If you are not familiar with the idea of a hero’s two journeys, let me explain. The basic structure of a great story involves a hero undertaking a journey of some kind.  There is a goal they are trying to achieve or a task they must accomplish. This is the outside journey. The journey of accomplishment. 

While the struggle to overcome obstacles and the pursuit of the goal can make for an entertaining story, it is the second journey that makes the story and the hero compelling. The second journey involves the hero going through an internal transformation. This is called the journey of fulfillment. They are becoming a “better” person. They are discovering new values and beliefs that shift the direction of their life and they start experiencing peace, joy and a sense of purpose.  

As you can imagine, the task of raising 6 children has been challenging for my wife and I. There was a never ending flow of meals to cook, homework to help with, places to be, clothes to buy and too many other things to mention. I like to say that “we were 6 kids busy” 

And like all journeys of accomplishment, there have been both major and minor obstacles to overcome along the way as well. We worked through everything from a lost homework assignment... to a learning disability. From a cut on the knee... to struggles with drugs and alcohol. From learning to ride a bike ... to multiple car accidents. We have struggled with financial issues, including the bankruptcy of the family business my father started.  And as with any marriage there have been both sunny and cloudy days. In fact, we have had three distinct hurricanes over our forty years. These were periods where divorce was discussed.  

We have all been there … right?

As I moved along my outside journey as a husband and father, doing all of the stuff that a father of 6 children has to do.    I experienced an amazing internal transformation as well. Through my passion for personal development and family enrichment, I was discovering and putting into practice the principles, values and beliefs that make a life full of peace, joy, purpose and love possible.  With this new perspective everything about our family worked better.  20 years ago I wrote this definition of a “successful family”

A successful family is one whose members speak with respect, honor difference, provide a nurturing environment, empower each other, and truly enjoy being together.

They have a knack for really enjoying and appreciating the good times, while at the same time, they can effectively deal with any difficult issues that come their way. 

There is a sense of peace, joy, warmth, and love within their home.

While my family doesn’t always meet this definition, we experience it more often than not. Most importantly, when we start to drift away from this ideal or we are confronted with a new obstacle, I know what to do. I know how to lead us back. 

It would be an honor to join you as you move along your 2 journeys. And while it is rewarding to support you on your outside journey - the journey of accomplishment. The first priority is to guide you along your inside journey - the journey of fulfillment. 

My lifetime of study and experience has taught me that this is where miracles happen.