It was good to hear their voice. We were catching up on a recent phone call. We are related, have known each other for most of our lives, and it has been a while since we talked. Their voice was familiar but different. Time has a tendency to change things.
Lots of topics. Work, life, and struggles. We spoke of our parents. Resolved and unresolved issues. Loss and times of reconciliation and times when we did not or could not reconcile before the end.
“Things got a lot easier for me when I simply saw my parents as people. People who struggle, not on some pedestal.”
Their reframing was helpful. We also spoke about the stories we heard growing up. The stories that shaped us. Some of the stories were supposed to be inspiring. Some of the stories were supposed to provide a warning. Some stories were for fun. Some stories were more serious. There were always stories.
These collective stories were really part of something else.
Mythology.
Mythology is a set of stories or beliefs about a particular person, institution, or situation, especially when exaggerated or fictitious.
Mythology was exactly what we experienced.
Sets of stories and beliefs.
Exaggerated and fictitious accounts.
Mythology that shaped us, our views, our opinions, and our beliefs.
“People do have a tendency to put themselves (and sometimes others) in the best light.”
This new frame helped us both. We see the Mythology clearly and understand some of the motivation behind it. Attempts to teach, to assist, to cover-up, to deal with pain and issues, to inspire hope in dark times.
We all have Mythology.
Our Mythology shaped us, but it may be fictitious.
Our Mythology might have served us, but it may be time to look beyond those stories.
How has your Mythology limited you and created barriers?
How can recognizing this Mythology help you move forward?
For me, simply recognizing Mythology was a great first step in clearing out some of the mental baggage we all carry.
Carl Weber Consulting 