The Mythological Journey

1. The Mythological Journey A reflection on a moment of change

2. A moment of change in your life Told in the first person point of view A moment of change in a literary character’s life Told either in the 3rd person point of view…or in the 1st person (your retelling) Mythological Journey

3. Who experiences this change? • All people experience this journey • You may be on a journey right now • Many journeys will occur during your lifetime • The way in which you deal with your journey shapes you into who you are

4. Stages of the Mythological Journey • Innocence what you were like before the change • Initiation the moment your life will change • Chaos the difficulties you face when you are forced to change • Resolution how your life & beliefs change

5. Stage 1 - Innocence Innocence is your belief system before a change occurs. It is what you believe in until something forces you to change your mind about your beliefs. Innocence usually involves these thoughts……………

6. What does innocence look like? There is no evil in the world. All is good. If you do good deeds, no harm or evil will come to you or your loved ones

7. What does innocence look like? People will be healthy and live forever

8. What does innocence look like? Love is a wonderful experience that lasts forever and brings nothing but happiness

9. What does innocence look like? You are the most important person and others will care about your well-being

10. Stage 2 - Initiation Initiation occurs in a split second. It is that moment in time when you realize that what you had always believed to be a truth… Is not so!

11. A moment anything that causes a big difference in your life, from an unexpected move…to the death of someone

12. Stage 3 - Chaos Your whole world is turned upside down. You now must struggle with what you formerly believed….and what new truth you may not wish to face. The following list highlights some of the feelings you may have during your stage of chaos……

13. What does chaos look like? Emotional upheaval, irritability or a withdrawal from others

14. What does chaos look like? A constant desire to return to the belief of innocence… denial in facing what you now know to be the truth

15. What does chaos look like? Either a loss or increased appetite Engagement of “negative” behaviors or actions

16. What does chaos look like? A battling back and forth…..trying to return to innocence, but also trying to reach a new resolution. You have a desire to accept what has happened, but it’s really hard to reach that acceptance

17. Some never leave chaos….but if you do

18. Resolution – Stage 4 If you finally accept the change and You have a new belief…you will have reached resolution Your resolution can be positive….

19. Resolution You recognize that death is a part of the cycle of life and sometimes a new life can help you move on

20. Resolution Perhaps your relationship failed but you know realize you can meet someone else

21. Resolution Perhaps the family has a new look, but it is a life change you can live with

22. Sometimes you reach a negative resolution You may choose to lead your life in a way that will give you loneliness…. angriness…. uselessness… But it is still a resolution

23. Bring your journey to life!