I suppose it could be quite unpleasant at times, looking in the mirror. And then, of course, the thoughts you project bring forth likeness. That is what I got out of the gatekeeper story. At this point I am proud of what I've brought into my life and am very thankful. Times have not always been so good for me.
Many people make the same mistake of blaming outer circumstances.
With the right amount of introspection, I have realized that it is I who cause my own unhappiness or happiness. There is always a choice in how you respond to life. It can be beautiful, and it can also be an ugly and horrible place. It takes a great deal of courage to face up to the truth, and you need to decide for yourself how to identify the negative patterns and overcome them somehow. I have noticed in my life, and decide upon a strategy to overcome the negative ones which I can incorporate into the following days.