The Haunted House of Insignificant Successes

“The Haunted House of Insignificant Successes” is a phrase in David Whyte’s book, CROSSING THE UNKNOWN SEA. “Yes, I recommend both the reading and pondering of this book.” In my practice as a psychotherapist, I hear individuals who have spent their life following someone else’s dream. If not another person’s dream, they have invested life in things, relationships, careers, etc. that have not sustained their life’s meaning and purpose. Such is indeed a “haunted house.” A career may be chosen for the promise of money, attention, prestige, power, etc. These motivations are not bad in themselves; however, they cannot create contentment because there is always a “more” or “bigger” bait that is luring. Neither “more” or “bigger” brings contentment. If one lives near poverty “more” may be essential. Those who live in poverty may be there because those of us who are out of poverty are hoarding our blessings. Most of us, however, do not live near the poverty level except in our sense of contentment. It is a sad reality that many individuals live at the poverty level of contentment. This gift of contentment may be discovered within oneself because others cannot give it to you. In your soul is the place where you may discover the dream or dreams that have been planted in you. Knowing and following your unique life’s purpose is the journey into contentment and the journey is the destination.