September Newsletter: Apotheosis
As a result of confrontation, the hero gains a profound understanding of their purpose or skill.
Armed with this new ability, the hero prepares for the most difficult part of the adventure.
Happy September!
I just got back from Europe! I went to Amsterdam and Brussels for one of my best friend’s 40th birthday. To be honest, I considered not going. When I booked, I considered canceling.
Why you may ask … the truth is, facing doubts and fears is exhausting and I was worried about being a wet blanket. When I sat and thought of how this friend has always supported me and loved me unconditionally at my best and worst, I knew I had to go.
It was the second decade celebration we’ve shared since meeting in 2011 and I needed to do something I was scared of. I worried about my luggage getting damaged, my passport getting lost, or literally being kidnapped because I had a different hotel than the group. The first flight was delayed and I was immediately discouraged. Then when I landed, I realized how far my hotel was from everyone else.
I had looked at the driving distance instead of walking distance before booking. (enter facepalm meme) but it was all worth it when we met for dinner and got to chatting, catching up and chuckling together.
Nine of us arranged busy lives and schedules to be in one place at one time to celebrate someone we all hold dear. There was a level of divine orchestration in that moment. It reopened my eyes to synchronicities and reminded me of my belief in destiny and fate.
Since I was a kid, I always felt I was meant to do something special with my existence. This belief was motivation when challenges arose. This is a speed bump, not an obstacle. A mantra of encouragement.
In recent years, a lot has felt like outright obstacles, walls keeping me trapped in places I no longer want to be. It felt like suffocation. I’d forgotten my own power. This was on full display during this trip.
On the final night (after a few hours on a train back to a bustling airport), I changed my hotel last minute. I was exhausted and wanted to conclude the commute. That night, I got to sit with my very best friend at the hotel bar holding back tears over my Heineken and her Malbec. We talked about the distance between us, because life be life-ing, and how she was pleasantly surprised I traveled out.
That moment was everything. I came back with a simple truth - I am loved. This love inspires me to continue living my purpose despite my fear.
"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear." ― Nelson Mandela
What scares you? What can you gain from doing the thing anyways?
Writing Updates:
Novel - Chapter 2 In Progress Final Edits & Chapter 3 In Progress Major Drafting
