Personal myths

I’m sure many of us have somewhere in us the notion that “one day” our lives will be perfect: that we’ll know how to deal with any situation, that we’ll be loved unconditionally and intuitively by that special person, that there will be enough money, that we’ll be happy all the time – whatever the specifics, it will be better somewhere out there in the future. 

It’s a myth – we can’t know what the future holds. 

And your rational thinking mind will doubtless be telling you this right now. It may even be telling me that I’m wrong and that of course you know this not to be true. But, what about the other bit of you: the secret, emotional, vulnerable bit? The bit that, like a child, wants to believe in the happy ever after? Maybe that bit doesn’t exist for you (counsellor raises eyebrow) or maybe it does and you feel yourself drawn to your particular myth but catch yourself before you start relying on it as a guarantee. 

If your myths (or the lack of them!) don’t disable you, if they don’t set you up for disappointment and bewilderment, that’s great – optimism is important and healthy and can help us create our future. If they are disabling, though; if you find yourself heavy with disappointment or even grief for the way things turn out, maybe there’s a myth in there somewhere that’s creating unrealistic expectations.

Want some help with myth-busting? Find a counsellor near you by searching here on the Counselling Directory website.

Take care.