Be the hero.

If you ask me, one of the greatest movies of all time is Forrest Gump. If you ask my kiddo Jack, The Super Mario Bros. Movie is the greatest story of our time (and yes, we watched it again this weekend). Whether you prefer Jenny, Peaches, or you have another favorite movie pick... the story likely follows a fairly simple formula: a main character faces a major crisis. It pushes them to embark on an adventure and face the unknown. Eventually they return home victorious and changed. It’s the classic “hero’s journey.”

The hero in these stories is typically an average person, maybe even the underdog whose life circumstances would make it acceptable for them to crawl under their covers and hide forever. Forrest was rejected by most of his classmates. Mario’s entire family teased his failing business attempts. Both of these characters reach multiple points where they are faced with a decision to either sulk and hide, or to stand in their power and face an unknown adventure.

Much like Mario and Forrest, you might be facing your own dilemma. Maybe life sucker punched you yet again. Whether your ‘crisis’ is a botched handyman job on your house, facing a devastating diagnosis, a failed relationship and a broken heart, or any other small or big blow - it can feel like the world is just working against you, and that you are a victim of what life is throwing at you.

The Merriam Webster online dictionary defines victim as “a person or thing harmed, lost, or destroyed.” It defines hero a few different ways including: “the central figure,” “one with great strength or ability,” “warrior,” “one who shows great courage.” 

Here is the thing: no good story comes from remaining a victim.

You are the central character of your own life story. And you are writing your story each day. You may have been harmed, maybe even lost, but you aren’t destroyed. Through courage and action, you will find the strength to face this next challenge. 

The call for you, and for all of us, is to accept that oftentimes bad things happen to great people, including to you. But you get to decide whether you make each page, each chapter of your life count. What will you do with what happened to you? 

Don’t hide in this life as the victim. Face yourself. Step into the unknown. Rise to the adventure. 

Be the hero of your story.