In any version of storytelling, whether fictional or in real life, we each come upon the proverbial fork in the road, and not just once, but at many different times. On one side of this crossroads is what Joseph Campbell describes in his work as our ordinary life. It’s the life we’ve known, inclusive of our past, the lessons we’ve learned, and all the chapters that bring us to that moment. On the other side is the partial unknown, offering glimpses of what could be.

In many ways, this is where the world finds itself after two years of what could be described as in-between the fork. Those of us fortunate to survive the pandemic have come out the other side into a world that is familiar and yet markedly different. As with any lifechanging event of this magnitude, one result is that perspectives change.

For example, what is most important to you, my reader today, may be different than how you would have answered this question pre-pandemic.

What is my answer you might be asking? Spending time with the people who fill my cup, doing more work that gives me the opportunity to make a difference, more time dedicated to areas of flow (like writing!) and focussing on what brings meaning into my life. It’s versions of these same themes that I hear echoed by people in my life, across media and across cultures. Described another way, our world is full of people who have, are, or may be considering completely rewriting their narrative.

While this rewrite begins with setting the intention, it’s the next step that can be the most daunting as we turn intention into action.

In my case, focusing on what brings me meaning, spending time with people who fill my cup and writing (in the form of this blog and other creative ways) were easy to write into existence. The area that’s more complex is “doing more work that gives me the opportunity to make a difference.” Now you may have read that last sentence and thought “Wait! What? I thought Gareth loved his work?” And you would be correct. I do. I get to create impact through my work at the university, with SPARK, with Angus as we volunteer for PALS, and through my writing.

The thing is I’m ready to do more, and so the crossroads I find myself at in this moment is figuring out how to create new opportunities that give me the chance to make more of a difference in our world, exploring the avenues to do so, and being prepared to follow the path where it leads as the most authentic version of me.

Now, big picture! This many people rewriting their stories, and asking questions about what brings them happiness and meaning should lead to amazing changes in our world, right?

The optimist in me hopes so, and the educator in me that sees people of all ages actively working to create this better world every day knows it’s possible.