We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. To read more about our affiliate program click here

I’m a HUGE fan of all the Marvel/Avengers movies that have come out in the last few years. I’m a total sucker for a good superhero story. I especially love how each of the characters have pretty big flaws that make them human.

As a kid I used to love playing superheroes with my friends. Back then we were all about being X-Men. We’d make costumes and props and play for hours in my back yard.

Why is it that people of all ages are so drawn to super heroes?

It’s a bajillion dollar (OK, I don’t know the actual amount lol) industry. 

I believe we all need heroes–someone who is going to inspire us and offer a moral compass.

We need powerful role-models who show that life comes with troubles, and hardships, enemies and danger, but always ends well.

As long as the hero doesn’t give up, victory is possible.

We need heroes because they allow us to choose our own Hero’s Journey.

What is the Hero’s Journey?

The hero’s journey consists of  3 major stages:

Stage 1: Departure

This stage starts with the hero’s call to adventure. Sometimes this is initiated by a traumatic incident, such as the kidnapping of Tony Stark. Other times the call comes from a third party inviting them to join a cause, such as Captain America fighting the Nazis. 

In the beginning the hero usually resists the call. Change is scary, darn it! 

Then they come across someone wise and inspiring who becomes a mentor. For example Nick Fury convincing Iron Man to join the Avengers and subsequently Tony Stark then motivating Spiderman to join. Once the hero feels supported and guided, he is ready to start the journey.

The hero then has to cross their first threshold. In other words they have to take an actual step into the unknown. 

Crossing that threshold is usually met with a “belly of the whale” moment. This is a point at which the hero feels alone, forgotten, or like success is impossible 

Stage 2: Initiation

This is where the hero begins to change. They choose to fight their way out of their personal whale belly. 

As they fight through their personal trials there are a few different events that are similar in most hero stories. They include meeting with a goddess (female savior of some sort), being tempted away from the path by the other side, and a reconciliation with a father figure.

Once they fight their way through their various tests and trials they are deemed “worthy” and receive some sort of great honor. This is usually followed by achieving a great victory.

Stage 3: Return

At first most heroes resist the return. They may find a reason to continue the fight. Accepting that the fight is over can be difficult. Often in order to return home they must be saved from their own desire to stay in the fight by an outside source. For example think of Hulk refusing to return to Earth until Thor arrives to convince him to become Banner again.

Upon their return the hero is recognized for their achievements and they finally give themselves permission to return to their “normal” life. 

Life, however, can never go back to the old normal again. The hero has been fundamentally changed by their adventure and now can move on to an even higher level of existence as they continue forward in life. They are now called to share their learning and discoveries with others in order to change the world. 

Why Should the Hero’s Journey Matter to You?

So why am I talking your ear off about heroes? It’s not like WE have any real superpowers right?

Every single one of us feels the call to embark on our own hero’s journey at some point in our lives. We can never feel peace in our lives if we resist our journey through fear or uncertainty. We will always resent ourselves for the path not taken. 

I believe that the only way to find true joy and peace in life is to not only embrace our hero’s journey, but to actively seek it out. We must run full force into the storm and welcome it. 

If you are on this blog chances are you were thrust into your journey against your will due to the actions of your partner. Life may feel out of control. You may feel anger and resentment at them for changing your life. 

You now have a choice. Do you want to be the victim or the victor?

You can’t change what’s happened to you. You CAN choose to take your hero’s journey with faith that what’s on the other side will be worth fighting for. 

That is what I did the day I walked on fire.

Embracing the Shero’s Journey

You now have the choice to become your own Shero. You don’t need a white knight to save you, because you are going to save yourself.

I am here, holding out my hand, begging you to join me on this journey. The mentor has arrived! (I thoroughly enjoy picturing myself as the female Nick Fury lol)

It won’t be easy. You will have to face many demons. Trauma, insecurity, distrust, fear, and uncertainty will be your constant companions. They will try to take you down. At times you will want to quit. 

You will also be armed with the tools you need to defeat these demons. The knowledge of betrayal trauma will be your sword. Healthy boundaries will be your shield. An army of warrior women will be the light guiding your way down the path. 

You will change. You will have to surrender your innocence. You will have to find forgiveness. You may lose friends and family who won’t support you on your journey.

You can’t go back to the days before betrayal. Life will never be the same, but it can be better. You get to decide if you stay locked in your current prison or if you choose to cross the threshold and do the work to become your own Shero.

In the end you will be equipped to reach down and shine a light for other warrior women to follow you as they embark on their own Shero’s Journey. Together we WILL change the world.

Are you with me? Are you ready to step into the dark and fight your way back to being the you that God created you to be?

I’m Ready, Now What?

Well, time to get walking!

First, check out my post “4 Simple Steps for Betrayal Trauma Recovery” for more on how to get started on the journey. 

Second, sign up for my mailing list (box down below) to be notified when my “Healing Heartwork” course goes live. It will teach you how to turn your own life into a Shero’s journey. 

Finally, come join the Muchness Mamas Facebook group so we can all cheer you on and support you in your journey!