We. Heroes. All.

We’ve all been exposed to the Hero’s Journey in art, literature and entertainment since childhood. The monomyth is the common framework of a broad category of tales and lore that involves a hero going on an adventure, overcoming obstacles and winning the ultimate victory, only to come home changed or transformed forever.

In this traditional mode of storytelling, we are the watchers, the audience, and the observers who are engaged and entertained by the exploits of heroic figures.

But as Bob Dylan once said, “The times they are changin’…”

The post-social media age has created a new opportunity, a global forum where anyone from anywhere can become the hero. Even more, modern communication has splintered the individual hero’s journey into the collective journeys of many groups, cultures, and organizations.

Suddenly, we are no longer watching from the fourth row balcony — Now, we are on the stage and part of the drama as it unfolds across this high-tech, connected globe. And in this reboot we call LIFE, there are no small parts.

And the framework holding it all together? The Story.

Leo Widrich argues that our brains are wired for storytelling:

“For over 27,000 years, since the first cave paintings were discovered, telling stories has been one of our most fundamental communication methods… A story, if broken down into the simplest form, is a connection of cause and effect. And that is exactly how we think. We think in narratives all day long, no matter if it is about buying groceries, whether we think about work or our spouse at home. We make up (short) stories in our heads for every action and conversation.”

Now this is a powerful concept — each human connection has storytelling potential. As we communicate, we open up the possibility for heroic or villainous deeds.

Think about that for a minute… Every conversation, text, email, tweet, post, link, etc… has the ability to affect the narrative of the story we are all telling as individuals and across our collective journeys.

Imagine the possibilities of crafting our own life’s narrative, communicating our own story with vision and purpose, and engaging with the stories of everyone around us. Instead of just reacting to the world, we begin to shape, form and change the global narrative from within.

However, like every hero’s journey, there are dangers to be faced and pitfalls to manage along the way. Transmedia Thought Leader and CEO of Starlight Runner Entertainment, Jeff Gomez, points out that we are at a stage in the universal story where our narratives are being challenged on all sides, requiring that we take a deeper look at the impact of our storytelling through a “narrative reversal.” Jeff notes:

“Embracing the narrative reversal is the strategy of designing your story to acknowledge and address criticism, counter-narratives, and misperceptions while validating your audience’s participation.

At Starlight Runner, we advise our clients that their stories are no longer one-sided and so those narratives must be strong enough to stand up to critics, opponents and misunderstandings.

In the age of pervasive communication, it is no longer prudent to obfuscate information, attack critics, or ignore negative consumer messaging. Stories must acknowledge, embrace and engage opposing views.

In our new fantasy series, “Excerpts from an Unknown Guidebook,” we explore the different ways in which humans connect with stories. Some people want to read, some people want to listen, while others prefer pictures and images to engage with a meaningful narrative. In this Folktellers Universe, whoever holds the story wields the power, and the heroes must use these myriad forms of communication to fight the forces of darkness.

Stories are powerful and have the ability to change us deeply, effecting the way we view others and the way others view us. Which is why is so important that we learn to take control of our own story, while engaging with the global narratives of others.

We all have the option and ability to control our own narrative and accept the hero’s quest. For in reality, our stories are being told every day that we’re alive, whether we like it or not.

If we don’t tell our own tales, someone else is sure to tell them for us — And when that happens, we may not like what we hear.