It was only one line in a video about innocence. But it grabbed my attention and would not let go. 

 

"Freedom from the preoccupation with self image."

 

A mouthful of syllables, yet oddly liberating. What would it be like to not care about likes? To be oblivious about those impressions from other people that weigh us down more than a suitcase of clothes you take on vacation that you wish fit you, but actually don't. 

 

I had a friend once who was blind. I mean I assume she still is but I haven't spent time with her since the eighties. She was a storyteller, and raised her three children with laughter and compromise, knowing they could pull one over on her without being sneaky. I remember how she wanted the biggest Christmas tree her husband could lug home, not because she could see the lights but it filled her heart in another dimension. Probably it crowded her path as she tried to step over Legos and trucks, but maybe the scent made up for all that. She had dark curly hair and an asymmetrical smile, though she probably didn't know. Or care. She nursed her babies and I daresay they didn't notice either when they were hunkered down for warm milk. 

 

Freedom for the preoccupation with self image. 

 

It does usurp perfectly good air time in my brain, and maybe yours too.