Breakdown, when approached with a growth mindset, creativity, and perseverance – leads to a breakthrough.

How would we continue on without everyone being on the same page and excited for the game? If she stuck her ground, the game may fall apart as a result of disinterested heroes.

Failure is sacred. Heart-wrenching and transformational all at the same time- if we can recognize its potential and beauty.

Sometimes the groups are organized, working hard, and beat the timer. Sometimes they aren’t. Yet each time we sit around the circle and reflect on their experience, the groups acknowledge the habits that will help them be successful – focus and hard work.

Their kind hearts to help each other. Their patience with each other to grow at their own pace on their own journey.

As we heard the story of the first Thanksgiving and considered what it would be like to be without food or warm shelter in the first cold winter, or how it would feel to lose our family members to the disease, they realized first hand how grateful the Pilgrims would feel for the Native Americans who chose love instead of fear or control.

A seedling of LIFE that is sprouting and growing inside each Hero. In this seedling, they are tasting what passion feels like – and the joy that hard work on a passion brings.

Freedom to make imperfect progress. Freedom to discover their own level of passion for something, instead of hiding behind a parent’s desires, ideas and passions.

How often do our children’s little glimmers of ideas have the space to grow and come to life? In this adult-focused world, at an adult-focused pace, it can be a rare occurrence. How beautiful it is when a child’s ideas are shared in an environment where there is room for them to dream, to ideate, and to make their idea come to life!

Frustration turns to empathy. Anger melts into encouragement. They are quick to cheer on another fellow hero on their journey of fighting the same monsters they’ve all fought before.