🦁 Courage: How the Hero’s Journey Teaches Bravery

Courage isn’t the absence of fear — it’s moving forward despite it. Every stage of the Hero’s Journey challenges you to act bravely, to show up even when the path is uncertain, and to trust yourself when fear wants to pull you back.

Courage grows in the moments when life feels overwhelming, when stakes are high, and when the outcome is unknown.

The Call: The First Spark of Bravery

When The Call whispers, “There’s more for you,” courage begins with acknowledging that whisper. Even considering it requires bravery — the courage to step into unknown territory and face discomfort.

Real-Life Example:
I first felt this spark of courage when I sat down to write my mom an honest email. Speaking my truth terrified me. Just the act of putting my feelings into words was a brave first step toward reclaiming my voice.

The Resistance: Courage in Action

Resistance is fear’s loudest roar. Doubts flood in: “You’re not ready. You’ll fail. Stop now.”

Courage grows in the small moments of defiance — choosing to move forward anyway. Every step taken despite fear strengthens your bravery and reinforces your capacity to act from purpose, not panic.

Real-Life Example:
After sending my email, we didn’t speak for nearly a year. The silence was excruciating, but I continued working on myself, reflecting, and holding to my truth. Each day I didn’t retreat from discomfort, my courage deepened.

The Training: Strengthening Your Bravery

Training is the forge where courage is honed. Consistent action, even in the face of fear, builds trust in yourself. Every time you show up for what matters, your bravery becomes habitual rather than reactive.

Real-Life Example:
During that year of silence, I practiced patience, self-reflection, and assertiveness. I learned I could face discomfort repeatedly without breaking — that’s courage being forged quietly, day by day.

The Battle: Courage Tested

The Battle is where fear reaches its peak. Life throws challenges that feel overwhelming. The test of courage isn’t whether fear exists — it’s whether you act despite it.

Real-Life Example:
When my dad reached out about my grandmother’s health, I was terrified to re-enter family dynamics. Courage meant setting boundaries while still being present. It meant speaking truthfully and showing up with integrity, even when I feared the outcome.

The Death and Resurrection: Courage Strengthened

During The Death, old patterns and self-doubt are stripped away, leaving space for authentic courage. The Resurrection is when bravery becomes part of who you are — steady, confident, and grounded in experience.

Real-Life Example:
By surrendering the need to control everything and trusting my instincts, I discovered a deeper, more resilient courage. I could navigate tense situations without fear dictating my actions.

The Return: Courage in Daily Life

Courage is fully realized when it becomes how you engage with the world. It informs your decisions, relationships, and choices, allowing you to act with integrity and authenticity consistently.

Reflection Prompts:

• When did I act despite fear this week?

• What fears are holding me back from my next step?

• How can I practice small acts of bravery daily?