Annotations of the Mind

How does that one simple phrase have the ability and power, and even authority to completely turn your world upside down, or put all the pieces back together again, "image is only a reflection...?" Our lives are filled with places, things, appointments, loyalties and even betrayals, compromises and integrities, and many other entities that press us one way or the other. How do we deal with the push and pull of the different values and influences (directly or indirectly, voluntarily or involuntarily) we have placed on somewhat meaningless objects in our lives? Or better yet, how do we address the vigorous issues that cause us to have loads of piled up concerns to distract us from really being able to live full and free?