Something Bigger
/Remember to scroll down to the bottom of these emails - some new things are coming and I will announce them each week in that bottom section. Today, I'm announcing an in-person writing class offering that is super exciting!
In that last section, you will also see a reference to the Compassion Fix Community which is a group of women who tackle a new topic each month - these are smart, kind, interesting women who gather on zoom, or watch the videos later, to share deep conversations and insights. If you are interested in this, please join us! We have had new members join recently, so it is a new group with a great vibe and you won't be "the new one" - you can share your thoughts or just listen, it is a very compassionate group of great people. We would love to have your perspectives too!
Today's thought originated out of a discussion yesterday in that group. This month we are studying the work of Joseph Campbell was a theologian, philosopher, author who coined the term "hero's journey" as it appears in epic literature. George Lucas followed his work as he crafted Star Wars. JK Rowling's Harry Potter goes on a hero's journey. So does Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. In a nutshell, the pattern of these stories is a person is living a normal life, then gets an opportunity to grow by going on a new adventure, says "no thanks", then feels a strange pull toward saying "yes", has a mentor and helpers who show up to help, everything they need begins to align for the journey, they endure setbacks and trials, but all of this is getting them ready for the big moment when they save the day and realize their true power.
We see a hero in the story of most books we read, movies we watch, and shows we binge. A common theme is the main character who takes on a challenge, has setbacks, but in the end, becomes a better person by helping someone else. We see this over and over again. That is why Joseph Campbell gave it a name.
In our class yesterday, a few people shared that they aren't sure they are the hero in their own stories. We explored our images and beliefs about heroes. This is something I invite you to think about this week too...
"A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself."
These are the words of Joseph Campbell who says we are all heroes many times in our lives. You become a hero when you choose (or it is put upon you) to search deep within yourself to find the meaning of your true self and purpose. It means we leave our comfort zones to stretch ourselves and in doing so, we discover a new level of aliveness.
What is your Something Bigger?
Is it God, kindness, caring for someone, using your voice, sharing your story, helping to reduce suffering, giving hope, parenting, teaching, leading, guiding, writing, loaning, providing, inspiring, encouraging, helping...
Spend a few moments this week thinking about what you give yourself to that is bigger than yourself. Identifying this anchors us in purpose and meaning. Reflecting on your Something Bigger helps us get out of the weeds of everyday life and transcend into a life of meaning.
Beaming love to you on your journey,
Ginger
