A self image - Using who you are to build on the parts of your life that you like.

A composite image - three photos combined into one.

Our life, who we are, is a collection of genetics (the material to work with) and experiences (what we have gone through).  We are, in fact, a composite, kind of like the photo above.  

To push the analogy further, consider the images I took during the cruise we just finished.  Where we were, what we saw, and the ship we were on all make up the "genetics" of the trip.  You can't take photos of Africa when you are near Central America.  Similarly, you are born with genetics that, to some extent, will predispose you to certain outcomes.  

Then there are the images that were taken, the 3500 or so photos I took during the cruise, the people, and the events.  I focused (literally and figuratively) on the things I liked - the things that I wanted to photograph.  This represents the things in life you pick out of all that is around you.  Your interests, who you wish to associate with, and what you do with your time.

The resulting composite combines the who you are biologically with the experiences you embrace.  The result may not be perfect, but it is wonderful in its own way.  If you were on the same ship, your resulting composite would be different, not necessarily better or worse.  And we could compare them and agree that they are both good, even though they are different.

Your life is a composite.  What will you focus on?

Thanks for reading.

Eric Svendsen     www.ericspix.com