The Heroic Story of Your Life
Join me on the Quest for the Wholly Grail
“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process
is the bravest thing that we’ll ever do.” ~ Brené Brown
I have always had a deep love affair with books and all things related to them ~ libraries, the etymology of words, spelling, fonts, typography, calligraphy, printing {especially the original form of letterpress}, ancient manuscripts, mythology, and the brilliant arc of a well-crafted story.
I can still smell the distinct odor of worn books and the zing of excitement I felt as my six-year-old self, holding my mother’s hand, first stepped into the public library of our tiny town. I still get that same zing every time I enter an independent bookstore or a historic library.
Always the new kid in school, I spent most of my time in the school library. 🤓 When I was in 4th or 5th grade, I would often stay after school and help the librarians repair book bindings, sort the catalog cards in the Dewey Decimal System, and file them in the classic wooden drawers.
The Left Brain Chapter
In my first career as a lawyer, I got to spend countless hours in law libraries, researching case law and legislation preserved in the endless stacks of vintage legal volumes.
In this 12-year chapter of my life, I lived mostly in my left brain, engaging with words to apply logic and find the “right” answers.
The Right Brain Chapter
Leaving my legal career behind, I decided to open a fine stationery boutique that later expanded to two brick-and-mortar locations. Most would say this was a highly unorthodox career move, but it makes perfect sense to me now as I look back and connect the dots.
This 12-year chapter is where my right brain got to join the fun and revel in the artistry and beauty of the written word. I spent my days designing custom invitations, finding just the right font combinations that would set the desired tone, playing with unique wording and typography layouts, fondling the pillowy-soft texture of cotton and bamboo paper, educating clients on the craftsmanship of letterpress printing, and sourcing unique greeting cards, artisanal handmade papers, gift books, and fine pens.
The Harmony of Opposites
Ten years into my third career, I now realize that my work in regenerative leadership is weaving the best of my two previous chapters ~ and both hemispheres of my brain. And it still centers around books ~ the Book of Life, the Book of Love, the Book of Changes….
The stories of our lives and the stories we bring to life through our work in the world. How we make meaning of our seemingly random existence. How we define the word “success” or “fulfillment” for ourselves. How we peel off the layers of stories we took on that were not our own. How we bring awareness to the many stories that are running in our heads, which are creating the reality we experience.
The Heroic Journey
In 1949, Joseph Campbell named the archetypal story of personal evolution the Hero’s Journey, focusing primarily on the transformational path for men. In 1990, Maureen Murdock crafted her own version for women called the Heroine’s Journey.
Moving beyond either the Hero’s Journey for men or the Heroine’s Journey for women, I have developed my own synthesized version for our current times. It’s the Heroic Journey ~ and it’s about the dance of the masculine and feminine energies within us all.
The Story of Your Life
As one of the pioneers of our time, you are on a mythic quest ~ courageously navigating the journey to heal and integrate the seemingly opposing forces within you into harmony, wholeness, and thriving.
Being the change you wish to see in the world, you are crafting the epic story of your life as you realize and reclaim your role as both the heroic main character and the masterful author of your unique masterpiece.
This Heroic Journey is both universal and deeply personal. Fortunately, your soul knows the way, holding the treasure map that has been custom designed just for you and your vital mission here.
Join the Journey
You are warmly invited to join me and other pioneering leaders for a 4-week group adventure. We’ll be exploring the archetypal path of the Heroic Journey ~ as well as your personal treasure map that’s guiding you through your specific journey.
Mapping the milestones of your life through the arc of the Quest for the Wholly Grail, you'll experience greater clarity and focus around your unique mission and a deep appreciation for the brilliant design of your life.
Much love & appreciation,
Holly McCann
As always Holly so inspiring. Much love ❤️