How Stories Help Us Navigate Life's Surprises

Stories and theories about sudden changes in life often follow a similar pattern. They start with a calm situation, then something unexpected happens, leading to a crisis, and finally, things get resolved or change. This pattern is seen in both real-life theories and fictional stories like myths, novels, and films. Stories serve multiple purposes. They let us face our fears, entertain us, and help us imagine crises before they happen. During tough times, these stories can act as guides, helping us understand and deal with unexpected events. However, stories can also limit our thinking and lead us in unhelpful directions. A model explains how stories help us prepare for surprises, spot early signs of trouble, solve problems, and share our experiences afterward. But stories aren't perfect guides. They can fail us and sometimes even make things worse by narrowing our options. Because stories have their limits, they also teach us when to ignore cultural guidance. This means stories can help us know when to trust our own judgment instead of following what society expects. In short, stories are powerful tools for navigating life's ups and downs, but they should be used wisely.