Unveiling the Hero You've Always Been
We illuminate the path to recognizing our inherent worth, embracing self-care, and stepping into the world as the hero of our own story.
This entry is part of a series on “The Hero’s Journey from Trauma to Freedom”: Prologue: The Intentional Invitation. 1. Overcoming Past Patterns. 2. Meeting the Catalyst. 3. Crossing into the Unknown. 4. Rediscovering the Inner Landscape. 5. Meeting the Inner Child. 6. Facing the Shadows. 7. Radical Self-Acceptance. 8. Forgiveness. 9. Self-Care….
Reflecting on my own journey, I can’t help but think of Karamakate’s words from “Embrace of the Serpent”:
“To become a warrior, every Cohiuano man must leave everything behind and go into the jungle, guided only by his dreams. In that journey, he has to discover, in solitude and silence, who he really is. He has to become a vagabond of dreams. Some get lost and never come back. But those that do, are ready to face whatever may come.”
Writing this series over the past few months has been like my own journey into the jungle. With each stage, I’ve grown, changed, and understood more deeply. I’m filled with emotion at the thought these words might light a path for someone stumbling in the dark. Now we stand at the threshold of re-entering the world, but we’re not the same people who left. We’re warriors now, ready to face whatever may come.
This new world we’re stepping into is full of purpose and meaning. It requires building a relationship with ourselves based on integrity and self-respect. The Four Agreements—being impeccable with your word, not taking anything personally, avoiding assumptions, and always doing your best—have become my compass in this new terrain.
But here’s the thing: we were worthy all along.
From our first breath, we were enough. How many years did I waste trying to prove my worth, seeking validation like it was water in a desert? If I could whisper one thing to my younger self, it would be, “You don’t need to prove anything to anyone. Just show up for yourself.”
We nurture our self-worth in the small promises we keep to ourselves. For me, it was committing to that morning workout, learning to say “no” when needed, and clearing out the clutter that weighed me down. What would it look like for you?
Most importantly, it has been learning to let things be. How many sunsets have I missed, replaying past hurts or worrying about tomorrow? The present moment—this breath, this heartbeat—is all we truly have. Embracing it is like finding an oasis in the midst of life’s chaos.
So I leave you with this question:
“What would it look like if I truly believed I was worthy, just as I am?”
Sit with it. Let it percolate. Whatever answer comes up for you, it’s the start of a beautiful new chapter in your hero’s journey.
Our journey continues here:
