Every child arrives on the planet with no “self-image“. He or she simply arrives an innocent blank slate, and from that moment on, EVERY experience leaves an impression on the slate. And every impression, whether positive or negative, contributes to that child’s “self-image”.

I grew up being told that to paint and draw was an OK hobby, something to hang on your wall or give away to friends and family, but really……..don’t ever expect that such a trivial pasttime could  become a serious career. When it came time for college, I was not allowed to attend a design school, but instead attended a state university to pursue a degree in elementary education. By the time I was a junior and actually got into a classroom to do my student teaching, it was too much! I quit, found a job in a women’s apparel store doing their newspaper art and copywriting,  and then went home and announced my decision to my devastated, disappointed parents.

To really claim my self-image as my own has required discipline and determination, introspection and a huge dose of trust. It isn’t easy to erase those old, limiting beliefs, but it is possible. My parents, products of the great depression, weren’t intentionally trying to limit my potential. In their minds, they were only steering me on a more secure path to success. Unfortunately, by doing so, I had to stifle what I was passionate about……….painting and drawing!

Finally I can say my self-image truly is MY self-image, but it has taken years to arrive here. Is your self-image really yours?