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From childhood tales to blockbuster movies, we’re captivated by the heroic journey — a narrative where triumph follows challenges and adversity. They often inspire us to believe in the power of resilience, determination, and the unwavering human spirit. What if you were that hero too?

A recently published study found that looking at our lives through the lens of a hero’s journey can deepen our sense of life meaning¹. 

Researchers began by mapping out seven key elements of the hero’s journey. They include:

1. Recognizing yourself as a hero
2. Encountering a pivotal shift or life-changing moment
3. Embarking on a quest
4. Gaining allies
5. Facing challenges
6. Undergoing a personal transformation
7. Leaving a legacy that benefits the community

In eight studies including 1,000 participants, researchers evaluated the extent to which participants perceived their lives aligned with the hero’s journey. Those who sensed a stronger alignment reported a more profound sense of meaning of life. But what about those who didn’t?

Following the initial study, participants underwent a transformative re-storying process in collaboration with researchers. Through the lens of the hero’s journey, they reframed their life narratives and ultimately perceived themselves as heroes. 

Aligning their narratives with the hero’s journey not only deepened participants’ sense of life’s meaning but also increased their resilience when confronting challenges. This transformation fostered a newfound appreciation for the pivotal of challenges within their life stories.

Researchers noted that their research led to two major insights:

• Our life stories aren’t just the events that occur but how we perceive them. How we identify these powerful stories can link this with a larger sense of meaning.
• Hesitating to see yourself as an epic hero is a missed opportunity. 

Remember, you’ve overcome every challenge life has thrown at you so far. You’re stronger than you realize. Keep going, hero.

As you integrate the lessons from this exploration into your own life, consider consider engaging in the following reflective exercise:

• Write down the seven phases of the hero’s journey.
• Jot down some moments in your life that fit into each phase.
• Take a moment to express gratitude for where you are in your unique journey.
• Forgive yourself for any moments of regret.
• Look forward to the adventures that still await you on your hero’s journey.

Reference

Rogers BA, Chicas H, Kelly JM, Kubin E, Christian MS, Kachanoff FJ, Berger J, Puryear C, McAdams DP, Gray K. Seeing your life story as a Hero’s Journey increases meaning in life. J Pers Soc Psychol. 2023 Oct;125(4):752-778. doi: 10.1037/pspa0000341. Epub 2023 Mar 27. PMID: 36972106.

About the Author

Meg Savané, founder of HolistiSci, has a BA in psychology from Denison University and a JD from Florida International University College of Law. She is also a reiki master and advanced pranic healer. Her passion for natural health began in 2008 when she healed her chronic disease holistically through diet and supplements. Since then, she made it her mission to become an expert on healing her body and maintaining her health naturally. It brings her joy to dig deep into science and make content accessible to others.

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