Out Loud Thoughts

While I was at the Disneyland California Adventure Theme park I asked the Avengers a simple question:

What is your best advice for someone starting a new adventure?

I expected quirky answers. What I got was something more.

Adventures rarely begin when everything is clear. They begin when you find yourself standing at the edge of something new – excited, terrified, hopeful, uncertain – and realize there is no map telling you exactly what happens next.

For me, there is another voice in this story. Eric.

Long before the Avengers became movies and theme park superheroes, Eric knew them from comic books. As a kid, he loved Marvel and followed these heroes long before I knew their stories.

Years later, when those characters made their way to the big screen, he shared that world with me. The stories he loved as a boy became stories we enjoyed together.

But Eric also found wisdom in many different places.

During his last few months, he came to appreciate the teachings of Saint Augustine and repeatedly reminded me that we have an obligation to find happiness.

Not to wait for life to become perfect.

But to keep looking for joy. To notice it. To choose it when we can. And to believe there can still be something ahead worth discovering.

I took on this Avengers exercise because I am trying to remember what Eric wanted me to remember:

I still have an obligation to find happiness.

So, as I stand at the beginning of a new adventure (without my hero), I asked for advice.  And  each Avenger had something to say.

Iron Man reminded me that you don’t have to have everything figured out. Start with what you know, adapt, and solve the next problem when you get there.

Star Lord reminded me not to lose myself in the seriousness of it all. There is room for humor, music, and being exactly who you are.

Black Panther offered quieter wisdom: Sometimes you have to sit in it. Feel what you feel. And continue when you are ready.

Doctor Strange reminded me to hold on to what matters – to the people, memories, and parts of ourselves we carry forward.

Then came Spider-Man. A reminder that you don’t have to feel completely ready. You can be nervous, uncertain, and still take the next step.

Shang-Chi and Captain Marvel answered together. Two heroes. Two perspectives. One shared moment.Their wisdom felt like a reminder to trust what is already inside you – lead with your heart and believe you may be more capable than you realize.

And then there was Loki. Naturally, there was the possibility of mischief. Perhaps this belongs in a new adventure too. A detour. A surprise. A chance to discover something unexpected about yourself.

Then Black Widow gave the words that may matter most: Choose and trust your team. “We’ll back you up, no matter what your decision is.” A reminder that I don’t have to do this alone.

Finally, Captain America brought it home. Lean in. Take on the challenge. Show up for the next chapter.

This is what I learned from these heroes:

You don’t have to know exactly where you’re going.

You don’t have to be fearless.

Hold on to what matters.

Trust what is inside you.

Accept and lean on the people who choose to walk beside you and help you.

Make room for laughter. Maybe even a little mischief.

And when the road gets long remember to enjoy the ride.

Because maybe the Saint Augustine wisdom is right. Maybe we do have an obligation to find happiness.

Not because life is always happy.

And not because finding joy means forgetting what and who came before.

But because we are still here. Still living. Still discovering. Still capable of finding something beautiful ahead.

Every great adventure begins with a single decision: To take the next step.

And maybe, along the way, to find happiness.

Here’s to the next adventure.

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