A Hero’s Journey: Part I

By Gregory Pospisil

The definition of character can be summed up in one word: Action.

Character = Action.

The action we take at any given moment defines our character at that time.

For instance, let’s say you are walking down the street and discover a wallet on the sidewalk. If you pick it up, rummage through it, stuff the cash in your pockets and throw the wallet in the bushes – you’ve just defined your character. If on the other hand, you pick the wallet up and take it to the police department, your definition is now very different.

Take a moment and think about your own character. As sex addicts, doing so can bring intense feelings of shame.

During our Two-Week Intensive Program, I look out among the participants and ask them how many heroes there are in the room? Invariably, there’s a ripple of nervous laughter before, at most, one or two hands are timidly raised. I proceed to tell them they’re all heroes. As they look at me with puzzled expressions, I explain that we are all heroes and that each of us is on a hero’s journey. In the epic story of our lives we are the lead character front and center. The hero. But that doesn’t mean we are incapable of doing unheroic things.

Looking back at your life’s journey thus far, there may have been times when you’ve been active in your sexual addiction and taken actions of which bring you shame. Indeed, one’s sexual acting history is rarely a mantle one wears proudly. But the wonderful thing is that your character is redefinable. It’s in a constant state of flux.

A hero cannot be content to rest on his laurels. Nor should he be condemned by the events of his past. Remember there are times where all heroes struggle to do the right thing, to resist temptation, and to sacrifice instant gratification for the want of a better tomorrow. It is all a part of the process.

As humbled heroes we must recognize that we are flawed but worthwhile human beings. We are capable of giving and receiving love. We each have the capacity to change.

In recovery from sexual addiction, you have the opportunity to redefine your character by taking actions that are different than the ones you’ve taken before and thereby moving your journey forward in a new direction.

Recovery allows you the opportunity to reclaim your life. To Rebuild. Restructure. Renew.

Recovery is your chance to reinvest in yourself and reap the rewards that you deserve.

All that is required for you to have a better life is… ACTION.

At SRI, we are here to help when you take action and call.