude. Start with one step, one action. The road is before you, beckoning you forth. Become the Hero of your own Odyssey. Don’t delay, act!
With love and gratitude, Nik ❤️
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