It’s a valid question: What makes a person a hero? Is it untold bravery and fearlessness in the face of danger? Is it a firmness of purpose? Unshaken resolve? A willingness to beat the overwhelming odds?
A hero is an everyday person who goes beyond what he or she knows to face an unintended journey, and undergoes a catharsis during the process. A person does not start out as a hero—the journey reveals the characteristics of a hero. Throughout the journey, the hero may be frightened, may resist and rage, may falter repeatedly, and at times may collapse into near defeat.
A hero slides slowly into the role. A hero may not see himself or herself as determined or courageous, yet with each fall, he or she finds a way to stand back up again. With each heartbreaking challenge, they find a way to dedicate themselves to a course of action.
A hero does not necessarily take a cheerful, positive view of the setbacks, misfortunes, and fear incurred with the journey. Yet the hero finds a way to face the crisis that surrounds them. Despite a lack of hope, despite being afraid, and despite being unable to guarentee a future successful outcome, the hero acts when there is a need. The hero wakes up each day and somehow faces the challenges that lie in wait.
Heroes are not born heroes. Little by little, throughout the journey they transform and grow. Only at the end of the journey do they awaken to become a new being. As the hero emerges, they re-enter life born anew. They are now wiser, with new strengths, knowledge, insights, and higher truths. The journey itself brought true success as the hero now possesses a raised consciousness, knowing who he or she really is, deep inside, and a willingness to be true to that person.
If you are currently going through a difficult time in life–perhaps attempting to rise above a weight challenge, move beyond an addiciton, overcome depression, or step into a higher position in life–consider yourself on your own Hero’s Journey.
Few people will see you as heroic as they witness your struggles, challenges, and failed attempts. They see the crying, the fear, and the exhausted overwhelm. They witness the panic and the belief that you really can’t handle your challenges.
No matter what others think, facing your major life’s challenges puts you on your own “hero’s journey.” It is your determined and courageous journey to release weighty fears and evolve into new cycles. You may not yet see yourself as heroic, persistent, and courageous, but you will. The resources needed to navigate your difficult journey emerge moment by moment. With each step, emotional courage, fortitude, and spirit are waiting to show themselves in your life.
No matter where you are on your journey, take a deep breath and know that your adventure is important. You are a hero…you just might not know it yet.
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Excellent post!
thank you so much for making me aware of such articles like the one above
It is comforting and adds to my ever growing confidence in myself. I am on a road where there is light at the end of the tunnel and there is no turning back I will reach my destination and sooner than I first imagined.
Hi Genevieve,
I am happy that you can see the light at the end of the tunnel!
A big turning point in my life came when I heard myself saying that I was close to reaching my destination. It was just up the road, around the next curve. Then I realized that this path of conscious awareness that I was on didn’t really have an end. There was always going to be a new experience to embody, something to let go of, or something new to learn. I was playing a game with myself, always waiting for life to be better or different than it currently was. It was time to stop waiting to reach the light, and start living even if things weren’t “perfect.” This decision helped me realize that I was the light.
Thanks for sharing your comments, and thanks also for letting me share my story. Sending much love!
Hi Annette, I love the picture!
“A hero is an everyday person who goes beyond what he or she knows…”
I really like that definition of a hero. Heroes are not born but grow. Great stuff. Thanks for sharing it with us
Stephen – Rat Race Trap´s last blog ..An Optimal Balance to Your Life
Hello Stephen…Just read your blog post “An Optimal Balance to Your Life” and loved it! We can be hero’s of our own journey, but trying to be “perfect” doesn’t really get us anywhere.