Lost in isolation and loneliness, I discovered the world of Gundam. From the model kits, video games, and anime, I found that the characters’ struggles often mirrored my own mental health problems. But Gundam inspired hope. In the words of Banagher and Gundam quotes, I found motivation. And in Gundam Unicorn Anime, I finally discovered the true power of possibility.

Why do you give up on your dreams? We get an exciting idea but find excuses instead of pursuing it. Why do you turn your back on your passions, and what happens if you give up on your dreams for good? Using Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey, this Refusal of the Call is an important step in our journey to a life of adventure, as we face our fears, and become the heroes that we are meant to be.

Anger begets anger. Our brains radiate their emotional condition outward, much like a wizard casting an area of effect spell in D&D. Looking at Dungeons and Dragons for clues on personal development, is our anger really like casting the Radiance of the Dawn? And are we damaging others when casting our personal anger spells or is it just an emotional radiance that causes no harm?

Whether it’s in a game or in real life, stress happens from the unexpected and things outside of our control. But when faced with difficult situations in RL, we can’t turn it off and walk away. What can we learn from video games and TTRPGs like D&D about stress management and dealing with anxiety in a crisis? Here are 14 techniques to reduce anxiety and stress management for geeks and gamers.

In Darwyn Cooke’s The New Frontier comics, the Martian Manhunter, or J’onn J’onzz faces fears and rejection from the humans. But through his connection with King Faraday, J’onn J’onzz finds goodness in humanity. Through the story of the Martian Manhunter, we see that it is our compassion and empathy that make us the best version of humanity and ourselves.

We have big ideas and dreams. We imagine how much better our lives will be. But for all our daydreaming, many of us never get started. What are the reasons we don’t follow our dreams? We need to understand what’s behind the excuses we tell ourselves. It takes courage to follow your dreams and we must face some difficult truths. But knowing how to overcome fear and pursue your dreams, you can finally live the life you imagine.

All Green Lantern had to do was think about something and his ring would make it real. But it’s more than creativity, the ring that runs on willpower and courage. And for me, the Green Lantern has come to mean overcoming fears, both external and those the reside inside of us.