BONUS Mini Series - Hero's Journey - 1010 - Having Changed

 


Having Changed: Why the Hero’s Journey Never Really Ends

We tend to think of transformation as a neat, tidy process. A “before” and “after,” like one of those makeover reveals. But anyone who’s walked through a real-life journey—whether it’s parenting, navigating a challenge, or tackling a personal goal—knows that change is rarely so simple.

In stories, we like to describe the final stage as “Having Changed.” It’s the moment when the hero returns home different. Sometimes they bring back treasure: gold, wisdom, or a magical object. Other times, they come home carrying scars—proof of the battles they’ve fought, physical or otherwise.

But here’s what we often miss: change isn’t free. Growth costs something. And the weight of what you’ve gained often comes with new responsibilities.

What Does “Having Changed” Look Like?

Transformation doesn’t always announce itself. It might sneak up on you in quiet ways. Maybe you’ve gained a new skill. Maybe a shift in mindset makes you act or think differently. Maybe you’re suddenly looking at your life—your relationships, your choices—with fresh eyes.

Think about Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. He didn’t walk away with a treasure chest of gold, but he did come back with something invaluable: a new perspective. He saw the world differently. He acted differently. That’s the essence of transformation.

Sometimes, though, the changes are more physical. In a literal journey, you might return home with something tangible—a skill you’ve honed, a job you’ve earned, or a prized object that’s proof of your adventure. But even these treasures come at a cost.

And here’s the kicker: they also come with responsibility.

The Cost of Growth

Growth isn’t free. Transformation costs you something—sometimes comfort, sometimes certainty, and sometimes a part of yourself.

Think of the metaphor of the butterfly. Before it can emerge, the caterpillar essentially dies. It breaks down completely within its chrysalis, liquifying into an unrecognizable goo before reforming into its next self. Growth, it turns out, requires sacrifice.

In stories, this cost often shows up in unexpected ways. The hero might gain incredible power—think of Frodo and the Ring in The Lord of the Rings—but with that power comes burden. The weight of knowing things can’t go back to the way they were. The cost of carrying new wisdom, new responsibilities, or even new pain.

And what about the people who help us along the way? Change isn’t just about the individual—it ripples outward. Your growth is often made possible by others: mentors, allies, or people you might never meet who’ve paid a price for you to see the world differently.

Carrying the Treasure Forward

Once you’ve changed, the question becomes: What do you do with it?

I love the idea of lessons learned as jewels. Each jewel—each hard-won insight or shift in perspective—becomes something you carry with you into life’s next chapter. You don’t leave it behind. You tuck it into your metaphorical pocket, and it becomes an important part of what you bring to your next journey.

For me, this image resonates deeply. It’s a reminder that even the smallest pieces of growth—tiny realizations, moments of clarity, or those aha flashes—are treasures. They’re proof that you’ve traveled through the unknown and come back with something meaningful.

But here’s the thing about jewels: they’re valuable because they cost something. They’re heavy because they matter. And once you have them, they come with a responsibility to use them well…and perhaps share them with others who need them.

The Never-Ending Adventure

So what happens after the hero completes their adventure? Home doesn’t look quite the same anymore because you’re not the same. What was once your status quo now feels like the beginning of something new.

That’s the magic of the Hero’s Journey. It’s not a straight line with a clean ending. It’s a cycle. The hero returns, changed—but that new “normal” will eventually be disrupted again. Life will call them back into the unknown for another adventure.

And isn’t that true for all of us?
 

Related to this Episode

Our Podcast

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.