Why Seemingly Small Actions Matter
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lao Tzu
That well-known quote truly says it all. And yet, I’ll try to expand upon it anyway.
Why Burnout Disconnects Us From Meaning
In my book, I discuss the period in my life that led me to my personal Hero’s Journey. At that time, I had just taken the management position at a residential treatment center. What should have been an amazing opportunity turned into my existential crisis. I was overworked, lacked the full support I needed, and it destroyed my relationship with my ex. In a way, my pursuit of purpose was pathological.
The Return Threshold in Recovery
In returning with their ultimate boon, the individual in recovery often has some idea of their goals. Now is the time to implement what they could not start while in treatment. They obtain a job, attend meetings, work on rebuilding and maintaining relationships. New relationships are formed as well. They move forward in the next stage of their life.
Reciprocal Mentorship and Mutual Growth
They saved each other. The relationship between Miles and Peter shows that mentorship does not always have to be a one-sided relationship. This is an example of what it means to be a part of a reciprocal mentorship.
Why Recovery Requires Community
Entire books can be written on the importance of relationships, so I won’t complete a full deep dive. I will, however, discuss the importance of relationships in regard to formation of the heroic identity. Allies have the ability to support the hero on their journey, even in ways they do not expect.
Releasing Your Doubt
Zenitsu is afraid. Really afraid. So fearful, in fact, that he will often be debilitated by it. It’s reasonable, of course, but inefficient for someone in his role. He doubts himself and his abilities. He often finds himself incapacitated in some way, either passing out or being knocked unconscious.
That is when he truly awakens.
The Bounty Hunter’s Call to Adventure
Today, I am preparing to see the new Star Wars movie, The Mandalorian and Grogu. As I anxiously await the next installment of our favorite galaxy far, far away, I find myself reminiscing on what is perhaps my favorite example of accepting the call to adventure in popular culture. This cinematic moment is in Episode 3 of The Mandalorian.
Why People Stay Stuck Even When They Want to Change
Yoda then closes his eyes and lifts his hands, pulling from the Force to lift the X-Wing, freeing it from the muck.
“I don’t, I don’t believe it.”
“That is why you fail.”
Artificial Aid: AI in the Age of the Everyday Hero
Navigating the mental health space, I read different perspectives on AI. From its benefits, its drawbacks. From how it’s helpful to how it’s harmful. Depending on who you ask, it may take the role of villain, ally, mentor, or useful tool. Some people love it, some hate it, others are afraid of it. In mental health work, specifically, opinions are polarizing. It’s very easy to see the benefits of AI, but at the same time, observe the harmful influence.
Cut the Rope
In considering the Call to Adventure, I find myself wondering… how do you train your dragon?
Abyss as Call and Crisis, not The End
My personal journey started with the Abyss. The Abyss, my hospitalization due to my suicidal thoughts, could also have been considered my Call to Adventure. However, in my journaling, I maintained separate journaling scenarios to demonstrate the Call to Adventure and the Abyss. My reason for this was to clearly describe and demonstrate the different stages of the Hero’s Journey.
The Everyday Hero
Acts of heroism don’t always need to entail intense physical feats to defeat our enemies. Nor are our enemies always physical, but they can be emotional within ourselves. The hero doesn’t need to seek to defeat others, but seeks to defeat self-doubt, criticism, and a lack of compassion within themselves.
Book Excerpt: Leaving the Abyss
In facing your Abyss, you have an opportunity to strive for a version of yourself that does not allow these moments to define you.
Recovery is Determined Inside the Belly of the Whale
It’s no secret that many individuals go into treatment when they either aren’t ready for change or have no desire to. They’ve crossed the threshold, accepted their call to adventure with outside influence. For some, it’s about fulfilling a requirement or staying out of jail. So, when a client goes to treatment because they are mandated to, how successful will they be? Does every client mandated for treatment simply leave early or coast through programs before going back to the way of life they know?