It’s Just An Illusion

Facebook sent me a “memory” yesterday. It was a picture from 5 years ago. When I look at it now, I am shocked at how good my hair looks. Apparently FB has different recollections than I do. I remember the day that picture was taken. I remember where I was, what I was doing. I don’t remember my hair looking that good. In fact, I don’t remember my hair ever looking good. I’m not saying that to make you feel bad for me or to dig up compliments. It’s obvious by this picture that I had at least one good hair day in my life. It’s too bad I didn’t appreciate it in the moment.It makes me wonder how many other good experiences have I missed, because I’m caught up in a belief. Events more signifigant than hair.

I’m a therapist. It’s my job to assist people in confronting beliefs that are not helpful. I can easily point out someone’s thought process that is holding them back. I know I have beliefs that are founded on shaky ground, that I could benefit from assessing. My belief about my hair was based on the “fact” that I have lousy hair. I have come to terms with it. It is what it is. My hair is dry, frizzy and always completely unmanageable. Or is it? Is this a real situation or a limiting belief?

This picture left me with questions. How often does this happen to us? At what point do we see a situation clearly? How much time is needed to get the distance we need to see the truth? Have I had other good hair days I knew nothing about?