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Collage of Change

© Irene J. Sleight

One way to evoke positive change in your life is to bombard yourself with images that represent the person you're meant to be. You can easily do this by creating a collage filled with images that resonate with you and symbolize your true self. All you have to do is become aware of images, phrases, or ideas -- basically anything that touches you in some way, and place a symbol of it anywhere on your collage. You don’t have to be an artist, but you will need an open mind and some sense of playfulness. As you create your personalized masterpiece, it will begin to unfold as a work of art in your life -- gaining depth, character, and color.

I made this collage about a year ago, and it still hangs on my bedroom wall to inspire my self-growth. My collage is filled with images that represent health & fitness, comfortable home surroundings in Napa Valley, a picture of a woman leisurely bathing while surrounded with candles, which reminds me to take time for myself. The numerous smiling faces remind me to be light on the inside, while key phrases hone in on areas where I need reinforcement. I wanted to feel more confident, relaxed, while remaining focused on my goals without habitually procrastinating. In my collage, I included phrases such as "Cool, Calm, and in Control," "Balance. It's the key to self-care. Our bodies work constantly to maintain equilibrium," and, "On your mark, get set, GOAL!,” which is so unlike my typical mode of winging it.

I thumbed through several magazines and found empowering phrases such as, "Take risks: risk everything for what you want and you'll probably get it. You won't get it if you don't," "Change is good," & the phrase that resonated most for me was "Get out of rut." How many of you can relate to that one? It's scary to venture outside the 'ol familiar comfort zone, and act in ways that don't feel natural. "Show your true colors," reminds me to be authentic, and not feel I must be animated all the time. Another powerful phrase is "Day by Day," because it's so easy to get discouraged when change isn't readily apparent. It doesn't happen overnight, but rather change is cultivated over time until it becomes you.

I'd dreamed of writing professionally since childhood, but my fear, anxiety, and self-doubt overshadowed any moments of inspiration. I also have an interest in mind/body medicine, so when I stumbled upon a “health writer” logo, I immediately cut it out and placed it near the center of my collage. I also made up a business card with my name, and a title that reflected my goal of health editor & lecturer. Coincidentally, I now write for work, this column, for friends, and I recently presented a short course on anxiety desensitization. Years ago, my fear would never permit me to speak in front of a group.

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