A “rite of passage” is a common historical concept, often tied to small communities, in which a coming-of-age young person undergoes a trial or challenge of some kind and emerges from the experience as a more mature woman or man. We tend to think of rites of passage as a hero’s journey. The concept is often a backdrop for an adventurous story and provides an appealing narrative that demonstrates growth and development.
Rites of Passage in Today’s World
In our modern culture, we tend not to have that kind of trial available to young people (or older ones, for that matter!). It’s not like we send our children up the mountain to claim a trophy or ask them to fight a lion in a cave and come back with a token of battle. That’s probably for the best, all things considered.
But a rite of passage can be a healthy construct to help us to feel present, to enable us to experience the victorious feeling of overcoming a challenge, or to just feel fully alive and connected to ourselves.
If you’re looking for a confidence booster, or you just want to feel like you’ve passed a threshold, focusing on your own creative version of a rite of passage can be a great idea.
The concept may help you to overcome a past difficulty or start a new chapter in your life.
Or perhaps it can just get you “unstuck” – and able to move forward with renewed enthusiasm.
If the concept of exploring a rite of passage intrigues you, here are a few suggestions that may be worth considering.
An Exploratory Road Trip Could Be Your Rite of Passage
When you go on a solo road trip, you get to explore and learn more about yourself and your friends.
You have the freedom to go almost anywhere and explore your home country with confidence.
Just plan your route, pack what you need, and hit the road.
Being alone and independent on a road trip may allow you to disconnect from your usual routine and devote some time to self-reflection.
But heading off on a trip with a friend may also be insightful, especially if you have the type of travel companion who can join you in some deeper conversations.
Visit somewhere you’ve always wanted to go and let the road help you find yourself.
Plan an Adventurous Rite of Passage
Adventure trips can be another great way to experience your own personal rite of passage. These types of journeys tend to be all about pushing your limits and trying new things outdoors.
Just having the time away from screens and connecting with people can be a great start, but you can learn skills, get clearer on your priorities in life, and make great memories all at the same time.
Facing challenges, overcoming obstacles, and enjoying the excitement of exploring new places are all part of the journey to empower yourself and look to the future with a new perspective.
It almost doesn’t matter what you choose.
If you join a work venture or head on a camping trip with those closest to you, or even join organize a family adventure, all are possible means to enjoy your own personal rite of passage.
A Creative Passion Project Can Serve as a Rite of Passage
Completing a passion project is a rewarding experience that can also serve as a rite of passion.
A passion project may involve writing a story, composing or performing music, creating art, renovating a home, or building a website or other technical project.
We don’t have to overthink this part!
What does matter? Setting aside time to work on our project so that we demonstrate our commitment to it.
And we need not worry about mistakes along the way – our errors are all a sign of learning.
Putting our heart into a project nurtures our personal passion and creates flow, which is the very essence of happiness.
As we make progress, we also enjoy a sense of accomplishment at each milestone.
And in the end, we will have something new to cherish and value and to represent our effort and commitment.
Find Your Way and Get to Know Your Own True Self Today
Whether we organize an adventure, a road trip, or begin to plan a creative project – any of these can serve as a beacon to help us gain confidence, perspective and a sense of accomplishment.
Committing to achieve a goal, any type of goal, can be a significant component of a personal development plan.
Think about it. The possibilities are almost infinite.
Why not make a commitment today to begin your own journey towards a rite of passage of your own design?
It’s possible you may enrich your life satisfaction and find your own truth along the way – and we can all use more experiences that help us tune into our true authentic selves!
Thank you as always for reading.
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Joan Senio is the founder of KindCompassCoach. Her career includes 20+ years as a health care executive and 15 years (and counting) as a consultant. The common thread through Joan’s professional life has been a commitment to lead, mentor and coach current and future leaders, and women from all walks of life. KindCompassCoach provides information and advice grounded in Joan’s personal experience; however, all articles are backed by research and provide facts and advice from a wide variety of experts. Joan also serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me.
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