A Hero’s Journey Begins!

The Origin Story of My Midlife Master Quest

When I was a kid, I wanted to be Superman soaring through the sky, saving the day, rocking that cape like a boss.

Then I discovered Luke Skywalker, because… lightsabers.

A few years later, The Incredible Hulk had me convinced that it was okay to be intelligent and strong, also smashing stuff could be therapeutic.

By my 20’s, I’d graduated to more complex heroes: Batman, Han Solo, Colossus, and Neo from The Matrix – the mysterious, slightly traumatized guys with cool gadgets and even cooler quotes.

Somewhere deep down, I always wondered:

What would it be like to go on my own hero’s journey one that leads to unlocking the super version of myself?

Enter: My 50th Year Around the Sun

Well, my friends, the time has come. Cue the dramatic orchestral music.

This year during my 50th trip around the sun, I’ve decided to actually embark on a 6-month personal growth adventure.

Not a “new year, new me” moment.

Not a motivational weekend that fades by Tuesday.

Nope. I’ve enrolled in a Master Key Experience course designed to push me to ask hard questions like:

• What do I really want out of life?
• How can I leave a lasting legacy for my family?
• And most importantly… how do I finally create consistent daily wins instead of just “good intentions”?

Basically, it’s personal growth boot camp minus the protein shakes, but with all the spiritual burpees.

Sequel Time: The Second Attempt

Now, let’s be honest most heroes don’t get it right on the first try.

Batman didn’t become the Dark Knight overnight.

Neo didn’t believe he was The One the first time around. And I… well, I didn’t finish this course last year either.

I was what I’d call an “auditing Avenger.” I showed up, listened to lectures, nodded like I understood, and then made excuses not to actually do the work.

This year, though? Different story.

This time, I’ve recruited my own squad friends and colleagues brave (and slightly unaware) enough to join me. Together, we’re tackling this mastermind experience like a real-life Avengers Assemble moment.

…Except, minor detail, I may have left out how intense this course actually is.

Week 1 Reality Check

So, orientation happens. It’s three hours long.

The assignment list? Easily mistaken for a full college syllabus. The group chat? Full of “What have you gotten us into?” messages.

I could practically hear the record scratch.

But then… something amazing happened.

Instead of bailing, we prayed together. We laughed. We reminded each other why we said yes.

And by the grace of God, we made it through week one still friends, still married (praise Him), and still moving forward.

From Padawan to Mentor

At this point in my life, I feel like a mix between Master Yoda and Morpheus dishing out wisdom, asking deep questions, occasionally confusing everyone in the process.

But I still have the excitement of a young Padawan discovering the Force or someone waking up from The Matrix for the first time and realizing, “Wait… there’s more to life than this?”

I’m grateful, truly grateful, for second and third chances to get this crazy life right.

This time, I’m not just here to audit life.

I’m here to live it, with purpose, love, and intention.

My Mission (Should I Choose to Accept It)

To be a more loving husband.
A more present, patient father.
A man who walks in purpose and gratitude.

I know I’ve been saved for a definite major purpose, and while I don’t know every detail yet, I’m ready to do the work to find out.

Because when you’ve been blessed, the only right response is to be a blessing.