Belief does not have to be true in order for it to affect you emotionally. What myths need busting in your life?
Are any of these myths making you miserable?
1. All my problems are somebody else’s fault.
2. Life owes me happiness.
3. I’ll be happy when I get what I want.
4. There is never any reason to feel guilty.
5. People are basically good and unselfish.
6. All beliefs are equally valid.
7. I shouldn’t have to wait for anything.
4 Myths Worth Busting
Myth #1 – “Distress comes from external pressures and I have little ability to control the feelings that result from those pressures.”
Feelings like depression, anger, or hostility lead you to label yourself as having a bad temper, or being too sensitive and easily hurt. Labels can be used to excuse wrong or destructive behavior.
We make statements like: “I guess that is just the way I am.” or “I can’t stand it when everything starts piling up.” In this way we blame our behavior and feelings on something we think we have no control over.
Mythbuster #1
A. I can handle it when things go wrong. Even though I have strong feelings about it, I can choose to handle it if I want to.
B. As long as I respect the rights of others, I do not have to take 100% responsibility for their reactions to me.
Myth #2 – “It is easier to avoid facing difficulties than to face them and be responsible.”
We may believe that immediate relief from problems is so important that we overlook the negative long-range consequences of such choices.
We fail to recognize that right behavior may be painful and difficult at first, but it ultimately frees us from the problem and produces a lasting satisfaction.
Mythbuster #2
A. Even though I might get immediate relief by avoiding a difficult situation or by responding angrily, it will not solve the problem and I will continue to feel frustrated and unsatisfied.
B. What I am avoiding probably isn’t as awful as I’ve convinced myself it is.
C. Avoidance of a responsible response does not ultimately benefit all involved and achieve happiness for myself.
Myth #3 – “My past has an unavoidable influence on my feelings and behaviour today.”
Do you excuse your present behavior by pointing to your past? You hear yourself saying, “You don’t know what it’s like to fear rejection because you come from a secure home. I don’t.”
We might interpret situations or people’s intentions in light of our past even when it’s unfair to the person we are condemning.
Mythbuster #3
A. My past is significant, but I am not locked into it’s mold.
B. I can change, and so can the people around me.
C. The motives of people who mistreated me in the past are not necessarily the motives of those who hold a similar position in my life today. And, even if such people today have the same motives, I know better now and can find help to properly deal with them.
Myth #4 – “Giving up is better than trying.”
It implies that my life is hopeless and I am helpless. This leads to withdrawal, depression, suppressed anger, and bitter unhappiness. It even destroys the will to live.
Mythbuster #4
A. Life has no real guarantees and if I don’t make the best of it by being responsible, constructive, positive, and Christ-like, I am the loser.
B. Not giving up produces character and character produces hope and hope never disappoints. Romans 5:4,5
Got a myth to bust in your life? Please leave a comment below. Thank you.
Hope grows here. We share stories that inspire people, build faith, and offer lasting purpose.
We’d love to have you Subscribe to REVwords. We’ll put helpful content into your inbox Mondays and Fridays.
