*Brief little side note before you dig into this: This piece is going to reference a great deal of work from the mythologist Joseph Campbell, who is widely known for The Hero’s Journey. And while I can proudly say I’m a gigantic Campbell nerd, John Romaniello is a true Campbell expert who has written on the topic a million times over.

It would be folly of me to try and explain the importance of The Hero’s Journey when you can just click over and read it from one of the world’s foremost experts on the topic. So go read what he’s got to say, and come back.

THE CALL TO ADVENTURE.

I think the first message I got about it was in April.

2016, man.

November was a busy month. I left Atlanta, which meant moving halfway across the country. There was a Thanksgiving holiday, 5 days of which involved my dear friend Alicia staying with me. But nonetheless, I still got some solid reading done. Other months may have more books, but each book this past month was a strong choice, so the quality wasn’t lacking at all.

Check it out.

What is a man? Not in the narrow gender definition. The more open to interpretation definition of a man. Someone who has masculinity and vigor flowing through their veins? What does that look like? Who do you think of when you think of that version of a man?

I am a man of man of many flaws, but I am unafraid to face those flaws head on. Dishonesty, ego, pride, bias, and bigotry are my enemies. Yet I recognize all of those live inside of me.

I am a warrior. I will not tolerate hatred and mistreatment of others just for being different. I stand for what I believe in, come to the aid of others, and will not allow those who live a life of hate, disrespect, and jealousy to have a place in mine.

I am kind, caring, and endlessly curious. I relish the process of learning, and will forever be a student. I was put on this Earth to give more than I get, and provide more than I take.

I am a creator. My pen is my sword that I always keep sharpened. My body is my vessel that I will always keep hardened and ready for whatever may come my way.

My aim is to endlessly practice empathy, love, and compassion with all of those I encounter in my life. I am a friend to many, and a foe to a few. I am decisive, quick to forgive, and slow to judge.

Your boy got a ton of reading done during the month of August. A fair mix of heavy reading, some introspective shit, and just good fiction. Oh, and some Hemingway. Always some Hemingway. Here’s the August Reading Romp.

For most of my short time on this gigantic rock hurtling through space, I have not been an early riser. I have detested mornings. I have viewed them with a contempt that was typically reserved for only truly terrible things in this world. Things like people who don’t say thank you when you hold the door open for them.

At 4:01am EST my alarm goes off. It’s one of those annoying electronic alarm clocks that has an obnoxious buzzer that unfailingly rips you straight out of the dream land you were in just mere seconds ago. It’s as plain as can be, with red electronic numbers and only a couple of settings.

April was a solid month of reading. It was no different from other months in that I was all over the map as far as topic and author are concerned, but that’s my style. I typically don’t like digging hard into one topic or author for an extended period of time, because it’s easy for me to get burnt out.

There’s a decent smattering of fiction, personal development, and even a little health/fitness. So, I give you the April Reading Romp.

Awhile back I was on a coaching call with my coach, John Romaniello. We’re working together on my business, and we were going over some aspects of my business that need work.

After a few minutes of my hemming and hawing about why I’m not doing X or Y, and as a result, leaving thousands of dollars on the table. Roman interrupted me with a phrase that brought me back to reality: