Self Image

Image by Todd Ehlers via Flickr

It's probably amazing how much time we all take to bolster our self-image. We always want to present the best possible appearance to other people, to be acceptable and accepted. Perphaps the problem comes when the self image takes over and the real person hides away behind it. It's so easy to do, isn't it, to pretend to be a certain way when it's not entirely your own truth. It's like a kind of social camouflage, which allows you to become part of the group without too much trouble or too many questions. The more difficult part is to learn to differentiate between those groups with whom you feel you are being yourself and others where it's often more pretence than is comfortable. Perhaps the latter case is one that needs to be reviewed. It takes courage to be oneself in the face of so many conflicting demands from friends, family and the media and so easy to 'play the part' to avoid problems. But at some point the conflict between the pretence and the real is likely to spring up and make you choose. An interesting paradox that we all have to face sooner or later!