August 20: The Hero’d Journey

 I love this truth—this idea—this story common in almost all world cultures and traditions. I loved learning about The Hero’s Journey in college and loved teaching it when I taught high school. But I love most applying it to my own life and teaching my kids to do the same. My sweet boys are heroes. Ryan is a hero. Each of us is in a journey. I am even a hero. And we have many obstacles to defeat. But we learn. And we grow and we come back home with stories to tell and retell and wisdom to share. I love my life even though I am sometimes dissatisfied or wish for more or different. I have all that I need right here. I am doing better than I usually think I am. I don’t need to always be worried. Now is the only moment I can do anything about. So make now as good as you can. Love the best you can in each moment. Ask the questions. Ask again and again , “What does love look like here and now?”  

Michael has a rough day. Fell apart a bit at our home before dnd. Not sure all the layers to it. But he is suffering. How can I help? What does love look like today? It looked like wallpapering some of Peter’s room. And fixing up James’ and William’s. We took the bunk beds apart—Ryan and the boys did and now James is in Peter’s old room right latched in to William’s room. And Peter is just across the hall. They seem happy and comfortable. With clean sheets and clean rooms. And Peter’s wallpaper will look amazing when it’s done. Love looks like feeding my family after going to Costco. It looks like giving Anna a big hug. It looks like taking the kids to the library and to get a treat so Mike could talk to the crisis workers that came to our home. And it looked like prayers and talking and watching a Bluey. 

That has been my journey today. Learning to love and learning again.