Philosophy is the study of associations. The only way the physical world around can be understood and communicated is through comparisons. If someone speaks about a tree or the color green, an image comes to our mind. It works the same way for behavior and self-image. No one wants to repeat bad experiences and we all want to repeat all of the good experiences we can. A mind when it thinks is pulling up images for us according to fears, fantasies, creativity and problem solving. At night our minds can bring images in the form of involuntary dreams that are sometimes pleasant and at other times unpleasant. In order to live a good life it is important we make correct associations and consider the right things good and bad, do-able and impossible, and of course timing issues. Philosophy can be used to address numerous areas of associations applicable to science and behavior.

Religions, politics, friendship and all other associations we participate in will form their own common images that appear to be ideal. The trouble with third party images is that there is always the potential for the image to be shifted by the third party to take advantage of us. A person can lose their own self in these associations. A person who claims to be in a search to find themselves is really looking for a new unique image to acquire; some kind of character they want to be. To start over means closing out the the standards of the past to form a new image for the future. The image of this new ideal person will have to stay in the forefront the mind. Letting go of the old person isn’t always easy.

This ideal person can change depending on the period of life a person is in. A young person isn’t interested in becoming a grandparent but a parent. Through time, goals become completed and ideals are adjusted to meet the realities. A crisis occurs when there isn’t a new image to meet the new realities and new goals need to be made. It can get frustrating when the changes we want aren’t materializing and dramatic changes don’t solve the problems.

The best approach is to have a personal image that is based in good character rather than basing it on pursuits. Change is natural to life, but if someone asks what it takes to be a good wife, husband, friend or Christian, the answer should always be the same; having good character. For instance, telling the truth is always a good habit that everyone considers desirable. Being kind and courteous should apply to the image of a person you want to be. The new image should be associated with good behavior such as encouraging others more or being a better listener. The past cannot be remade but the future can. Now is always the right time to start over and shake off the past. Ask yourself each morning what your image is of an ideal life and then go after it. The steps may start out small but we all have an exciting future out there waiting for us.