I’ve almost grown to expect adversity around every corner, greeting it like an old friend. In my life I’ve had my fair share, and looking back it’s almost comical how in every instance I learn from adversity a valuable lesson shaping my character for the next season of life. It is as if it happens on purpose, like it has been scripted by an author creating a hero’s journey.
The Hero’s Journey
The hero’s journey is a template for all great heroic stories. Setting the scene with the main character’s inspiration to act upon their dream, setting out on an adventure, passing through a threshold, connecting with mentors, meeting challenges and inevitable adversity, and experiencing a dramatic loss of some sort until a rebirth is staged. The hero’s transformation is complete (My high school english teachers would be so proud ha!)
The truth, we are all on our hero’s journey once we decide to act on our purpose and start making strides to live an inspired life. It would be silly to think that once we decided to begin acting on our dreams that we wouldn’t be met with some sort of adversity or resistance, and usually the bigger the dream the more resistance we meet.
How to Learn From Adversity?
It’s so easy to continue to want the next big thing, the next step in life, the next promotion, the next (fill in the blank). We want to be done with the hero’s journey, to see the finished product, and finally be at ease. This desire is increased when we continue to work harder and harder to get there. Work ethic isn’t the issue which is stressful because we think it’s the only thing we control, especially in that moment of frustration.
Have you ever felt like you have wanted something so bad, worked so hard, and it has never come to fruition? Or you might be there right now.
Maybe the chapter of the story you’ve been in isn’t about breaking through and transforming yet. Maybe the chapter you’re in is about learning to be patient, humbling yourself, breaking free from social norms, and redefining your values. Maybe your rebirth is right around the corner, but in order to get there you have to first gain new perspective.
Instead of putting our heads down and grinding out the day, we can begin to switch the mindset and that can make all the difference.
Instead of saying, “I want… I want… I want…” now say, “I’m willing…”
Willing to be patient in the moment. Willing to learn from adversity which you are facing. Willing to perfect specific skills you need. Willing to continue to build a stronger character for the next season of your life. These are all things we can control. It is our attitudes and not just our work ethic. It’s about understanding the situation, accepting the challenge, and overcoming adversity with a peaceful and supported mindset of continued self-discovery and personal growth.
The hero’s journey has taught me a lot about what to expect and endure in my own life. Plotting out my own scenes, trusting that through tough times a revelation and transformation is surely on its way.
I’m willing.
I’m willing to be patient, and trust that God’s timing is perfect. I’m willing to humble myself in the moment. I’m willing to learn from adversity.
“I’ve prayed about calming the storms in my life. But maybe the storms aren’t supposed to be to calmed yet. A sailors skills are perfect in still waters, but are learned to be mastered through rough waves.” – Zachariah Thompson