Self-Image is Just an Illusion

By Christine Comaford-Lynch


Do any of these sound familiar? I don't have what it takes; 

I don't know the right people;I'm poor; I'm scared; I'm 

unpopular. These thoughts foster destructive illusions. It's 

time for you to drop all of that emotional baggage. It is 

hard work, but if you want to race toward your dreams, it 

helps to travel light.



The best part about picking an illusion, which could be 

called a self-image, is that you can change it if it doesn't 

work. Some illusions didn't empower me, so I moved on. 

Don't like what you see? Reinvent yourself!



There are two ways to approach life. One is to wake up 

each day and say "I know what my life is going to be like 

today and that's what I want: predictability." The other is 

to say "I have a rough idea of what my life is going to be 

like today and I can't wait to see what adventures show 

up! It's gonna be awesome!" I prefer the latter approach, 

which is why I love being a quick-change artist. 



Remember, An illusion is something you use to change 

the reality around you. A delusion is something that 

prevents you from seeing the reality around you. And, 

sometimes you'll need to be a quick-change artist 

several times before you get it right; it takes courage 

and vision to change direction.



Ask yourself the following questions:



· What does my current self-image "say" to others/what 

message does it project?



· Do I feel powerful and capable with my current self-image?



· If you're not satisfied with it, what's keeping you from changing?





An honest self-assessment from the following questions will 

help you determine if it's time to be a quick-change artist:



· Does my current self-image have untapped potential?



· Can I stretch/extend it to take me where I want to go?



I'm amazed at how many people lead lives of "quiet desperation," 

as Thoreau said. They're going through the motions, knowing 

that what they're doing isn't working, but too stuck, comfortable, 

or scared to change. These are the exact people who need 

reminding that everything is an illusion. It's never too late to pick 

up one that's more empowering. Do you know someone who 

could benefit from answering the questions presented here to 

become a quick-change artist? 



Your past is useful. Look at it, but don't stare. All experience is 

good. Review all of your answers to the above questions about 

changing illusions and design another one. Then make it come 

true.