GOULIÉLMOS NOSTOS

William's Homecoming. It's epic.

We went to see The Odyssey. It’s a movie...based on a myth...based on an oft-repeated story. It’s not accurate history. It’s an interpretation of an interpretation of an interpretation. So, there’s that. 

And, like a lot of things, it’s something you relate to differently depending on your age. The first time I read The Odyssey, I was a teenager and I thought it was cool and bigger than big, like a Marvel movie script, and I could almost hear the soundtrack. Now, many years later, I still think it’s bigger than big, but much more relatable as a metaphor for life, everyone’s life, and I love me a metaphor.

It’s all about growing up and overcoming all the stuff you go through along the way, and learning and growing and becoming your true self. Also, it’s very entertaining on a whole other level. Like, I know who my sirens were. I can even name them. They were seductive and enticing and it was New York in the 70s, but I chose not to be taken in and I moved on, unscathed. And I know who my Scylla and Charybdis were. In The Odyssey, they’re horrible sea monsters laying in wait to destroy and devour anyone daring to challenge them. In my version, they wore cheap suits and ran businesses...into the ground, and devoured the talent, confidence and optimism of much of their staff. But after carefully navigating a lot of turbulent seas, I moved on, bruised but not diminished.

My version also has a Ceres or two – friends who survived digital dating with an arch sense of humor...and an edge. And I knew my share of Lotus-Eaters – those who couldn’t deal with reality and sadly withdrew into themselves. But I also have a Helen of Troy, the most beautiful, inspiring woman in the world – in my version she’s from Peru. And whereas Odysseus had Athena to share her wisdom, champion his journey and be ever present, I have my Muse. Always.

I think the journey home is a forever journey filled with mystery and wonder, terrifying turns and magical people, And when you revisit your own odyssey up until the present, you will truly come to see who believed in you and helped you grow, and also who you had to overcome, yet still helped you grow in the process. Pay attention, take responsibility, and live in a state of gratitude – you will find out who you really are and were always meant to be.

“Take courage, my heart: you have been through worse than this.”

– Homer, The Odyssey