Myth or Meme: True or False?

A Myth, A Meme: What Do They Mean?

For some time I have been fascinated by the beliefs and norms and clichéd sayings that we as a society pass around as truth. These messages and ideas are conveyed through our common language and actions and are known as memes. A meme is defined by Merriam Webster’s Dictionary as, “an idea, behavior, style, or usage that spreads from person to person within a culture." A meme informs and guides many of the behaviors, perspectives and points of view that we claim as our own. One viewpoint is that a myth is a meme dressed up in a story, to create a compelling emotional reaction, designed to leave an imprint. Throughout history mankind has attempted to find ways to pass on information which would encourage certain behaviors, often creating a myth; an elaborate, imaginary story, designed to propagate a societal behavior or a meme. Myth is defined by Merriam Webster’s Dictionary as, “a usually traditional story of ostensibly historical events that serves to unfold part of the world view of a people or explain a practice, belief, or natural phenomenon; or an unfounded or false notion.”

Although a myth and meme can be an effective way to guide, a tool by which the wisdom of the ages can be conveyed, there is a drawback. What if the messages passed down and repeated and indoctrinated are disempowering? What if they limit and box you in? What if they are just not true? For the next six weeks, we are going to examine some common memes that I have heard myself and others say; memes and myths that my clients have unintentionally held onto or believed which caused stress or reduced their potential. Some examples are: "You can do or have it all, people never change, too old or too young, can’t teach an old dog new tricks and all or nothing.” Remember, you get what you believe in life and a belief is simply a thought you have over and over and over. Consider socially accepted, passed on ideals that were used and are sometimes still used to degrade, exclude and abuse: slavery, woman’s inequality and religious persecution. It is important to evaluate and thoughtfully consider all your accepted stories, to eliminate the beliefs that sabotage your present joy and future success. These pervasive sayings are often myths, “an unfounded or false notion” and when scrutinized can actually appear strange or odd or feel untrue. When you eliminate the myths, the self imposed bars that hold you back dissolve.

The intention of this blog series is not to inflict yet another point of view but to instead breed awareness of the beliefs you have adopted that may or may not be serving you. Starting Wednesday, November 23rd, we will begin by tackling the myth, “You can do and have it all!” A myth that has guided, fooled and frustrated many, especially women, for some time. Let us stop blindly accepting, willingly justifying, eagerly following, crazily endorsing or happily arguing for our limitations. Let us challenge the old, preconceived notions, view them within the scope and time of our lives here and now and face them square on. Let us not be the perpetrators of myths and memes that reinforce our separateness, smallness and weakness. Let us rise to our human potential by rewriting the language of our experience to shape a new reality, leaving a historical accuracy and legacy that empowers future generations.

I would love for you to send suggestions of memes and myths that you have challenged or would like to challenge. I will try and include as many as I can in the weeks to follow. Please contact me at, www.onpurposelifecoach.com