our journey our story

Our Journey, Our Story

Our Journey Our Story draws on findings from both Looking Forward Moving Forward and Building Bridges .

Our Journey Our Story works with Aboriginal Elders, Aboriginal young people, headspace centres and their lead agencies across Western Australia.

Through the research, these groups work together to co-design more culturally secure mental health services that better meet the needs of Aboriginal young people and their families.

This project is running from 2019 until 2024.

We are currently working with:

"I really value young people. I think they're amazing. I think you know that there's always an opportunity to find that hope and way forward."

- Service Provider, 2020

Significant Learnings

Reflections from our baseline interviews with service and lead agency staff during 2020

For Services There are many differences across the services that we are working with. Some of these differences have shown us that service models can be adapted to suit the local needs of community whilst still up holding the fidelity of clinical model.

For Researchers Relationships underpin our work with our service partners. A commitment to “debakarn” and the uncertainty created with Covid-19 led to “check ins” being made a priority at our partner team meetings. People feeling held and valued in the research space has meant productivity has remained high despite new challenges.

For Community Service staff and senior management are overwhelmingly commited and passionate about doing things better for our communities. Many have personal motivation for being involved in the youth mental health space.

Project Resources

ABC Kimberley Breakfast: A genuine conversation can deliver better health outcomes

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Aboriginal Co-Researchers

Working with…

headspace Broome

• Uncle Johnny Puertollano
• Uncle Kevin Puertollano
• Aunty Linda Dean
• Scott Wilson
• Tonii Skeen
• Seqoiah Darcy
• Vincent Carter
• Ben McKenzie
• Stewart Jan
• Dre Bedford
• Jacob Hamaguchi
• Denae Williams

headspace Midland

• Aunty Cheryl Taylor
• John Mogridge

headspace Northam

• Uncle Paul Parfitt
• Aunty Kathy Davis

headspace Joondalup & Osborne Park

• Aunty Oriel Green
• Aunty Moya Newman

Youth co-researchers working across south west sites:

• Lachlan Sibosado
• Lulkbudia Mclean
• Marleigh Zada
• Alex Merendino
• Stephanie McGuire
• Kaisha Champion
• Kaito Sibosado

"As a co-researcher I feel really proud to be a part of the process of change and to represent and give my side and opinions and input towards youth mental health and ways we can improve youth mental health."

- Aboriginal Youth co-researcher 2020

The Our Journey, Our Story Staff

Project Lead Associate Professor Michael Wright, Yuat Nyoongar man from the Moora and New Norcia area of WA.

• Dr Michelle Webb
• Amanda Sibosado
• Tiana Culbong
• Jamie Culbong
• Stella Starcevich
• John Fielder

Previous Staff 

• Dr Helen Flavell
• Tilsa Guima Chinen
• Savannah Travia-Dann

Chief Investigators

Professor Alex Brown (Deputy Director, Aboriginal Health equity Theme Leader, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute)

Professor Pat Dudgeon (The University of Western Australia and co-chair of the ministerial Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Advisory Group)

Mr Rob McPhee (CEO, Danila Dilba Health Service and co-chair of the ministerial Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Advisory Group)

Professor Juli Coffin (Ellison Professor of Aboriginal Research, Telethon Kids Institute)

Mr Glenn Pearson (Research Focus Area Head, Aboriginal Health Institute Leadership Team, Telethon Kids Institute)

Associate Professor Ashleigh Lin (Program Head, Mental Health & Youth, Telethon Kids Institute)

Dr Elizabeth Newnham (Curtin University) Professor Elizabeth Geelhoed (Health Economist, The University of Western Australia)

Ms Kiarnee King Baguley (headspace Broome)

Associate Investigators

Dr Brad Farrant (Senior Research Fellow, Telethon Kids Institute)

Dr Sophie Davidson (Consultant Psychiatrist State Forensic Mental Health Service)

Dr Stuart Shanker

Dr Jonathan Bullen (Curtin Medical School, Curtin University)

Dr Carrington Shepherd (Senior Research Fellow, Co-Head, Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing, Telethon Kids Institute)

Professor Rosa Alati (HoS, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University)

Dr Britta Biedermann (Senior Lecturer Research Development Coordinator School of OTSWSP, Curtin University)

"You can spend how much money you like, it’s still not going to make a difference until the work on the ground and your organisation is more willing to understand the people that they’re servicing that we will see significant change happen"

- Aboriginal staff member, Lead agency

This project is supported by the Australian Government Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) as part of the Million Minds Mental Health Research Mission.

Our Journey Our Story has ethical approval from the Western Australian Aboriginal Health Ethics Committee (HREC 955), Kimberley Aboriginal Health Planning Forum, Kimberley Research Subcommittee and the Wheatbelt Regional Aboriginal Health Planning Forum. Reciprocal ethics Curtin University (HRE2020-0023)

We respect and acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First Peoples and Traditional Custodians of the land and waterways on which we work. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging.

Warning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are respectfully advised that this website may contain images of deceased persons

Disclaimer: Looking Forward is a research team. If you require mental health support please click here

A business journal from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

Knowledge at Wharton Podcast

Want to live a meaningful life be the hero of your story, february 19, 2024 • 14 min listen.

Wharton’s Jonah Berger explains how people can find meaning and resilience by making themselves the hero of their own story.

Listen to the podcast.

Wharton marketing professor Jonah Berger’s latest co-authored research focuses on storytelling. His paper is titled, “Seeing Your Life’s Story as a Hero’s Journey Can Increase Meaning in Life.” It explains how people can find well-being and resilience by reflecting on the important elements in their lives and connecting them to a coherent and compelling narrative.

What Is a Hero’s Journey?

Angie Basiouny: In your paper, you have this great quote, “People’s minds are made for narratives.” I love that. I think that’s why we all love a good story, a good biopic. Explain what this research is about.

Jonah Berger: First, it might be worth talking about what a hero’s journey is. If you’ve ever watched a famous movie like Star Wars or Harry Potter , you’re probably familiar with this old idea of a hero’s journey, which is there’s some sort of protagonist — maybe it’s Luke Skywalker, maybe it’s Harry Potter, maybe it’s someone else. They go through a journey to reach some outcome at the end, right? There’s a shift in their lives. Things start ordinary, and then suddenly they become extraordinary. They go on a quest. They meet allies or friends along the way. Think about Yoda or Hermione and others. They deal with some challenge. There’s some foe or enemy they must overcome. They undergo some transformation, where they change, and eventually they have a positive outcome at the end.

Things like a hero’s journey makes stories really engaging, right? They make movies fun to watch. They make books fun to read. But we wondered whether  beyond making other stories more engaging, the idea of a hero’s journey might also be useful in people’s personal lives as well.

How to Live a More Meaningful Life by Shifting Your Perspective

Basiouny: How did you go about studying this?

Berger: First, we quantified what a hero’s journey is. We looked at a variety of types of stories and content to figure out what the key dimensions are. They’re some of the things I talked about before: There needs to be a protagonist, that proverbial hero in that hero’s journey. There needs to be some sort of shift of going from daily life and ordinary things to something more unusual happening. There needs to be some sort of quest or goal. Along the way, the hero needs to overcome something. There needs to be barriers or challenges, whether a villain, or connecting with someone else, or creative problem-solving. Often, they meet allies along the way. Often, there’s some sort of transformation and positive outcome.

Then we said, “OK, now that we understand what hero’s journeys are, can we use this template to help people?” We started by looking at a natural study of existing stories and meaning in life. We looked at hundreds of different people and measured how they saw their lives. We asked them to write the story of their lives, and measured whether they tended to see their lives as a hero’s journey? Then we looked at how meaningful they saw their lives. Looking back on what they had done so far, and what they had overcome, how meaningful their life had been. It turned out that people who saw their lives as more of a hero’s journey tended to find their lives more meaningful.

This was intriguing, but one could wonder whether something else is driving the results. So, we wondered, “Could we encourage people to see their lives as a hero’s journey? And in so doing, help them make their own lives seem more meaningful?”

We prompted people to reflect on important elements of their lives and connect them into a compelling and coherent narrative. We gave them this idea of a hero’s journey and encouraged them to see their lives along those lines. What we found is, sure enough, doing that for one set of people made them see their lives as more meaningful. Taking the same life but organizing it in that way. Rather than seeing it as a random set of things that occurred over time, really seeing it as a hero’s journey made one’s life more meaningful. And that can be both in our personal or professional lives. Seeing your work life, seeing your resume, for example, not just as a bunch of different jobs over time. But thinking about, what’s the journey you’ve been on? What are some of the challenges you’ve had to overcome? What is that quest or goal you’re hoping to achieve? Who are some of the allies that you’ve met along the way? How have you been transformed by that process?”

All of those characteristics that make hero’s journeys so engaging to listen to as stories also make our own journeys seem more meaningful. They also help us be more resilient. Folks who were encouraged to see one’s life as a hero’s journey, or one’s work life as a hero’s journey, ended up more resilient. I think this has some important implications both for our personal and our professional lives.

Basiouny: What’s the biggest takeaway from this research? I almost feel like there’s a component of self-confidence that comes along when you rewrite or shift your own narrative.

Berger: I think the biggest takeaway is this: Our lives are what our lives are. Our work journeys, our work experiences, have been what they are. We can’t change what they’ve been. But we can change how we see them. We can change how we organize them. We can change how we think about them.

Seeing our lives as that journey, organizing it in that way, recognizing those challenges that we’ve overcome and those barriers that we’ve dealt with, the ways that we’ve been transformed — seeing our lives in that way can impact how we feel and how resilient we are. Stories aren’t just fun and interesting and engaging. They also have important implications for how we see ourselves, and how we may perform in the future.

How Marketers Can Leverage the Hero’s Journey

Basiouny: This research fits squarely into social psychology. Can you translate how people can use this information in a business context?

Berger: First, just from a personal well-being standpoint, seeing our lives as these journeys can have a beneficial impact. They can help us see our own lives as more meaningful.

Second, we should think about how we pitch ourselves, how we tell our own stories. There’s been a lot of interest in the past few years in the idea of narratives and telling our story with the advent and growth of social media. More people are online, dripping details of their life out on a moment-to-moment, or daily or weekly or monthly basis. But in dripping out those moments, in talking about what’s happening to us, we have the ability to shape that narrative, both when we post on social media, but also when we go in for an interview, for example. What should we talk about? How should we frame our experience? And how might the way we tell our story shape how we are perceived?

When we’re in an interview and someone asks us about our work experience, not just saying, “Well, I worked here and there and this other place,” but really talking about it as a journey. Helping the listener see what quest were we on. What did we overcome? What challenges did we deal with? How have we been transformed by that process? Organizing in that coherent and engaging narrative will not only be fun to listen to but will increase our likelihood of getting that job.

Marketers are also telling narratives, but there are different ways companies can talk about the role of products and services in those narratives.

A couple of years ago, I was working with a multinational consumer packaged goods company, and they had a campaign in the developing world where people could buy their product and be entered in a chance to win a college scholarship.

This program was doing a lot of social good, but it wasn’t getting a lot of word of mouth, so the company reached out for help. The couple of people that win the scholarship, they’re excited and tell others. But most people didn’t win the prize, so how could we get them more engaged? We analyzed this program in terms of a hero’s journey, and realized a problem.  The hero was the company not the consumer. The consumer had a challenge they wanted to overcome and buying something from the company could help them solve it. But if the company is the hero, that doesn’t really make people want to talk about it.

So we changed the narrative.  Rather than making the company the hero – the sword that slays the dragon in this hero’s journey – we made the customer the hero. By nominating or voting on who should get the scholarship, more people have a role in the narrative, and are more likely to talk about it as a result. The company’s still there. The company is helping. But the consumer is the hero. By seeing the program as a hero’s journey, we made it more effective.

Basiouny: You’re pulling the audience or the consumer into the story and making them a part of it, which would ultimately make it more effective for the marketing.

Berger: Certainly. We often have to think of who is a hero in the hero’s journey, and who is the villain? The more we can make consumers the hero, the more engaging it will be.

Can the Hero’s Journey Boost Your Interviewing Skills?

Basiouny: When you were speaking earlier about management and interviewing, it made me think about these very common interview questions when people apply for a job. “Tell me about a problem that you solved at work?” Or, “Tell me about your conflict-resolution skills?” If you think about your hero’s journey, you can come up with better answers during an interview.

Berger: Yes, certainly. Rather than the answer seeming like individual examples of things that don’t fit together, you can make it more of a common thread. What is the story you want to tell about yourself? What is the hero’s journey you’re on? What is the transformation you’ve already had, and what’s the quest you’d like to be on in the future? And how does this new role help you in that journey?

Rather than, “Oh, here’s a thing that happened to me,” the more it’s part of a cohesive narrative that showcases how you’ve overcome things in the past and been transformed, and how you’re likely to do that in the future, the more engaging it will be for the audience and the more impactful it will be.

Basiouny:  If you’re interested in learning more, check out the full co-authored paper, “ Seeing Your Life’s Story as a Hero’s Journey Can Increase Meaning in Life ,” in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology .

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Our journey, our story: a study protocol for the evaluation of a co-design framework to improve services for Aboriginal youth mental health and well-being

Affiliations.

• 1 School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia [email protected].
• 2 Indigenous Health, SAHMRI, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
• 3 School of Indigenous Studies, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
• 4 Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Service, Broome, Western Australia, Australia.
• 5 Telethon Kids Institute, Broome, Western Australia, Australia.
• 6 Aboriginal Health Institute Leadership Team, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.
• 7 Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.
• 8 School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
• 9 Headspace Broome, Broome, Western Australia, Australia.
• 10 School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
• PMID: 34011581
• PMCID: PMC8137218
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042981

Introduction: Mainstream Australian mental health services are failing Aboriginal young people. Despite investing resources, improvements in well-being have not materialised. Culturally and age appropriate ways of working are needed to improve service access and responsiveness. This Aboriginal-led study brings Aboriginal Elders, young people and youth mental health service staff together to build relationships to co-design service models and evaluation tools. Currently, three Western Australian youth mental health services in the Perth metropolitan area and two regional services are working with local Elders and young people to improve their capacity for culturally and age appropriate services. Further Western Australian sites will be engaged as part of research translation.

Methods and analysis: Relationships ground the study, which utilises Indigenous methodologies and participatory action research. This involves Elders, young people and service staff as co-researchers and the application of a decolonising, strengths-based framework to create the conditions for engagement. It foregrounds experiential learning and Aboriginal ways of working to establish relationships and deepen non-Aboriginal co-researchers' knowledge and understanding of local, place-based cultural practices. Once relationships are developed, co-design workshops occur at each site directed by local Elders and young people. Co-designed evaluation tools will assess any changes to community perceptions of youth mental health services and the enablers and barriers to service engagement.

Ethics and dissemination: The study has approval from the Kimberley Aboriginal Health Planning Forum Kimberley Research Subcommittee, the Western Australian Aboriginal Health Ethics Committee, and the Curtin University Human Research Ethics Committee. Transferability of the outcomes across the youth mental health sector will be directed by the co-researchers and is supported through Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal organisations including youth mental health services, peak mental health bodies and consumer groups. Community reports and events, peer-reviewed journal articles, conference presentations and social and mainstream media will aid dissemination.

Keywords: change management; health & safety; quality in health care.

© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2021. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.

Publication types

• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
• Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
• Health Services, Indigenous*
• Mental Health
• Mental Health Services*

10 of the Best Poems about Journeys

By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University)

According to Thomas de Quincey, Wordsworth clocked up an estimated 180,000 miles during his lifetime, walking around his beloved Lake District (to say nothing of the Quantocks, where he lived near Coleridge during the 1790s).

Given that there is a strong link between poets and travelling of various kinds – whether walking, sailing, or travelling in some more abstract, metaphorical or spiritual sense – we felt it was time we put together some of the greatest journey poems.

Andrew Marvell, ‘ Bermudas ’.

Where the remote Bermudas ride In th’ocean’s bosom unespied, From a small boat, that row’d along, The list’ning winds receiv’d this song. ‘What should we do but sing his praise That led us through the wat’ry maze Unto an isle so long unknown, And yet far kinder than our own?

This poem, from the seventeenth-century poet Andrew Marvell, is set in the Atlantic ocean and focuses on a group of people aboard a boat, and clearly in exile from their native land. They spy the island of Bermuda, and sing a song in praise of the island. The next 32 lines of the poem comprise their song.

The people aboard the boat praise God for leading them to this previously undiscovered island, which seems ‘far kinder’ than the island they have left behind, namely Britain.

These people have endured and eluded sea-monsters and storms, and God has led them to safety on the ‘grassy stage’ of this new island. It is mentioned that they are fleeing England because of ‘prelates’ rage’, namely religious persecution – so ‘Bermudas’ is a poem about undertaking a difficult journey to find a new place where a community of people can start afresh.

Samuel Taylor Coleridge, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner .

The Wedding-Guest sat on a stone: He cannot choose but hear; And thus spake on that ancient man, The bright-eyed Mariner.

‘The ship was cheered, the harbour cleared, Merrily did we drop Below the kirk, below the hill, Below the lighthouse top.

‘The Sun came up upon the left, Out of the sea came he! And he shone bright, and on the right Went down into the sea …

Written in 1797-8, this is Coleridge’s most famous poem – it first appeared in Lyrical Ballads . The idea of killing an albatross bringing bad luck upon the crew of a ship appears to have been invented in this poem, as there is no precedent for it – and the albatross idea was probably William Wordsworth’s, not Coleridge’s (Wordsworth got the idea of the albatross-killing from a 1726 book, A Voyage Round The World by Way of the Great South Sea , by Captain George Shelvocke).

The poem is one of the great narrative poems in English, with the old mariner recounting his story, with its hardships and tragedy, to a wedding guest. Variously interpreted as being about guilt over the Transatlantic slave trade, about Coleridge’s own loneliness, and about spiritual salvation, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner remains a challenging poem about a journey whose lessons the ship’s crew, and we as readers, continue to learn from.

Robert Browning, ‘ How They Brought the Good News from Ghent to Aix ’.

I sprang to the stirrup, and Joris, and he; I gallop’d, Dirck gallop’d, we gallop’d all three; ‘Good speed!’ cried the watch, as the gate-bolts undrew; ‘Speed!’ echoed the wall to us galloping through; Behind shut the postern, the lights sank to rest, And into the midnight we gallop’d abreast …

Beginning with the wonderfully rhythmical lines ‘I sprang to the stirrup, and Joris, and he; / I gallop’d, Dirck gallop’d, we gallop’d all three’. But this poem, describing a horse-ride to deliver some important news (although we never learn what the news actually is). Instead, the emphasis is on the journey itself, with the sound of the galloping horses excellently captured through the metre of the verse.

This poem has a notable claim to fame: in 1889, it became the first poem (spoken by the author) to be recorded on a phonograph, when Browning recited (half-remembered) words from the poem into an Edison phonograph at a dinner party.

Henry Cholmondeley Pennell, ‘ The Night Mail North ’.

Now then, take your seats! for Glasgow and the North; Chester! – Carlisle! – Holyhead, – and the wild Firth of Forth,

‘Clap on the steam and sharp’s the word, You men in scarlet cloth: –

‘Are there any more pas .. sengers, For the Night .. Mail .. to the North!’ Are there any more passengers? Yes three – but they can’t get in, – Too late, too late! – How they bellow and knock, They might as well try to soften a rock As the heart of that fellow in green …’

Before W. H. Auden’s more famous ‘Night Mail’ poem from 1936, there was this poem, whose full title is ‘The Night Mail North (Euston Square, 1840)’ – 1840 being the year the penny post was introduced in Britain. Pennell captures the snatches of conversation on the train as it prepares to embark on its long voyage north and the passengers settle down for their journey in this skilful piece of what we might call documentary poetry.

Emily Dickinson, ‘ Our Journey had advanced ’.

Our journey had advanced; Our feet were almost come To that odd fork in Being’s road, Eternity by term …

In many of the best journey poems, the journey is a metaphor for something greater – and this is certainly the case in this Emily Dickinson poem. And what journey is greater than that from life into death, mortality into eternity?

A. E. Housman, ‘ White in the moon the long road lies ’.

White in the moon the long road lies, The moon stands blank above; White in the moon the long road lies That leads me from my love.

Still hangs the hedge without a gust, Still, still the shadows stay: My feet upon the moonlit dust Pursue the ceaseless way …

In this poem, the king of lugubrious English verse writes about leaving his beloved, with the road lying ahead of him that ‘leads me from my love’. And although he trusts that the same road will eventually lead him back to his love, first he must travel far, far away.

W. B. Yeats, ‘ Sailing to Byzantium ’.

That is no country for old men. The young In one another’s arms, birds in the trees, —Those dying generations—at their song, The salmon-falls, the mackerel-crowded seas, Fish, flesh, or fowl, commend all summer long Whatever is begotten, born, and dies. Caught in that sensual music all neglect Monuments of unageing intellect …

W. B. Yeats wrote ‘Sailing to Byzantium’ in 1927, when he was in his early sixties, and the poem sees Yeats’s speaker announcing that the country he’s left behind is ‘no country for old men’.

Being old, the speaker felt out of place there, and so he is making a journey (a pilgrimage?) to the ancient city of Byzantium, which can be read as a symbol for his yearning for spiritual meaning: the poem, then, is about a spiritual journey, and renouncing the hold of the world upon us in order to attain something higher than the physical or sensual.

D. H. Lawrence, ‘ The Ship of Death ’.

Now it is autumn and the falling fruit and the long journey towards oblivion.

The apples falling like great drops of dew to bruise themselves an exit from themselves.

And it is time to go, to bid farewell to one’s own self, and find an exit from the fallen self …

A poem of angst and death, ‘The Ship of Death’ uses the metaphor of a journey to invoke the idea of self-discovery: the poem involves the poem’s speaker calling for the reader to prepare a ‘ship of death’ – ‘the fragile ship of courage, the ark of faith’ – to transport them to ‘oblivion’, travelling from ‘the old self’ to ‘the new’.

T. S. Eliot, ‘ Journey of the Magi ’.

A nativity poem with a difference, ‘Journey of the Magi’ (1927) is spoken by one of the ‘Three Wise Men’ (as they’re commonly known), as they make their journey to visit the infant Jesus. The speaker reflects on the hardships he and his fellow travellers endure on their journey, and the implications of the advent of Christ for the Magi’s own belief system.

Philip Larkin, ‘ The Whitsun Weddings ’.

This poem, the title poem in Larkin’s 1964 collection, describes a journey from Hull to London on the Whitsun weekend and the wedding parties that Larkin sees climbing aboard the train at each station. Actually inspired by a train journey from Hull down to Loughborough in the Midlands, ‘The Whitsun Weddings’ captures the hope and togetherness these wedding parties symbolise – although the poem can also be read in a less optimistic way .

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Experiencing God on Our Journey of Faith

• Be available to God — don't believe our schedule is too full to find faith.
• Be open to experience God in fresh ways — to encounter him in places and times we don't see as necessarily religious or comfortable.
• Be hospitable to God and his people — welcoming others in the name of God become ways we welcome the presence of "The Holy" into our lives.
• Be committed to right living instead of settling for being religious — right living means we are concerned about pleasing God and how we treat others.
• Be willing to making agenda changes in life — our experiences of God and with God often call us to explore new ideas, new lands, and new people.
• The Psalms : The collection of the Psalms in our Bible offers us the language of life we can use to address God. There are psalms of joy and sorrow, rejoicing and lament, peace and tumult, praise and anger, confidence and desperation. Spend time in the Psalms to help broaden your vocabulary to address God, and you will also find that God is much bigger and much more gracious than you have previously known. In doing so, you will also discover that the Almighty longs to draw near in every situation of life, not just those rosy, all is great, days of spiritual strength.
• Matthew : For 19 centuries, Matthew was the gospel of God's people. When we lost Matthew from our regular reading, we lost a precious gift. Matthew was written to help us know and experience Immanuel — God with us on our journey. Matthew reminds us that we can experience God on our journey through the long story of Scripture that ends in Jesus ( Matthew 1:23 ), radical and loving community ( Matthew 18:20 ), compassionate care of those in need ( Matthew 25:40 ), and in walking beside people until Jesus' will transforms them into authentic disciples ( Matthew 28:19-20 ). {Be sure and read the context of these passages for their full impact!} God wants us to experience him as Immanuel, the God whom we can experience in our journey of faith.

Related Links

• Finding Jesus: Experiencing Jesus as Immanuel
• Leave, God, and Bless!
• C.S. Lewis and the Struggle of Faith

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77 Positive and Inspiring Journey Quotes

Embark on a journey of a lifetime with these inspiring journey quotes. Life’s a thrilling ride, filled with ups and downs.

It’s about braving the storms and cherishing time spent with loved ones.

So whether your path is spiritual, an exciting travel adventure, or just starting something new in life, let these quotes fuel your spirit for exploration and discovery.

Journey quotes to begin your path towards greatness

1. “Never give up on your dreams, no matter how painful and difficult your journey is.” – Lisa

2. “The journey is never ending. There’s always gonna be growth, improvement, adversity; you just gotta take it all in and do what’s right, continue to grow, continue to live in the moment.” – Antonio Brown

3. “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” – Lao Tzu

4. “Sometimes its more about the journey than the destination.” – Jamal Crawford

5. “Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.” – Arthur Ashe

6. “Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.” – Greg Anderson

New journey quotes to inspire your success

7. “Not all those who wander are lost.” – J.R.R. Tolkien

8. “Sometimes it’s the journey that teaches you a lot about your destination.” – Drake

9. “Sometimes we make the process more complicated than we need to. We will never make a journey of a thousand miles by fretting about how long it will take or how hard it will be. We make the journey by taking each day step by step and then repeating it again and again until we reach our destination.” – Joseph B. Wirthlin

10. “Enjoy the journey and try to get better every day. And don’t lose the passion and the love for what you do.” – Nadia Comaneci

11. “Struggle teaches you a lot of things, and I am happy that I witnessed a roller coaster ride. The journey has improved me as a person and made me more matrure.” – Manoj Bajpayee

12. “Life is short and we have never too much time for gladdening the hearts of those who are traveling the dark journey with us. Oh be swift to love, make haste to be kind.” – Henri Frederic Amiel

Life is a journey quotes

13. “Life is a journey that must be traveled no matter how bad the roads and accommodations.” – Oliver Goldsmith

14. “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” – Robert Frost

15. “Learn to trust the journey, even when you do not understand it.” – Lolly Daskal

16. “Life is a journey that have a lot of different paths, but any path you choose, use it as your destiny.” – Unknown

17. “The beautiful journey of today can only begin when we learn to let go of yesterday.” – Steve Maraboli

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18. “Life is a journey, not a destination.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

19. “Everyday you got a chance to make your journey more beautiful than yesterday.” – Nitin Namdeo

20. “Every day is a journey and the journey itself is home.” – Matsuo Basho

21. “Everybody has their own story; everything has their own journey.” – Thalia

Enjoy the journey quotes

22. “Enjoy the journey as much as the destination.” – Marshall Sylver

23. “Enjoy the journey of life and not just the endgame.” – Benedict Cumberbatch

24. “Enjoy the journey and try to get better everyday. And don’t lose the passion and the love for what you do.” – Nadia Comaneci

25. “Enjoy the journey, the destination will come.” – Verghese

26. “Don’t wait for everything to be perfect before you decide to enjoy your life.” – Joyce Meyer

27. “Dream big, stay positive, work hard, and enjoy the journey.” – Urijah Faber

28. “The key to realizing a dream is to focus not on success but significance, and then even the small steps and little victories along your path will take on greater meaning.” – Oprah Winfrey

29. “Aim for the sky, but move slowly, enjoying every step along the way. It is all those little steps that make the journey complete.” – Chanda Kochar

30. “Enjoy the journey, enjoy every moment, and quit worrying about winning and losing.” – Matt Biondi

31. “Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and enjoy the journey.” – Babs Hoffman

32. “I haven’t been everywhere but its on my list.” – Susan Sontag

33. “You must remain focused on your journey to greatness.” – Les Brown

Inspirational journey quotes

34. “You can never regret anything you do in life. You kind of have to learn the lesson from whatever the experience is and take it with you on your journey forward.” – Aubrey O’Day

35. “Life is a journey. When we stop, things don’t go right.” – Pope Francis

36. “There’s no map for you to follow and take your journey. You are Lewis and Clark. You are the mapmaker.” – Phillipa Soo

37. “I’m different than most people. When I cross the finish line of a big race, I see that people are ecstatic, but I’m thinking about what I’m going to do tomorrow. It’s as if my journey is everlasting, and there is no finish line.” – David Goggins

38. “We don’t receive wisdom; we must discover it for ourselves after a journey that no one can take for us or spare us.” – Marcel Proust

39. “Though the road’s been rocky it sure feels good to me.” – Bob Marley

40. “We are at our very best, and we are happiest, when we are fully engaged in work we enjoy on the journey toward the goal we’ve established for ourselves. It gives meaning to our time off and comfort to our sleep. It makes everything else in life so wonderful, so worthwhile.” – Earl Nightingale

41. “Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become.” – Steve Jobs

42. “If my ship sails from sight, it doesn’t mean my journey ends, it simply means the river bends.” – Enoch Powell

Motivational journey quotes 

43. “Make voyages. Attempt them. There’s nothing else.” – Tennessee Williams

44. “Gotta take that adventure in order to understand your journey.” – Jennifer Pierre

45. “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt

46. “The beauty of my journey is that it’s always been pretty unpredictable, so stay tuned.” – Andreja Pejic

47. “The journey not the arrival matters.” – T.S. Eliot

48. “The future depends on what you do today.” – Mahatma Gandhi

49. “The goal is to die with memories, not dreams.” – Unknown

50. “Never throughout history has a man who lived a life of ease left a name worth remembering.” – Theodore Roosevelt

51. “The harder you work from something, the greater you’ll feel when you achieve it.” – Sudhashree Acharya

52. “Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends, but is played out over and over again in the quietest chambers. The mind can never break off from the journey.” – Pat Conroy

53. “The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.” – ILHQ

54. “When setting out on a journey do not seek advice from someone who never left home.” – Rumi

Positive journey quotes

55. “You may only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” – Mae West

56. “Every day you got a chance to make your journey more beautiful than yesterday.” – Nitin Namdeo

57. “Stay positive. Better days are on their way.” – Unknown

58. “Your destiny is to fulfill those things upon which you focus most intently. So choose to keep your focus on that which is truly magnificent, beautiful, uplifting and joyful. Your life is always moving toward something.” – Ralph Marston

59. “You make a life out of what you have, not what you’re missing.” – Kate Morton

60. “Every sunset is an opportunity to reset. Every sunrise begins with new eyes.” – Richie Norton

61. “Life is very interesting. In the end, some of your greatest pains, become your greatest strengths.” – Drew Barrymore

62. “Your journey has molded you for your greater good, and it was exactly what it needed to be. Don’t think you’ve lost time. There is no short-cutting life. It took each and every situation you have encountered to bring you to the now. And now is right on time.” – Asha Tyson

63. “And suddenty you know…It’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.” – Meister Eckhart

64. “Find out who you are and do it on purpose.” – Dolly Parton

65. “Your success will be determined by your own confidence and fortitude.” – Michelle Obama

66. “Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.” – Oscar Wilde

67. “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” – Wayne Dyer

Journey of life quotes

68. “The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.” – Tony Robbins

69. “When you have a dream, you’ve got to grab it and never let go.” – Carol Burnett

70. “Life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” – Charles R. Swindoll

71. “You take your life in your own hands, and what happens? A terrible thing, no one to blame.” – Erica Jong

72. “If all difficulties were known at the outset of a long journey, most of us would never start out at all.” – Dan Rather

73. “It’s your reaction to adversity, not adversity itself that determines how your life’s story will develop.” – Dieter F. Uchtdorf

74. “Your Monday morning thoughts set the tone for your whole week. See yourself getting stronger, and living a fulfilling, happier & healthier life.” – Germany Kent

75. “Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.” – Lou Holtz

76. “Our lives are the journey we take to find our true selves!” – Alyssa Gonzalez

77. “Your braver than you believe, stronger that you seem, and smarter than you think.” – A.A. Milne

Which of these journey quotes were your favorites?

We all have the potential within us to be great.

But greatness isn’t about luck. It’s a choice.

We must choose to succeed and take steps towards it.

Remember, the path to success is a journey, not a quick leap.

Let these quotes inspire you to stay focused on your goals and dreams, no matter what obstacles get in your way along the path.

Helping people and eating tacos are my jam! This blog exists to help provide tips and resources that can help you achieve your goals and live a better life. Whether you’re looking for tips on personal growth, fitness, advice on starting a side hustle, or resources for working remotely, I’ve got you covered.

OUR JOURNEY OUR STORIES

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@ourjourneyourstories

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Energizing the Future: A Tale of Innovation and Collaboration

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A STORY TO SHARE

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Journey Point: Branding & Marketing Path Finders

Get ready for a thrilling expedition into the world of branding and marketing at Journey Point! Discover the personal journeys of our esteemed panelists from Elliot & Co, Duo Studio and Path Digital Solutions, and how they have harnessed the power of branding and digital marketing to drive growth and connect authentically with their target audience.

Journey Point: Tech Odyssey

This tech talk edition was an exciting discussion of the future of innovation! We’d like to thank Homeez (Muhammad Fadhil), LunchBox (Shaun Lee) and BeLive Technology (Shalini Jha) for gracing us with their presence and incredible insights.

STARK MEDIA

Our Journey Our Stories is produced by Stark Media, a creative media agency that offers a range of professional services, including ad management, content creation, video production and social media management.

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Sharing Personal Stories: How to Connect with Others and Find Meaning

In the digital age where connections are virtually built, one classical method of building meaningful relations has not lost its value - the sharing of personal stories. Narrating our lived experiences, feelings, dreams, and even fears help in humanizing our persona, making us relatable to others. But, the art goes beyond simple narration. This article aims to explore the nuances of sharing personal stories, the meaning we derive from this exchange, and how we can enhance this art of sharing to make our connections deeper and more meaningful.

Understanding the Power of Personal Stories

Personal stories have a powerful impact on the human psyche, as they engage audiences at an emotional and cognitive level. They incorporate personal experiences, emotions, and perspectives making them unique and impactful.

But what makes them compelling? How do they foster human connection and shape our identity?

The Role of Storytelling in Human Connection

Human brains are wired for stories. From ancient times, storytelling has been utilized to perpetuate cultural values, pass wisdom across generations, or to simply entertain. Connection through storytelling stems from its ability to elicit empathy, understood as the capacity to resonate with the feelings of another.

When we listen to personal stories, we are transported into the shoes of the storyteller. We experience their joys, sorrows, triumphs, and challenges. This emotional connection allows us to relate to their experiences, even if they are vastly different from our own.

Stories allow us to take a look into another's life, enhancing our understanding about them, creating a common ground where we feel kinship and shared humanity . Through storytelling, we bridge the gaps between our diverse backgrounds and find common threads that bind us together.

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How Personal Stories Shape Our Identity

As we expose our intimate thoughts and experiences through stories, we also come to understand ourselves better. Shared stories not only help others to know us, but they also help us to know ourselves.

When we share our personal stories, we often gain new insights and perspectives. We see patterns and themes emerge, revealing aspects of our lives that we may not have fully recognized before. Through the act of storytelling , we are able to make sense of our own experiences and make connections between seemingly unrelated events.

Pivotal situations and cultural aspects of our stories often shape our distinct identity and enhance our self-concept. By examining our personal narratives, we gain a deeper understanding of who we are, what we value, and how we want to present ourselves to the world.

Additionally, personal stories can empower us to embrace our uniqueness and celebrate our individuality. They remind us that our experiences, no matter how ordinary or extraordinary, contribute to the rich tapestry of human existence.

In conclusion, personal stories have the power to foster human connection and shape our identity. Through storytelling, we build bridges of empathy and understanding, while also gaining a deeper understanding of ourselves. So, let us continue to share and listen to personal stories, for they have the potential to transform lives and create a more compassionate and interconnected world.

The Art of Sharing Personal Stories

Sharing personal narratives is an art that demands certain skills. The right ‘what’ and ‘how’ of the stories grow unprecedented interest among listeners precipitating meaningful exchanges while striking a chord at the humanistic level.

Personal stories have the power to captivate and inspire. They allow us to connect with others on a deeper level, fostering empathy and understanding. Whether it's a tale of triumph over adversity, a humorous anecdote, or a heartfelt reflection, the art of sharing personal stories can leave a lasting impact on both the storyteller and the audience.

Choosing the Right Story to Share

Familiarity with the audience, the context, and purpose of sharing are key factors that guide the selection of your story. The chosen story must bear relevance to your audience's interests, needs, or shared context for it to resonate and connect.

When choosing a story to share, consider the emotions you want to evoke in your audience. Do you want to make them laugh, cry, or feel inspired? Think about the themes and messages that align with the purpose of your storytelling. By selecting a story that aligns with your audience's interests and needs, you can create a powerful connection that leaves a lasting impression.

Crafting Your Story for Impact

An impactful story is more than a recount of events. It must reveal the associated emotions, teach something valuable, and engage the audience. The classic narrative arc- exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution- can guide your storytelling for the desired impact.

When crafting your story, consider the elements that will make it engaging and relatable. Begin with a captivating introduction that hooks your audience and sets the stage for what's to come. Build up the narrative with vivid descriptions, allowing the listeners to visualize the events as if they were there themselves. Take them on a journey, guiding them through the highs and lows, and ultimately leading to a satisfying resolution.

Don't be afraid to infuse your story with personal insights and reflections. Share the lessons you've learned, the challenges you've overcome, and the growth you've experienced. By doing so, you not only entertain your audience but also provide them with valuable takeaways that they can apply to their own lives.

Remember, the art of sharing personal stories is about more than just the words you speak. It's about the emotions you convey, the connections you forge, and the impact you leave behind. So embrace the artistry of storytelling, and let your personal narratives inspire, educate, and empower.

Building Connections Through Shared Experiences

Shared stories have a remarkable capacity to build robust connections. But, merely narrating a story does not guarantee that connection. A careful interplay of factors like empathy in storytelling and creating a safe environment for mutual sharing can enhance the relational outcome.

When it comes to building connections through shared experiences, empathy plays a pivotal role. Empathy breathes life into stories. It underpins our capacity to see through the storyteller's lens and experience their joy, pain, or struggle. When we empathize with someone's story, we are able to connect with them on a deeper level. This shared understanding bridges the gap between individuals, creating a sense of solidarity and connection.

Imagine sitting in a circle with a group of people, each sharing their personal stories. As each person takes their turn to speak, the power of empathy becomes evident. As you listen to their stories, you can feel their emotions, their triumphs, and their challenges. Empathy allows you to step into their shoes, even if just for a moment, and truly understand their experiences. This connection formed through empathy is what brings people closer together.

The Role of Empathy in Storytelling

Empathy is not just about understanding someone's story; it is about actively engaging with it. When we approach storytelling with empathy, we create a space where the storyteller feels seen, heard, and validated. This validation is essential for building connections, as it shows the storyteller that their experiences matter.

Empathy in storytelling goes beyond mere sympathy or pity. It is about genuinely connecting with the emotions and experiences conveyed in the story. By putting ourselves in the storyteller's shoes, we are able to tap into a shared human experience. This shared experience forms the foundation for building connections that can withstand the test of time.

Creating a Safe Space for Sharing

Sharing stories necessitates vulnerability, which requires safety and acceptance from listeners. Creating this safe, judgement-free space allows individuals to express authentic stories, fostering deeper bonds built on trust and empathy.

When individuals feel safe to share their stories, they are more likely to open up and reveal their true selves. This vulnerability creates an atmosphere of trust, where individuals can express their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment or rejection. In this safe space, connections are formed not only through the stories themselves but also through the act of sharing and being heard.

Imagine a support group where individuals gather to share their experiences and struggles. In this safe space, everyone is encouraged to speak their truth without fear of criticism. As each person shares their story, the group listens attentively, offering support and understanding. This act of sharing and receiving creates a sense of belonging and connection among the participants.

Building connections through shared experiences is a powerful way to foster meaningful relationships. By embracing empathy in storytelling and creating safe spaces for sharing, we can create connections that go beyond surface-level interactions. These deep connections have the potential to transform lives, bringing individuals closer together and creating a sense of community.

Finding Meaning in Personal Stories

Our stories often hold insights about ourselves and our place in the world. Interpreting these experiences and the healing that comes through sharing forms a part of the intricate web of storytelling.

When we delve into our personal stories, we embark on a journey of self-discovery. Each experience, whether positive or negative, has the potential to shape us and provide valuable lessons. Stories allow us to understand, analyze, and derive meaning from these personal experiences.

Through the process of interpretation, we are able to make sense of the events that have unfolded in our lives. It is a form of self-reflection that helps us grow and find our place in the world. By examining the choices we made, the challenges we faced, and the emotions we experienced, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our journey.

Interpreting Personal Experiences

Stories have the power to illuminate the hidden corners of our minds and hearts. They provide a platform for introspection, allowing us to explore our motivations, fears, and desires. Through storytelling, we can make connections between seemingly unrelated events and uncover themes that run through our lives.

As we interpret our personal experiences, we begin to see patterns emerge. We may notice recurring themes of resilience, love, or growth. These patterns offer valuable insights into our core values and beliefs. They help us understand what drives us, what inspires us, and what holds us back.

Moreover, interpreting personal experiences is not limited to understanding our own stories. It also extends to empathizing with others and gaining a broader perspective on the human experience. By listening to the stories of others, we can learn from their triumphs and challenges, expanding our own understanding of the world.

The Healing Power of Storytelling

Storytelling is not only a means of understanding ourselves but also a powerful tool for healing. When we share our stories, we give voice to our experiences, emotions, and thoughts. This act of self-expression can be incredibly cathartic, providing an outlet for pent-up emotions and a release from the burdens we carry.

Through storytelling, we create a safe space to explore our vulnerabilities and confront our pain. By giving words to our deepest fears and insecurities, we begin to chip away at their power over us. The act of sharing our stories can be transformative, leading us towards acceptance and self-compassion.

Furthermore, the healing power of storytelling extends beyond the individual. When we share our stories with others, we create connections and foster empathy. It is through these shared narratives that we find solace, support, and a sense of belonging. The act of listening to someone else's story can be equally healing, as it allows us to witness their journey and offer compassion.

In conclusion, interpreting personal experiences and engaging in the healing power of storytelling are integral parts of our human experience. By delving into our own stories and listening to the stories of others, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. So, let us continue to explore the intricate web of storytelling, finding meaning and healing along the way.

Practical Tips for Sharing Personal Stories

Sharing personal stories effectively is a skill that requires practice and refinement. Let's explore some practical techniques to enhance your storytelling prowess and navigate emotional responses effectively.

Honing Your Storytelling Skills

A compelling narrative requires practice and a strong awareness of your expressive style. Pay attention to your language, inflection, pacing, and emotions to enhance the impact of your story.

When honing your storytelling skills, it can be helpful to study the techniques used by master storytellers. Take the time to read books, watch movies, or listen to podcasts that feature captivating narratives. Analyze how these storytellers engage their audience, create suspense, and evoke emotions.

Another effective way to improve your storytelling skills is to join a storytelling group or attend workshops. These environments provide a supportive community where you can practice your storytelling techniques, receive constructive feedback, and learn from others.

Navigating Emotional Responses

Sharing personal experiences can trigger a myriad of emotional responses. Being aware and understanding of your emotional reactions, as well as those of your listener, can foster an empathetic environment, conducive to meaningful conversation.

When sharing personal stories, it is important to create a safe space for both yourself and your listener. Start by setting clear boundaries and establishing trust. Let your listener know that they are free to express their emotions and reactions, but also communicate your own comfort level in receiving and discussing certain responses.

Additionally, practicing active listening can greatly contribute to navigating emotional responses. Show genuine interest and empathy towards your listener's reactions. Validate their feelings and provide a supportive presence. This will help create a space where both parties feel heard and understood.

It is also crucial to be mindful of your own emotional well-being when sharing personal stories. Recognize that revisiting certain experiences can be emotionally challenging. Take breaks when needed, practice self-care, and seek support from trusted friends or professionals if necessary.

The Impact of Personal Stories on Others

The magic of storytelling lies not only in the joy of sharing but also in the change it can bring about in others. Inspiring change and strengthening relationships through shared stories encapsulates the transformative power of stories.

When we share personal stories, we have the ability to touch the hearts and minds of those who listen. These stories have the power to evoke emotions, provoke thoughts, and inspire action. Whether it's a tale of triumph over adversity or a heartfelt account of personal growth, personal stories have the potential to create a lasting impact.

Inspiring Change Through Storytelling

Personal stories can be profoundly inspiring and motivational. They can spark change in others, encouraging them to undertake new challenges or change their perspective. A story about overcoming fear and taking risks, for example, may inspire someone to step out of their comfort zone and pursue their dreams.

Moreover, personal stories can serve as a source of hope and inspiration for individuals facing similar struggles. When someone hears a story of someone who has overcome similar obstacles, it can give them the courage and belief that they too can overcome their own challenges. This newfound sense of empowerment can lead to positive change in their lives.

Strengthening Relationships Through Shared Stories

Sharing personal stories can foster stronger empathy, trust, and understanding, thereby strengthening relationships. When we open up and share our experiences with others, we create a space for vulnerability and connection. Through storytelling, we invite others into our world, allowing them to see a different side of us.

These shared stories create a sense of intimacy and closeness between individuals. When we listen to someone's personal story, we are given a glimpse into their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. This deepens our understanding of them and helps us build a stronger bond.

Furthermore, when we share our stories, we create a platform for others to share their own. This reciprocal exchange of personal narratives fosters a sense of trust and mutual support within a community. It allows individuals to feel heard, validated, and understood, ultimately enriching our social experiences.

In conclusion, sharing personal stories serves as a vehicle for connecting, finding meaning, and inspiring change. It's an art, a therapy, and a tool for empowerment rolled into one. By sharing our stories, we have the power to touch the lives of others and create a ripple effect of positive change.

If you're interested in exploring the power of storytelling for mental wellbeing, Aura Health App provides convenient and accessible ways to learn, grow, and connect through the universal language of stories. Through guided storytelling exercises and a supportive community, Aura Health App can help you harness the transformative power of personal narratives.

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35 Quotes To Inspire You On Your Journey Of Success

Journey is defined as a long and often difficult process of personal change and development; traveling from one place to another. The path to success might be tough, but once gain momentum, everything will fall to its place. Always remember to enjoy the journey because sometimes it’s more worthwhile the the destination itself. Don’t forget to thank all the people you helped you on your way. Everyone’s journey is different, so try not to compare yours to others. May these quotes inspire you on your journey to greatness .

1.  “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” Lao Tzu

2.  “Don’t expect anyone to understand your journey , especially if they’ve never walked your path.”

3.  “The beautiful journey of today can only begin when we learn to let go of yesterday.” Steve Maraboli

4.  “It’s all about the journey not the outcome.” Carl Lewis

5.  “The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.” Tony Robbins

6.  “The true journey is one that is traveled with an inner GPS fully activated.” Alexis Brooks

7.  “The journey is yours. Enjoy each and every step .” Anonymous

8.  “Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.” Arthur Ashe

9.  “Embrace the journey.” Anonymous

10.  “Stay patient and trust your journey.” Anonymous

11.  “The journey is long but the goal is in each step.” Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

12.  “Life is a journey.” Anonymous

13.  “The journey is the fun part.” Jaime Tardy

14.  “Every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home.” Matsuo Basho

15.  “Sometimes it’s the journey that teaches you a lot about your destination.” Drake

16.  “Life is not a race but a journey to be savored each step of the way.” Anonymous

17.  “This is your journey, your body, your mind, and your spirit. Dig deep, own it and start doing things for you and by you.” Anonymous

18.  “Your journey has molded you for the greater good .” Asha Tyson

19.  “Life is a journey filled with unexpected miracles.” Anonymous

20.  “The end of a journey means the start of another.” Anonymous

21.  “There is only one map to the journey of life and it lives within your heart .” Willie Nelson

22.  “All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.” Martin Buber

23.  “To travel is to take a journey into yourself.” Danny Kaye

24.  “You must remain focused on your journey to greatness.” Les Brown

25.  “Take the journey even if it means alone.” Anonymous

26.  “Love is the spirit that motivates the artist’s journey.” Eric Maisel

27.  “Our journey is about being more deeply involved in life and yet, less attached to it.” Ram Dass

28.  “Sometimes the people around you won’t understand your journey. They don’t need to, it’s not for them.” Anonymous

29.  “So the single most vital step on your journey towards enlightenment is this: learn to disidentify from your mind.” Eckhart Tolle

30.  “Maybe the journey isn’t so much about becoming anything. Maybe it’s about unbecoming everything that isn’t really you, so you can be who you were meant to be in the first place.” Anonymous

31.  “We must embrace pain and burn it as fuel for our journey.” Kenji Miyazawa

32.  “The best journey always takes us home.” Anonymous

33.  “The journey is much easier when you are not carrying your past.” Anonymous

34.  “The journey to freedom is paved by the substance of our character.” Erwin McManus

35.  “The only journey is the one within.” Rainer Maria Rilke

I hope these Journey Quotes inspired you to aim for success. Do let us know which one was your favorite in the comments section below.

Check Out This Video On Guided Meditation — A 10-Minute Journey To Inner Peace:

Have A Great Day!

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My name is Asad Meah, I am the CEO & Founder of AwakenTheGreatnessWithin. I am a dreamchaser who has gained a wealth of knowledge in entrepreneurship and personal development over the past five years through self-education. My mission is to inspire millions of people to become entrepreneurs by awakening their minds to their greatness that resides within them.

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Hilary Williams

March 12, 2019 at 2:05 pm

What an amazing quotes that transforms life. It gives one the courage to actually owns his own journey. I Love This.

March 28, 2019 at 6:14 pm

Glad you enjoyed the article Hilary

haddy Ndimballan

March 11, 2019 at 10:58 pm

Comment: The quotes are very inspirational, they give me more courage to push harder

March 28, 2019 at 6:15 pm

Glad you enjoyed the article Haddy

February 1, 2019 at 12:40 am

I I enjoy the wonderful quotes. It has been very inspectional.

February 22, 2019 at 11:40 am

Glad you enjoyed the quotes Rosaline

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Our Journey: A True Story About Caregiving: The Good, the Bad, and the Really Ugly Kindle Edition

• Print length 227 pages
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• Sticky notes On Kindle Scribe
• Publication date October 8, 2023
• File size 519 KB
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5.0 out of 5 stars

When she says, "The good, the bad, and the really ugly", she means it.

Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2023

This has to be the most heartfelt and raw account of illness and caregiving I've ever read. Cassie lays it all on the table...even when the truth is ugly. You might think it would be hard to get through given the subject matter, but Cassie's writing style makes the book hard to put down.

This book had one of the strongest endings I have ever read in a book. The way she painted the death proccess was subtle, educational and delivered in a way kept me intrigued. I though of my own mortaility. That was hands down my favourite part of the book and also one of the saddest. I'm sure you mom would be proud of you Cassie, well done. I strongly recommend this book!!!

It was so hard to put this book down. My father was diagnosed with Huntingtons Disease in 2019. For people that aren't familiar, most describe it as Parkinson's and ALS combined. So much of this story was so relatable and hit so close to home. So many tears! So well written!

About the Author

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• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CK8X799R
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 8, 2023
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 519 KB
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• #449 in Alzheimer's Disease
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Cassie nicole abel.

Cassie Abel is a new author with her first book, Our Journey. Writing has always been a hobby of hers. She has many projects in the making, mainly fictional - but a life event had Cassie pursuing publishing her first nonfiction book.

After her mother began to decline in her ALS battle, Cassie moved her in with her and her family and acted as her caregiver for the last 15 months of her mother's life. Cassie works full time as a director in healthcare and is involved in numerous community service organizations. Providing support for caregivers - anyone taking care of someone with any type of ailment - is something that Cassie is passionate about even after her mother won her battle with ALS in 2022.

Cassie lives in Indiana with her husband, two children, and two very wild miniature labradoodles.

Her love of reading dives anywhere from horror, detective/mystery, and romance.

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The Hero's Journey: Life's Great Adventure

Harris Communications: Home of the Hero's Journey Since 1997

Recognizing the Journey: “Unfolding” Your Story

We don’t “take” journeys. We “unfold” them, organically, as a dialogue with our world.

The Challenge of Knowing

The questions I am most often asked in regard to the Hero’s Journey relate to recognizing the Call and knowing that we are on the “right” journey. These are difficult questions to answer because we need to consider so many factors: the situation in our lives, the context in which we take the journey, the options available to us and the coherence between the story we are (or have become) and the story we are living.

The situation is even more complicated because of the manipulative nature of our modern culture. Today, every human need—including our innate need to take journeys—seems to have become a resource for commercial exploitation. In a world that’s driven by consumption and the virtual reality of technology, it’s often difficult to distinguish between a journey that is organic, originating from our natural inclination to grow, and a “journey” that is marketed to us to exploit our quest for identity and purpose.

Is there a “True” Journey?

There is a more philosophical complication to “finding” and following “our” journey, and it is perhaps the most important consideration of all. When we say “I’m on my journey,” we’re implying that there is a journey out there and we must discover and follow it. However, to say that we “take” a journey is to fall into a language trap. We can’t “take” something unless that something already exists, so when we want to “take” a journey, the language we must use tricks us into believing that there is a “true” journey awaiting us, and we must find it.

This thinking can cause us all kinds of problems. For example, thinking that there is a given journey waiting for us adds a layer of question or doubt to our decision-making and disrupts the process of living authentically: Will this Call lead me to the Journey I “should” take? Is this my “true” journey? How can I know if I’m on the “right” journey?

Trying to decide if we are on the “right” journey or whether a particular journey is the journey we were born to can tie us in knots and make creative, effective action impossible.

The fact is that there is no “true” journey waiting for us. We don’t really “take” a journey: we “unfold” a journey. Our journeys open up organically through a dialogue between us and our world. We act and the world responds by giving us feedback, which opens to us new potentials for action. We evaluate the feedback, explore the potentials and make a new decision, and our journey unfolds.

“Storying” experience makes the journey

This perspective discloses two important truths about journeys. First, journeys aren’t plotted. They’re not a screenplay which already exists, “out there,” and in which we simply act out a role. Second, our journeys are never really over. We “write” our journeys as we go, and we can’t know where they will lead because we haven’t lived them yet. In Narrative Knowing and the Human Sciences Brian Polkinghorne wrote,

We achieve our personal identities and self concept through the use of the narrative configuration…We are in the middle of our stories and cannot be sure how they will end; we are constantly having to revise the plot as new events are added to our lives (1988, p. 150).

We write our journeys as we go, and we can’t know where they will lead because we haven’t lived them yet. We may envision one goal at the beginning of a journey, but we won’t really know if that’s where we’ll be at the end. The truth is that only when an experience is “over” can it become a journey, and it becomes a journey through story. It’s through the story we tell that our experience truly becomes a journey because it’s through story that we process an experience and give it meaning. And it is meaning which makes a journey a journey.

Ask the river, where it comes from? You will get no answer. Ask the river, where is it going? You will get no answer, because the river lives inside this very moment; neither in the past nor in the future, in this very moment only! Mehmet Murat ildan (Turkish playwright)

While we are engaged in the experience, there is no story, no journey to be taken. There is only us, in the moment, trying to make the best decisions we can. It’s only when the disruption that sent us on the journey has been resolved that the journey can take form, find meaning, and it does this through story. As Dan McAdams writes in The Stories We Live By (1993), “To make meaning in life is to create dynamic narratives that render sensible and coherent the seeming chaos of human existence” (p. 166).

This brings us to the second truth about journeys: they are never over. Because journeys become journeys through the story we tell about them to give them meaning, they are constantly evolving and changing as we retell and reshape the story to have relevance to the life we are living today. Tim O’Brien explained this powerfully in his Vietnam War novel The Things They Carried (1990):

Stories are for joining the past to the future. Stories are for those late hours in the night when you can’t remember how you got from where you were to where you are. Stories are for eternity, when memory is erased, when there is nothing to remember except the story (p. 40).

In a very real sense, then, the story becomes the “true” journey. And, because our story must evolve over time so that it is “true” for us in our lives at this moment, our “true” journeys will evolve, as well. Three decades before O’Brien wrote about Vietnam, existential philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre, who lived through an earlier war, made a similar point about the difference between living an experience and turning it into a meaningful journey ( Nausea , 1964):

But everything changes when you tell about life; it’s a change no one notices: the proof is that people talk about true stories. As if there could possibly be true stories; things happen one way and we tell about them in the oppo­site sense. You seem to start at the beginning: “It was a fine autumn evening in 1922. I was a notary’s clerk in Marommes.” And in reality you have started at the end. It was there, invisible and present, [giving] to words the pomp and value of a beginning.

So when we shape our journeys through story, we don’t start with the beginning of the adventure. We must begin at the end because the story must bring us logically and finally to where we are at this moment in time. In a very real sense, then, the present creates the journey we have already taken. It dictates the details we choose in telling about the journey and how we shape those details so that the journey has a meaning that is coherent with when and where we are now.

How story liberates our journeys

As far as men go, it is not what they are that interests me, but what they can become. Jean-Paul Sartre

Sartre and O’Brien bring us to the most important point about our journeys: a single experience is “polysemous.” It has many potential meanings, and they can all be “true.” Thus, because our journeys take shape and meaning through the stories we tell about them, about what they mean in the present, our journeys can change. It is this polysemy of experience that liberates us. It allows us to reinterpret an experience over time by reframing the story we tell about it so that we change its meaning in our present life―changing our present life. Thus, in high school, the breakup with a girlfriend or boyfriend may seem a life-altering tragedy, but in college we reframe it as a simply a minor bruise to our ego, and then we reframe it again as a funny lesson in life when seen from the perspective of an adult.

Thus, the current “end” of the journey–that is, where we are today–changes when we reframe its story to give it a more relevant and affirmative meaning in the present. Because of this, we can redeem even the most devastating of experiences by re-storying them, by changing the end to which the journey leads. Again, quoting O’Brien,

By telling stories, you objectify your own experience. You separate it from yourself. You pin down certain truths. You make up others. You start sometimes with an incident that truly happened…and you carry it forward by inventing incidents that did not in fact occur but that nonetheless help to clarify and explain (1990, pp. 179-80).

O’Brien’s words bring to mind an important point about our journeys and the stories we tell about them: A story is not a story until it is told, and it can’t be told without someone to hear it. We may be able to re-story our journeys on our own, but more often than not we need a compassionate, understanding audience.

Our audience can be family or friends, a counselor or therapist, but the audience must be there, open, non-judgmental and receptive. Our audience will help us reinterpret and reshape our story. They will help find other potential meanings in the story, and they will help us develop those meanings in ways that allow us to redeem what we thought was lost. They will help us bring our journey into the present and shape it in a way that will enrich our future.

So, how do I recognize my journey?

He stepped outside and looked up at the stars swimming in schools through the wind-driven clouds. John Steinbeck, East of Eden

The concept of reframing meaning to revise our lives brings us full circle, back to the question that began our short journey here: How can we recognize our calls and know that we are on the “right” journeys?

The first step is to think in terms of “unfolding” our journeys rather than “taking” our journeys. When we realize that life is not scripted, that there is no journey awaiting us, we free ourselves from the pressure of “finding” our proper journey—as if such a thing existed. We open ourselves to see life as it is so that we can respond spontaneously, creatively and authentically. The journey is really hermeneutic, interpretive, an ongoing process of engaging, interpreting feedback, adjusting our understanding and re-engaging.

Copyright © 2014 by Reg Harris. All rights reserved. Apart from properly cited quotes and short excerpts, no part of this article can be copied or used in any form, including posting on the Internet, without written permission from the author. Any such unauthorized use is a violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). For permission,  contact Reg Harris .

One comment on “ Recognizing the Journey: “Unfolding” Your Story ”

Great post!  I love the notion of our journey unfolding rather than finding or taking it.  It helps me become more aware of my life and fully be in it.

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Principles & Resources

Relationality

Critical discernment, pro-activity, togetherness, our learning journey starts with your story. this is a place to explore your story, to expand your story, to create our story..

Begin your journey

Our learning journey starts on Country. The Countries of our place, our home, our peoples, and our places of learning.

Our learning journey is travelled by many people coming together. Through meaningful relationships and collaborations, we create learning experiences that make all our identities and futures possible.

Our learning journey travels across Nations and songlines into our early learning centres, our schools and our universities, to create powerful educative partnerships. Your story, our story, sparks new conversations and connections and possibilities.

We tell our story through the principles of Relationality, Togetherness, Pro-activity, Community and Critical discernment. We extend our understandings through self-reflection and seeking answers by first asking questions of ourselves. We are open to the power of hopeful discovery and change and together we can create our story.

Starting yOUR learning journey.

This professional learning resource is an opportunity to connect your learning story to the collective OUR story to ensure the educational success of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in our schools.

In education we celebrate that schools are not the domain solely of teachers but of students and our extended family and community links coming together. Your story becomes our story; my school is reframed as our school; what do I know? becomes what do we know?; and  your journey becomes our journey. Together we can acknowledge our story, our learning journey.

This website will help you better understand your own learning story in relation to education and Australian First Nations peoples: to consider what you currently know, how you know it, explore what else there is to know and how to learn more. Sometimes learning journeys can be uncomfortable and challenging as we reflect and expand our understanding. This website supports and encourages you to keep learning.

Learn more now about each principle.

• About the Project
• Professional Development
• Strategies & Resources
• Design Principles
• Project Report
• My Learning Journey
• Share Your Journey

Welcome. We would like to acknowledge all the Countries you are on and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We would also like to acknowledge the importance of the local stories of the traditional custodians of the land from which you are learning.

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• Cultural patterning created by Gilimbaa artist, Rachael Sarra (Goreng Goreng).

Wisconsin man accused of killing, dismembering woman while on a date

Authorities relied on text messages, witnesses, security video and phone-tracking data to build a case against a man accused of killing and dismembering a Milwaukee woman with whom he was on a date, court records show.

Maxwell Anderson, 33, also of Milwaukee, is charged with first-degree intentional homicide, mutilating a corpse and arson in the slaying of Sade Robinson, 19. The two went on a date April 1, the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office said in a criminal complaint filed last week.

A severed leg found the next day has been preliminary identified as belonging to Robinson, the complaint says. The right leg with painted toes was found near a 100-foot bluff by the water's edge in Warnimont Park.

A woman who identified herself as Robinson’s grandmother said Wednesday afternoon that she was too distraught to talk about the teenager. No one else with Robinson’s family could be reached for comment.

Anderson remains at the Milwaukee County Jail in lieu of $5 million bail, according to jail and court records. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Monday.

Anderson’s lawyer could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday afternoon. His relatives also could not be reached.

'The toes on the feet had pink nail polish'

According to the complaint, someone reported finding the leg around 5:30 p.m. April 2.

"The leg was severed just below the hip socket and appeared to have been sawn off. The toes on the feet had pink nail polish. The leg did not appear to be decomposing," the complaint says.

One of Robinson’s friends went to Milwaukee police that evening to report that Robinson was not her on phone and did not show up at work. The friend said Robinson’s last known activity was a post on Snapchat the previous night about how she was at a bar, according to the complaint.

The city’s fire department found Robinson’s 2020 Honda Civic the morning of April 2, with heavy interior damage from a fire, the complaint alleges.

Four days later, on April 6, Milwaukee police found a human foot adjacent to train tracks and human flesh in the same area where the car had been discovered. The foot and the right leg found days earlier appeared to belong to the same person because of skin tone, size and "having matching pink nail polish," the complaint said.

'Yes I love seafood'

Investigators also focused on forensic data before Anderson was charged. Evidence included text messages Robinson and Anderson exchanged on April 1.

Using those texts, along with tracking data from Robinson’s phone, investigators pieced together a timeline of what they believe were her final hours.

In text messages, Robinson and Anderson discussed meeting at a seafood restaurant where Anderson used to work. Robinson responded, "Yes I love seafood," the complaint said.

Video from the restaurant showed the pair eating and talking for about an hour before they moved to a bar, officials said. According to the complaint, video from the bar shows Robinson exiting her car while Anderson leaves from the passenger side.

They remained at the bar until about 9:20 p.m., when data from Robinson's phone placed her near Anderson's residence, the complaint says. Her phone remained in that area until about 12:45 a.m., officials said.

Investigators used a location-sharing app on the victim's phone to track its whereabouts for the next four hours, until the battery died.

Robinson's phone appeared to be in the park where the severed leg was found from around 3 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. April 2, the complaint says.

Videos, a car ablaze and bloody bedding

In addition to witnesses, text messages and the phone-tracking data, investigators also collected other video.

Video from the area near where the severed leg was found shows a "human figure" descending the bluff toward the beach just after 3 a.m., the complaint says.

Hours later, around 7:30 a.m., video from a bus and a convenience store captured a man walking away from a burning vehicle, officials said. A witness walking by the area told investigators she saw a man get out of Robinson's car from the driver's side and toss a lit lighter inside, according to the complaint.

Anderson was allegedly seen soon after he boarded another bus heading in the direction of his home, the complaint says. The man on the second bus was wearing the exact clothing and backpack as the man seen walking away from the car fire, officials said.

Anderson was arrested during a traffic stop on April 4. A search of his car turned up a hooded coat that appeared to be the same one he wore on the bus, the complaint alleges. 

Officials say they collected evidence during a search of Anderson’s home.

“[B]lood was located on bedding in one of the bedrooms and on the walls leading towards the basement. Several gasoline containers were located in the garage/storage area,” the complaint reads.

Milwaukee County Sheriff Denita Ball thanked her detectives and Milwaukee police in a statement for their work on the case.

“With little rest and a great deal of pressure, they have remained focused and relentless, 24-hours a day. Their efforts to carefully build this case with a host of other partners to locate and tie together evidence, will go a long way towards bringing justice and, hopefully, peace to the family and loved ones of Sade Robinson.”

If he is convicted on the homicide charge, Anderson could be sentenced to life in prison, according to the criminal complaint.

Antonio Planas is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital. 

'Taking care of our own': New TTUHSC dean shares goals, talks future of medical school

Traveling to the second floor of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center's original building, one will find the dean of the School of Medicine's office. It's a space that has a history of housing both deans and presidents of the university and now welcomes its newest occupant.

Having been named dean and executive vice president of the TTUHSC in February, Dr. John DeToledo's office sits bare except for a few knickknacks scattered throughout the space — a reflection of the humble and soft-spoken occupant.

Before being named to his new position, DeToledo's journey in medicine started decades ago, 5,359 miles south of Lubbock.

Journey from Brazil to Lubbock

DeToledo is a native of São Paulo, Brazil and comes from a long line of family physicians. He said it was only natural for him to attend São Paulo Medical School. He graduated in 1980 but didn't stay there for his residency training. Instead, he moved to Boston.

"I was an exchange student when I was 15 and I lived with a wonderful family in Michigan and I really enjoyed the experience," he said of his previous experience in the United States. "Specializing in this country would open doors for me ... I would not have that same kind of opportunity if I stayed in Brazil for my specialty training."

Gaining a spot at Columbia University for internal medicine, DeToledo crossed paths with his future predecessor — Dr. Steven Berk, who at the time was a doctor in Boston.

It was also during this time that DeToledo said he switched specialties from internal medicine to neurology.

"Neurology is rarely a love at first sight," he said. "Neurology, more often than not, is an acquired taste."

DeToledo said that 3% to 5% of a medical school students have an interest in neurology, which usually stems from undergraduate work done in the field. However, for him, it was different.

"There are some of us that they start in medicine and they find an affinity with the disease of the central nervous system and it's almost as if it clicks," he said. "It becomes effortless to make those connections."

Having switched fields, DeToledo gained additional training at Boston University and the Boston City Hospital and went on to complete his fellowship in epilepsy and neurophysiology at the Oregon Comprehensive Epilepsy Program.

Following his fellowship, DeToledo stayed as the Cornelia Wheeler division chief of Epilepsy until 1992, when his adventure took him to the nation's capital.

"I came to George Washington (University) as a junior professor," he said.

While in Washington, D.C., DeToledo ultimately became the chief of the Division of Epilepsy and Neurophysiology and the Neurology Residency Program Director at WGU, but his adventures were about to go abroad once more.

"I was invited to work in Saudi Arabia - in Riyadh - with King Faisal hospital," he said.

During his six-month stint there, DeToledo helped establish the Epilepsy Program at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital. He returned to the United States to serve as the co-director of the International Center for Epilepsy at the University of Miami in Florida.

That's where he met his wife, and the two would continue their journey together.

DeToledo moved to North Carolina to be Wake Forest University's chief of Epilepsy and Neurophysiology and the chief of the Magnetoencephalography Laboratory. That's when he received a call from an old friend — Dr. Berk - who was recruiting him to TTUHSC.

"When I received the invitation to come and visit, it was primarily because he was here that I came. I did not know much about Texas Tech or Lubbock," he said.

But after visiting Lubbock, DeToldeo said he and his wife agreed Lubbock was unique and appealing to them.

"The commitment of this community to support the university, to support the medical school — the pride that our people have in this school — really impressed me," DeToledo said. "I was invited to join a reception where there were some local people, and they were so proud of Texas Tech. I said, 'Wow, this is so different.'"

DeToledo joined TTUHSC as the Vernon & Elizabeth Haggerton chair of Neurology in 2009.

During his tenure, DeToledo went on to chair the Medical Practice Income Plan and serve as the Chief of Staff at the University Medical Center, along with serving in a position that helped prepare him to take the reins of the medical school.

"Dean Berk offered me the opportunity to become a vice dean for the School of Medicine," DeToledo said. "From that time on, I spent more time with him and being part of discussions about the vision, about the future, about the strategies for the medical school."

DeToledo went on to be named by the TTUHSC's President's Office as acting dean of the School of Medicine from December 2021 through February 2022 after Berk had suffered a medical emergency.

On May 26, 2023, Berk died suddenly after serving as the dean of the School of Medicine for 17 years. The search was on to find who would fill his shoes.

TTUHSC President Lori Rice-Spearman again looked to DeToledo and named him interim dean that same month.

After a nationwide search that resulted in nearly 25 candidates, TTUHSC announced in February 2024 that DeToldeo would be the new dean.

"We are fortunate to have Dr. DeToledo continue in this leadership role for the School of Medicine,” Rice-Spearman said at the time. “He has a great commitment and philosophy to academic medicine that reflects our TTUHSC values-based culture, and he brings a wealth of expertise to the table for an academic health institution as a clinician, clinic manager and physician-scientist.”

According to TTUHSC, DeToledo is tasked with leading faculty and staff in strategic planning, securing resources, and implementing and evaluating activities related to the academic, research, service and patient care operations.

“As an established educator, physician and chairman, Dr. DeToledo has a strong understanding of the School of Medicine and its clinical practice,” TTUHSC Provost and Chief Academic Officer Darrin D'Agostino said after DeToledo was named dean. “He is a respected leader committed to preparing the next generation of clinicians and providing exceptional health care for the communities we serve.”

The vision of the new dean

"The dean very often imparts part of his personality to the rest of the School of Medicine," DeToledo said.

As a regional medical school, DeToledo said he wants TTUHSC to attract students from around the nation but focus on reaching out to local students.

"This is home for them, to come to learn from us, and then to go back to our community and serve in the community," he said. "We pride ourselves in attracting a large number of first-generation physicians."

DeToledo said he will also champion the school's tradition of creating the best primary care physicians in the nation—an accomplishment that Ivy League schools have yet to achieve.

"Texas Tech ranked 19th in the country, in this in this field, and we are very proud of this," De Toledo said smiling.

Having a solid foundation in primary care allows physicians to expand their skills and knowledge to other specialties, DeToledo said. However, primary care is not the only thing TTUHSC wants to be known for.

"What we are now wanting to bring to West Texas is state-of-the-art cancer treatments," he said.

On Thursday, University Medical Center announced the groundbreaking of the new cancer center through a partnership between TTUHSC and the TLC2 Foundation to bring new treatments to West Texas and further cancer research.

More: UMC, TTUHSC break ground on new TLC2 Foundation Cancer Center in Lubbock

DeToledo said the field of medicine changes every five to eight years, with the principles of the field staying the same but the understanding of how the body operates changing.

"So a challenge that we all have is how to keep our are medical school curriculum relevant," he said. "We are committed to provide state of the art, up to date information to our learners so in order to prepare them to be successful when they graduate."

Asked what he wants to emphasize from his goals for the medical school, DeToledo's answer was simple — collaboration. He said he wants to ensure that everyone at TTUHSC works together to improve not only their learning experience but also patients' health and the healthcare field in general.

And one guiding philosophy and commitment will help DeToledo during his tenure as dean, he said.

"Texas Tech is entirely committed to this region, it's entirely committed to our people, it is entirely committed to improve the health of our own in urban areas and rural areas," DeToledo said. "We are laser-focused in taking care of our own, in giving back to our people, because they are so incredibly generous with us."

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Journey of resilience: The tough kid’s story In the grand theater of life, we often find ourselves playing roles that demand resilience, strength, and an unwavering spirit. The journey of a tough kid is a testament to...

By Jeff Rose • Apr 25, 2024

This story originally appeared on Due

In the grand theater of life, we often find ourselves playing roles that demand resilience, strength, and an unwavering spirit. The journey of a tough kid is a testament to this universal truth. This narrative is a deep dive into the life of a resilient individual who has learned to handle life’s challenges with grace and tenacity. The story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of authenticity, and the transformative potential of the ‘fake it till you make it’ philosophy — you’ll hear this again and again, right here — so you can “hear” it.

The making of a tough kid

The journey begins with the birth of a tough kid. This is not a physical birth but rather a metaphorical one, born out of the crucible of life’s challenges. The tough kid is not born out of privilege or ease but instead of struggle and adversity. They are the product of their circumstances, molded by the trials they have faced and the battles they have fought.

The tough kid is not defined by their toughness but rather by their ability to handle whatever life throws at them. They are resilient, not because they are impervious to pain or hardship, but because they have learned to endure it. They have learned to take life’s punches and keep moving forward, to fall down seven times and stand up eight. This resilience is not innate but rather a skill honed and developed over time. It is a testament to their strength, courage, and indomitable spirit.

View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Jeff Rose – CFP® – Finance (@jjeffrose)

The power of perseverance

The journey of a tough kid is marked by perseverance — another piece of being resilient. They understand that success is not a destination but rather a journey. They know that the road to success is often paved with failure and that each failure is a stepping stone towards their ultimate goal. They understand that success is not about never falling but getting up each time they fall.

The tough kid does not shy away from failure. Instead, they embrace it, learn from it, and use it as fuel to propel them forward. They understand that failure is not a reflection of their worth but rather a part of their journey. They know that the only true failure is not trying, and so they keep pushing, striving, and persevering, no matter what.

The ‘fake it till you make it’ philosophy

The journey of a tough kid is also marked by the ‘fake it till you make it’ philosophy. This is not about deception or dishonesty but rather about belief and manifestation. The tough kid understands that in order to achieve their goals, they must first believe in their ability to achieve them. They must envision their success, believe in it, and work tirelessly to make it a reality.

The ‘fake it till you make it’ philosophy is about acting as if you are already where you want to be. It’s about embodying the qualities and behaviors of the person you aspire to be, even if you’re not there yet. It’s about believing in your potential, even when others doubt you. It’s about proving to yourself that you are capable, even when the odds are stacked against you.

The tough kid understands that this philosophy is not about pretending to be someone they’re not but rather about becoming the person they want to be. They understand it’s not about faking success but manifesting it. They know that the journey to success is not about becoming someone else but rather about becoming the best version of themselves.

The journey of a tough kid is a testament to the power of resilience , the importance of authenticity, and the transformative potential of the ‘fake it till you make it’ philosophy. It is a journey marked by struggle, adversity, strength, and perseverance. It is a journey that reminds us that we are not defined by our circumstances but rather by how we respond to them. It is a journey that inspires us to embrace our challenges, to believe in our potential, and to keep moving forward, no matter what.

In the grand theater of life, we are all tough kids, learning to handle life’s challenges with grace and tenacity. We are all on a journey, striving to become the best versions of ourselves. In this journey, we are reminded that we are not alone, are all in this together, and are capable of achieving our goals, no matter how lofty they may seem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. what is the making of a tough kid.

The making of a tough kid is a symbolic birth, born out of life’s challenges and adversity. They are defined by their ability to handle whatever life throws at them, showing resilience and strength. This resilience is a skill that is honed and developed over time.

Q. What is the power of perseverance in the journey of a tough kid?

The journey of a tough kid is marked by perseverance. They understand that success is a journey and that each failure is a stepping stone towards their ultimate goal. They embrace failure, learn from it, and use it as fuel to propel them forward.

Q. What is the ‘fake it till you make it’ philosophy?

The ‘fake it till you make it’ philosophy is about belief and manifestation. It’s about acting as if you are already where you want to be, embodying the qualities and behaviors of the person you aspire to be. It’s about believing in your potential, even when others doubt you. It’s not about pretending to be someone else but about becoming the person you want to be.

Q. What is the conclusion of the journey of a tough kid?

The journey of a tough kid is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of authenticity, and the transformative potential of the ‘fake it till you make it’ philosophy. It is a journey marked by struggle and adversity but also by strength and perseverance. It inspires us to embrace our challenges, believe in our potential, and keep moving forward.

The post Journey of resilience: The tough kid’s story appeared first on Due .

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Beyond breakfast biscuits: a father’s emotional journey to the chick-fil-a headquarters.

Brian Perry , Manager of Streaming & Creative Content , KPRC

The flow of life is often measured by its unpredictability and the unexpected events that shape our experiences. There are moments that stand out, altering the course of our existence in profound ways. For my family, one such moment occurred when something traumatic unfolded, leaving a permanent mark on our lives.

In July 2020, our youngest son, Ethan, who had just turned 12, was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoblastic Lymphoma, initiating a journey marked by Faith, Hope, and Love. Despite initial optimism, Ethan’s condition worsened, leading to relapse and relentless treatments. Faith in medical expertise sustained us, but Hope dwindled as Ethan’s condition deteriorated. After enduring extensive treatments, Ethan’s brave decision to go home signaled acceptance of his fate. He passed away on March 25, 2021, leaving us devastated.

Before cancer, our family found solace in Saturday mornings at Chick-fil-A, enjoying breakfast biscuits together. During his cancer journey, we discovered a Chick-fil-A right inside of the hospital at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. It quickly became our haven, providing comfort amidst the chaos.

A few weeks after Ethan’s passing, I woke up on a Saturday morning and drove to our neighborhood Chick-fil-A, and I ordered 2 breakfast biscuits, one for me and one for Ethan. Even though he was not there and would never get to enjoy breakfast with his dad, I still ordered him one. I got my order and then went to the car, and I cried and cried. I can’t remember if I even ate the biscuits that day. Then the next week, on Saturday morning, I went back, and have not stopped. For the past 35 months, this ritual has persisted each Saturday morning. Ordering two chicken biscuits, one for me and one for Ethan.

The word ‘restaurant,’ comes from the French, and means to restore. This holds true in my case. This Saturday morning ritual connects me to cherished memories and the warmth of shared moments. Last February, I wrote an article titled “How Chick-fil-A Biscuits bring comfort to a grieving father” . This article was inspired by a Facebook post I had shared with my friends. Many of them were moved by it and encouraged me to turn it into an article. I was hesitant at first, but after a lot of thought, I realized that sharing my story could help others. It also would be a window into the world of how a parent grieves when losing their child. I sent it to our digital team and asked them if they would publish it and the next thing I knew, it was published on all the Graham Media Group websites and the story sort of went viral. Then on the following Saturday after the article was published, I went to Chick-fil-A for breakfast, as usual, and when I walked in there was a reserved sign on table #13. I remember stopping in my tracks and tears were pouring out of my eyes. In the original article, I had mentioned that I like to sit at that table, because it faces east and there is nothing more beautiful than a ray of sunshine on your face.

From that day forward, the team at Chick-fil-A puts out a reserved sign on table #13 every Saturday morning. A few weeks later, Tony Levine, the restaurant operator, joined me for breakfast. He had with him a wrapped gift. He told me it was from the team at the Support Center in Atlanta. My wife, Angie, did not join me for breakfast that day, so I waited till she got home to open it. We slowly untied the red ribbon and set it aside. I then lifted the lid and inside was a framed painting of two chicken biscuits, hash browns, a drink, all atop a table with the number 13 on it. It perfectly captures the moment, and this one-of-a-kind piece of art is proudly displayed in our home.

Each March, on the anniversary of Ethan’s passing, Angie and I take a “reflection trip” and we were looking at possibly going to Atlanta. I can honestly say that I do earn plenty of Chick-fil-A (CFA) rewards and as a Signature Member, one of the benefits is access to backstage tours at the Support Center. Also, we have family in Atlanta and have not seen them in a while. I had mentioned this in passing to Tony one day and he said the Support Center has a great tour and has all the history of Chick-fil-A. Then the following week, I got a phone call from Tony, and he told me that the team at the Support Center would like to host Angie and me for a visit. While we were still on the phone, I got an email from Ed Perry, who is the Principal Operations Lead and Business Consultant for CFA. Ed was going to be our host and gave me all the information for our day at the Headquarters. I was reading the email and I noticed that the date of the visit was Monday, March 25th. This is the three-year anniversary of Ethan’s passing. Then I saw the sign and it hit me. This is Ethan’s doing. I have become a believer in signs, and I was convinced that this was one of them. Ed Perry! My last name is Perry. Ed starts with “E” and so does Ethan. What are the chances that our host for a visit to the CFA Headquarters has the same last name as us? Oh, and he has the same initials as our beloved son, “EP”. Ethan’s friends always called him “EP”. This brought a smile to my face.

We arrived in Atlanta on Saturday, March 23 and before we left for our flight at Hobby Airport, yes, we stopped for breakfast at CFA. I booked an afternoon flight so that I would not miss my Saturday morning ritual. We got to our hotel near the airport and settled in. On Sunday, we went to World of Coke and the Atlanta Aquarium. Both are great places to visit if you are in Atlanta. Coke and Chick-fil-A have a deep history. S. Truett Cathy, the founder, sold Coke in his neighborhood when he was eight years old. You can read more about that here .

Monday, March 25 came, and we were to arrive at the Support Center at 8 a.m. for our visit. We left our hotel and drove to the campus. We checked in with the security guard at the gate and were given a parking pass and a map, then we drove to the main building. The property sits on 73 wooded acres with nature trails, a lake, and beautiful landscaping. We parked our car, gathered our things, and walked up the path to the main entrance.

When we arrived, we were greeted by Ed Perry “EP” and a few other members of the team. To our surprise, they had warm chicken breakfast biscuits waiting for us. I was not expecting that, and I knew that this was going to be a day we would not forget. Our day started with lots of introductions, handshakes, hugs, smiles, and of course the biscuits. We began our walk through the building, with its open office concept and brightly lit corridors. We were headed to another building that was connected to the main one via an enclosed elevated walkway. Our first stop of the day was the Monday morning devotional. This is hosted by the Cathy family and is optional for employees to attend. There are around 4,000 people that work at the Support Center, and I was a little nervous to attend devotion because I was asked to speak. This is because they want to introduce their invited guests and team members that are visiting the Support Center. Since some of them were familiar with my original story that was published last year, they wanted me to share the story and the reason for our visit. I had no idea how big the space was going to be or what to expect, so I made sure to be prepared. I had written a speech that told the story of Ethan, his cancer journey and how for the past three years, I find solace enjoying breakfast biscuits each Saturday morning at Chick-fil-A. This was also my way to personally thank everyone at the Support Center for their love and support. It was neat to be a witness to their culture and I was thankful for the opportunity to be an invited guest. It is no secret that Chick-fil-A’s founder led a life that was centered on biblical principles. At the devotion, they welcomed everyone and talked about the week to come. On the agenda was a keynote speaker who gave a very impactful talk about encouragement.

I found the topic very interesting as throughout my entire grieving process, people have encouraged me to share my story and I have been doing that. Once her talk had ended, they began introducing the guests that were visiting the Support Center that day. Ed, our host, had informed us that we would be the last group to be introduced since I was going to be speaking. Most of the other guests in attendance were employees from restaurants around the country and some family members of CFA Operators. When it was our turn, we accompanied Ed to a microphone that they had set up near the main stage. He then introduced Angie and me to the crowd. I had noticed that the attendance had grown throughout the morning from when we first arrived. Ed was giving a little background on our visit and as I stood there in front of what felt like hundreds of people, I looked up at the sky through the arched glass ceiling. There were some clouds slowly moving in the sky and I felt Ethan looking down at me saying, “dad, I love you”. I then stepped up to the mic, took a deep breath, and began my speech. The room got quiet, and my voice was the only sound that filled the space. I had written my thoughts down because this is a sad story, and I can get emotional when speaking and at times can get lost in those emotions. So having it written out helps me stay on track. I spoke for about five minutes, and I remember looking up a few times and I could see people intently listening and really focusing on my words. I could feel the energy in the room and then I got to the end of my three-page speech. I looked up and said my final sentence. “Thank you for allowing me to share my story and for having Angie and I here today.” Then the silence was broken by applause, people stood up and I could see some of them wiping tears from their eyes. I stood there for a moment taking it all in. I then walked over to Angie, and I gave her a big hug. After devotion, Andrew Cathy, Truett Cathy’s grandson and current CEO of Chick-fil-A came over to meet us and we spent some time together and had a very nice chat. Then we were off to the main building for our behind-the-scenes tour. On our way to the tour, we stopped at the studio where they have the “Red Couch”. Yes, the “Red Couch”, the one that they use in their commercials. We had a seat and took some pictures. I was not surprised that they had a studio right there on the campus, it was very similar to the studio at KPRC. Lights, cameras, and set pieces.

GO BACKSTAGE: A Fascinating Tour of Chick-fil-A: Exploring the History and Operations

When we arrived back at the main building after the first part of our tour, we thanked our wonderful tour guide and said goodbye to our new friends from the two other Chick-fil-A’s that were with us. We were reunited with Ed and met Sarah from Public Affairs. We were scheduled to join some of the team for lunch, but we were taken back to the studio for a quick interview with Sarah about our story. It was interesting to be the one interviewed, because I am always behind the scenes and am not used to being the story. After that, we left the studio and went downstairs to the lower level where the Café was. Ed had saved a table for us, and we put our stuff down and then went to go get some food. It was very crowded and there were different stations with all sorts of eats and treats. They had the classics like, chicken sandwiches, grilled nuggets, pizza, salads, fountain sodas, iced tea, and many other items. These were offerings that were available every day. Then they had an area where the menu changes daily. This day there was baked chicken with rice and broccoli.

I opted for a slice of pizza, a salad, and a chicken sandwich. How could I not have a chicken sandwich, I was at the headquarters after all. While I was walking around with my food, lots of people recognized me from devotion and came up to me with kind words. Some even mentioned that they had heard about my Saturday morning ritual from my article last year. Everyone was so kind and made me feel so welcome. I was sort of eating while walking and talking. I was fortunate enough to get a few bites of pizza, ate about half the sandwich and never had time for that salad. Then someone asked me if I wanted some ice cream or a shake, I smiled like a little kid and next thing I knew, I had a chocolate shake in my hand, and it was delicious. Things started to calm down and we had some nice conversations with our table mates. We had to wrap things up at around 2 p.m. because we had to catch another shuttle bus to the Chick-fil-A Archives.

After our visit to the Archives, we looked at the time and it was getting late in the day and our visit was coming to an end. Back at the main building, we collected our things, said our goodbyes, and stopped at the gift shop for a few things. Before we made it back to the car, we stopped and recorded a quick selfie video on our phone for Tony and the team back in Houston. We sent it off and got in the car and drove to our cousin’s house in north Atlanta.

I left with a tear in my eye and my heart was filled with warmth. We stayed in Atlanta for a few more days. We visited the Botanical Gardens, The Center for Puppetry Arts, which had an exhibit from the Jim Henson Collection, and spent the rest of the time with family. Our cousin, Ben, had organized a cube drive for pediatric patients at Scottish Rite Hospital in Atlanta and we went with him to deliver those cubes. We are very proud of Ben for honoring Ethan’s legacy.

We founded a non-profit called Ethan’s Ohana and one of the things we do are cube drives for kids. Ethan had learned to solve the Rubik’s Cube in the hospital and became a master at it. You can read more about that on our website. At Ethan’s Ohana, we inspire acts of kindness toward others and create a community of support and understanding that nurtures hope, healing, and resilience.

A HUGE THANK YOU…

I want to thank my KPRC and Graham Media Group family for encouraging me to share my story. I am fortunate to work with an amazing group of people each day. Angie & I want to thank Ed Perry, Andrew Cathy, and the entire staff at the Support Center. They welcomed us with open arms and made our visit special. We made some new friends and are forever grateful for the experience. A huge special thanks to Tony Levine, and Chick-fil-A Sienna Crossing. They have become a surrogate family, very aware of our story, some of them having even known Ethan. Tanya, Luke, Andrew, Rhonda, Matilda, and so many more of the amazing team members lift my spirits during dark moments, providing solace, strength, and a reason to smile. The Chick-fil-A community has been an indispensable part of my journey toward healing. So, should you happen to be at Chick-fil-A Sienna Crossing on a Saturday morning, consider indulging in breakfast and joining me at table #13. Let us collectively acknowledge and celebrate the enduring strength of love and resilience amid moments of loss.

MORE: A Fascinating Tour of Chick-fil-A: Exploring the History and Operations

How Chick-fil-A biscuits are bringing comfort to grieving father

I lost my son: What I’ve learned about cancer care for kids since

Ethan is more precious than gold: How this valuable message will help others

Ethan’s Fight: The story one brave boy wanted us to tell

Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.

About the Author

Brian perry.

Brian has been at KPRC 2 for over 26 years and works behind the scenes. He spends most of his time working on the KPRC 2+ Livestream.

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Titans first-round pick JC Latham's journey an example of ability to embrace change

JC Latham was born to do this.

Just the sheer size of the man, 6-foot-6 and 342 pounds, suggests the Tennessee Titans' first-round NFL draft pick of 2024 is ready for whatever is thrown his way.

A physically imposing offensive tackle with powerful, long arms and a mean streak, Latham was the overall No. 7 selection, and the Titans are confident he can stabilize an offensive line built to protect its franchise quarterback, Will Levis.

No pressure.

Latham has dealt with that since he was a freshman defensive end at Catholic Memorial in Milwaukee. He was handling some of the nation's best high school defensive linemen as a first-time offensive lineman at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, 1,300 miles from home. He was mauling the SEC's top defenders in three seasons at Alabama.

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"The journey has been incredible to watch," Jerome Latham, JC's father, said. "We're blessed that it gets to continue."

JC Latham had to leave to grow

JC Latham, accompanied by his family, was smiling Friday during his introductory news conference at Ascension St. Thomas Sports Park in Nashville, the culmination of his decision to leave Catholic Memorial for IMG after winning a state championship in 2018.

"Everywhere I've been, my whole family has been able to be a part of it," he said. "Being able to celebrate the biggest moment of my life was very special to me."

The separation was not without its stress. JC Latham was right at home in Bradenton despite being more than 1,300 miles away — more at ease at IMG Academy than his family was at letting him go. He was a 16-year-old living the life reserved for college students, still two years from joining coach Nick Saban in Tuscaloosa.

Langston Latham, 18 months younger, decided it was easier for him not to call his brother too much. While JC was thriving at IMG, Langston was missing his best friend.

"He asked me what I thought he should do when he was deciding on whether to stay or go to IMG," Langston said. "I told him he could take his game to the next level. You have to go. It was the hardest thing I've ever had to say to anyone."

JC, who was born in Meridian, Mississippi, moved to Milwaukee when he was 5 and lived with his father and brother. JC's mother, Monique Pruitt, lived in Chicago, so family has been at the center of JC's life. When he arrived at IMG Academy in 2019, though, he adapted quickly.

"His adjustment was incredible," said former IMG coach Bobby Acosta, who coached Latham for one season.

Latham's family had a harder time adjusting to his departure. Langston Latham was a freshman, JC a sophomore when Catholic Memorial won the Division 3 Wisconsin state title. Langston, a linebacker, thought they'd stack up titles together for years.

"I thought that'd continue forever," Langston said. "Then he was gone."

JC Latham thrives in journey

Pruitt admitted there was some trepidation with her son so far away.

"When you're sending a 15- or 16-year-old child away, it's like sending him away for college . . . early," she said. "I believed he could do it. I was pretty sure he could do it, but it's like . . . what if?"

While Langston went on to win two more state titles at Catholic Memorial, JC's IMG Academy team finished the 2020 season as the No. 1-ranked team by USA TODAY Super 25.

"JC has always pushed himself," Jerome Latham said. "He's self-motivated. He wanted to challenge himself after Catholic. I told him if he wants to be the best, he has to play against the best."

As soon as Latham shifted from defensive end to offensive line at IMG, he was dominating four- and five-star defensive linemen on the team.

"He would just swallow them up," Acosta said.

ESTES Tennessee Titans drafted a project in JC Latham because of trust in Bill Callahan

Latham got to Alabama and was named second-team All-American by USA TODAY, starting every game at right tackle for the Crimson Tide. He allowed only two sacks in more than 400 passing attempts last fall and is slotted to play left tackle for the Titans . It shouldn't be a problem for a guy who played left and right tackle as well as guard at IMG.

Latham's easy demeanor shapes his character

But what kept Latham grounded was his fun-loving nature.

"He's a jokester," Jerome Latham said.

When NFL commissioner Roger Goodell called JC Latham's name Thursday in Detroit, the new Titans player with the 35⅛-inch arm length wrapped Goodell in a bear hug and lifted him clear off the stage floor.

"That's JC," Kate Meyers, Jerome's former girlfriend who helped raise JC with Jerome and Monique, said with tears welling in her eyes. "It was emotional for sure because he's such a great man, and a great player. No one deserves this more. We're all proud."

Reach sports writer George Robinson at georgerobinsontheleafchronicle.com and on the X platform (formerly Twitter) @Cville_Sports.