How to Find Inspiration in Our Own Stories

Stories have the power to captivate us and shape our lives, but have you ever wondered why that is? Do you remember the last story you heard? What about the last one you told a friend or colleague?

Human beings have been telling each other stories for countless generations. One of the oldest records of storytelling dates back 44,000 years. We've come a long way from drawing paintings on cave walls, but our love for storytelling remains as strong. We write books, make art, and create narratives in our minds to understand the world and ourselves. We can't help ourselves. It's primal.

Research into centuries of storytelling has revealed a pattern in the tales that resonate with us most, a pattern that, if we look closely, we can find in our own seemingly-mundane lives. Joseph Campbell dubbed it the "Hero's Journey" and you'll likely recognise it in your favourite book or movie:

• Our hero, minding her business in her ordinary world, has her life disrupted by a significant trigger or event.
• She faces a call to adventure, her summons to venture into the unknown world ahead of her.
• She refuses the call, saying, "I'd rather not, thank you very much".
• Challenges arise, eventually forcing her to cross the threshold before her and confront her destiny.
• She embarks on her road of trials, facing varying obstacles.
• She eventually experiences an ordeal, confronting her adversary, who could be external, like a fire-breathing dragon, or internal, like childhood trauma.
• She emerges victorious and is transformed, now stronger, wiser, and better equipped to handle life's challenges.
• She settles into her new ordinary world, minding her own business, until a new trigger or event disrupts her life.

Think of Star Wars, Harry Potter, or Lord of the Rings. All these iconic stories follow this pattern. And if we pay close attention to our own lives and think back to significant, paradigm-shifting moments, we notice it. We are on our own Hero's Journey.

We get comfortable, enjoying a stable economy and social interactions. Then, an unexpected trigger or event—say, a pandemic—disrupts everything. We collectively think, "I'd rather not, thank you very much," until we realise there's no escape from lockdowns, economic downturns, and uncertainty.

Perhaps more challenges arise, like losing our job. We might wallow in self-pity, binge-watching Love Island reruns when it's a beautiful day out. One day, we look at ourselves in the mirror, realise that things can't carry on this way, and vow to change. We take action, learning new skills, fiercely hunting for a new job, or starting a business. We eventually overcome the ordeal and emerge stronger, wiser, and better equipped to handle life's challenges.

And then, the cycle continues.

We live and breathe stories without realising it. Recognising that we're on our own Hero's Journey helps reframe our lives and informs our decisions—numerous psychologists, such as Dr. Jonathan Young, have explored the impact of myth and story on our psychological well-being, supporting the idea that understanding our journeys can be transformative. When faced with our next call to adventure, we can be ready for it. We can embrace our journey, facing challenges and seizing opportunities as they appear before us.

Maya Angelou once said, "There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." So, take a moment to look back at the events in your life and identify your own Hero's Journey. Let your story be a testament to your resilience and ability to overcome obstacles. Let it inspire you to embrace your inner hero.

And who knows? One day, your story may inspire others to embark on their own heroic quests. After all, we all love a good story—especially one where we emerge as the hero.

Until next week,

Ric.

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