"Yes We Can, Change and It's About You"
U.S. Citizens living in Costa Rica have been like the rest of the United States, glued to the Political Party Conventions. There are active party members on both sides of the U.S. political aisle that call Costa Rica home and will engage in vigrous debate when gathered at expat social events. My inner circle knows my political positions well, but for purposes of this blog, I'd like to bring the Convention experience back to an inquiry about your own heroic story! I have found that people brave enough to leave the comforts of their own country to experience another culture, all have a story to tell. Most of the stories are real. Some are fabricated as if they moved to Costa Rica to re-invent themselves. (Note: they are usually the ones that interpol eventually catches up with. You can run but you can't hide!). There are many stories of adventure and heroism. Of people willing to take a chance. Of people craving a life adventure in moving to a tropical paradise.
I always ask new residents of Costa Rica about their story. What brought them to Costa Rica? What did they do back in The States or Canada or Italy? My husband, Barry, known for his dry wit, has embellished his resume by saying "I was Governor of Alaska in the '90's " Oops, there goes that joke, which alludes to the fact that some people do in fact re-invent themselves with their move to a new country.
But back to your Hero's Journey!
What's does it really take do get from Now to WOW?TM What are the qualities of successful teams, leaders, organizations and individuals who not only say "Yes we Can" but say "Yes we Did!" In the current U.S. Presidential election we are hearing both candidates stories of personal transformation. We're hearing the personal stories of the the Potential First Ladies and Vice Presidential Candidates as well. The question in November is whose story and voice do you most connect with and believe in, in choosing the next President of the United States? It is a serious question of both head and heart. As I listened equally to both Party Conventions, (for sure with more agitation at one than the other) I realized that the Candidates were sharing with us through Convention verbal and visual storytelling, their unique "Hero's Journey" .
The Hero's Journey has been detailed eloquently by Mythologist/Philosopher Joseph Campbell:
"During our life's progress, as with every hero's quest we have to suffer certain losses, leave the predictable comforts of our home and set out into unfamiliar terrain to realize our dreams and goals. Along the way, the hero inevitable meets with dragons that block the way. Usually in his or her quest, it takes the hero into dark places to do tremendous battle with unseen forces for hidden treasurer. Out of the struggle the hero emerges with a grail or jewel or wisdom that he shares with others"
Candidate Obama noted "This is not about me. It's about you!" and indeed every day in every corner of world, it is not the candidates but every day citizens who are challenged and tested and represent True Super Hero Qualities. When did you discover your Inner Super Hero?
Like the candidates stories (but without the limelight of a convention) can you think of a time in your life that you faced an incredible challenge and were tested by forces for and against you? Was there perhaps a wise mentor who helped you along the way? And what was that moment of personal transformation? That pivot point, where you needed to jump the ravine to get to the other side and said "Yes I can" and were able to look back and say "Yes I did!". I am currently working on a new book to be released in 2009 detailing the 9 qualities of Heroic Journeys. Send me Your Story. I can't promise you a confetti and a balloon drop, but maybe your story will touch someone who at this very moment, needs to hear about your journey to survive their own and emerge a hero. In the meantime, bless our choices for the Next President of the United States.
Rosemary Rein, Ph.D is an International Speaker and Trainer on Creative Leadership, Communications and Innovation. She is the Author of "Go Wild! Survival Skills for Business and Life" and "Blueprint for Success" with Dr. Stephen Covey and Ken Blanchard. Rosemary will be presenting a program on Now to WOW! Innovation at the upcoming "Mindcamp" Creativity Program in Toronto and "SAcreativity" in South Africa. She is a U.S. Citizen and has resided in Costa Rica for over a decade and hosts business and personal growth retreats in Costa Rica-- including one-week exploratory safaris to review Costa Rica as a business and life destination.
Host Blog: www.costarica.org
