Crossing the Threshold: When the Ordinary Ends and Adventure Begins
Picture this: you’re standing in your cozy, predictable life, and something nudges you—a call to adventure. Maybe it’s subtle, like a nagging thought, or bold, like an owl with a Hogwarts letter. Either way, you’ve got a choice: to answer or not. But answering isn’t the whole story. After all, Harry Potter didn’t become a wizard by reading his acceptance letter and staying in Privet Drive. He had to Cross the Threshold.
The Ordinary World and the Call
Let’s rewind a bit. The hero’s journey begins in the Ordinary World—a place of familiarity, comfort, and routine. It’s safe but, often, stifling. Then comes the Call to Adventure, shaking up the monotony with a question: What if there’s more?
Andrew and I mused about how some calls are sought out (hello, adrenaline junkies!), while others find you—like a tornado dropping a house on your front lawn. But regardless of how the call arrives, there’s always a choice: will you Cross the Threshold?
What is the Threshold, Anyway?
Crossing the Threshold is the moment when you leave the known behind. It’s not just saying yes to the adventure—it’s stepping into The Unknown. We noticed that in stories (and sometimes life), this moment is marked by a physical boundary: a door, a line, a gate. Think Harry Potter stepping through Platform 9¾ or the rebels crossing the line in the sand at the Alamo.
But not all thresholds are physical. Some are mental, like deciding to face a fear, or make a life-changing decision.
What makes the threshold significant isn’t its form but its finality. Once you cross it, you can’t go back. You’re in it now, whether it’s exciting, terrifying, or a little of both.
Voluntary or Not?
One of our favorite debates was whether Crossing the Threshold has to be a conscious decision. Can you trip into adventure? (Answer: absolutely.)
Think about stories where heroes are shoved into the unknown—whether through literal portals or circumstances beyond their control. Is it still a threshold if you didn’t choose it? We decided that what matters most isn’t whether it’s voluntary but whether it marks a point of no return.
Modern-Day Thresholds
Not all of us are battling dark lords or slaying dragons, but the hero’s journey is alive and well in everyday life. Signing a mortgage? Definitely a threshold moment. Stepping onto a roller coaster, knowing there’s no turning back? Yep, that too.
Thresholds challenge us because they signify change. They force us out of the ordinary and into the unknown, where growth happens. And while they’re often scary, they’re also exciting—because beyond the threshold lies the adventure you’ve been waiting for.
Reflection and Challenge
So here’s your challenge: think of a time you crossed a threshold. Was it a conscious choice, or did life nudge you? Was it physical, mental, or both?
And if there’s a call to adventure whispering in your ear right now—are you ready to step forward? Maybe it’s that new job, a big move, or even a creative project you’ve been avoiding. What’s holding you back?
Remember, crossing the threshold isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about having the courage to take the first step, even when the road ahead is unclear. And yes, once you cross, there’s no going back. But isn’t that the point?
Because if you could go back, it wouldn’t really be an adventure.
And that, my fellow heroes, is what makes the threshold worth crossing. What’s your next step?
Related to this Episode
- #Hero'sJourney Collection - Explore how the timeless Hero's Journey narrative serves as the scaffolding for the stories we craft, share, and live—both with others and within ourselves.
- What Makes a Hero? - TED Ed video - Matthew Winkler - Andrew insisted that I post a link ;-)
- Check out the fun Hero's Journey Merch at www.SecretHeroProject.com
- #HeroToolshed Collection - Take a peek at some of the key tools our Heroes use everyday to level up their skills and mindset.
Other Podcast Episodes
There's more where that came from :-) Check out other Noodles in the Sandbox episodes wherever you get your podcasts!
About the Author
Angela is passionate about reshaping the way kids learn and grow. As the co-founder of Acton Academy Northwest Austin,
Angela is dedicated to fostering a learner-driven environment where
curiosity thrives and students take ownership of their educational
journeys. When not working with young heroes, they’re often exploring
big ideas on education, parenting, and lifelong learning right here on
the blog.
Want to learn more about our innovative approach to education? Check out Acton Academy Northwest Austin to see how we’re redefining school for the next generation of curious thinkers and independent learners.