Rewrite or Mythologize? Finding a Deeper Story in Our Lives
Sometimes, a single song lyric can open a window into our own hidden depths. In Paul Simon’s “Rewrite,” we meet a man worn down by life. He hopes to improve his past by editing it on paper, convinced that if he just changes the words, he can change the reality. There’s something touching in his determination, yet also a painful denial in attempting to redo the facts rather than fully embrace them.
This reminds me of Marc Gafni’s teaching to “mythologize, don’t pathologize.” Instead of trying to erase the hard parts of our lives, we can choose to see them as chapters in a meaningful narrative—one that reflects our growth, our challenges, and our triumphs. “Mythologizing” doesn’t mean creating a fairy tale. It means viewing our experiences through a lens of purpose and possibility, rather than shame or regret.
How Our Stories Shape Us
We all carry personal narratives that color how we see ourselves and how we move through the world. For instance, you may have launched a dream project that didn’t work out, and now you call yourself a failure. Mythologizing that same experience paints you as a bold adventurer whose early missteps forged greater insight. You’re not a “loser”—you’re a hero in training, gaining wisdom step by step.
Embracing Every Chapter
When we adopt this mythic perspective, we acknowledge our joys and our losses in a larger context. Setbacks become crucial passages that shaped our resilience. Regrets become mirrors that help us notice hidden parts of ourselves crying out for understanding. In essence, we aren’t revising the facts. We’re uncovering the deeper themes that allow us to see each challenge as part of a bigger story—one in which we become ever more empowered.
The Real “Rewrite”
None of this suggests ignoring real pain or glossing over mistakes. It’s simply shifting from pathologizing—viewing ourselves or our past as irreparably damaged—to mythologizing, recognizing that our struggles might be the fuel for growth. In every chapter of your life, you can move from feeling like a powerless victim of circumstance to feeling like a genuine protagonist in your own unfolding epic. That might be the greatest rewrite of all.
If you find yourself longing to “rewrite” your own story, consider looking for ways to mythologize instead. Give your past the dignity of meaning, and empower your future with a narrative that strengthens rather than diminishes.