Can someone have a very big sophisticated ego, and at the same time be free from all self-image issues?
Conversely, can someone be in a state of total no-self and still have major self-image issues?
My experience says yes to both questions, but that's a new distinction to me. I always thought there's a correlation between the two as if they're one thing, but that correlation seems delusional now.
I always had the inclination to demonize the ego as something bad and unnecessary, due to cultural upbringing. But now after (another ) full deconstruction, things have taken another course and started going full-circle. Lately, I've been discovering the importance and value of the ego on an experiential level. And what's most shocking to me is that sometimes it seems that the ego is one of the best ways to fully heal the self-image from all insecurities, and that seems like a prerequisite, contrary to what I always thought. It's like the ego at a certain point becomes/starts turning into a powerful master that can take ownership of all of one's problems and then solve them. I'm still not completely sure, nor completely clear about this, at least not in the biggest picture possible, so I'm looking for more perspectives to explore.
I feel like there's a certain series of insights surfacing for me here, but I'm not quite sure I get it. I mean if someone has a relatively little ego and a lot of self-image issues, to me that must indicate a miserable life (my parents as a prime example). On the other hand, if someone has a relatively big ego and not much self-image issues (Leo, I think), that means they're probably quite happy and successful. Most people, in this case, fall in the grey area in between on different lengths of the spectrum.
What do you guys think?

I read this article just now and it really resonated, I figured it might resonate with others too so I figured I'd share it here 
'The Doorway of "I Am"'

Today i've gone through several God-Realizations, with a near death experience included. The love and the compassion for reality are just bursting now. Feels quite remarkable to remember the illusory nature of this dream again. But still, im completely in love with dreaming into illusion again. This time with a little more baseline consciousness.
My question now: Do you guys also have this incredible desire to show your loved ones (parents, siblings, friends) this God consciousness? This is my ultimate goal right now, to bring consciousness and this immense love into the lives of everyone.
So be welcomed to share some examples how you've already helped others to increase their consciousness

The frustration of not being able to experience  ego death, absolute truth, true self was increasing day by day while emotions ran haywire. 

Serious efforts ( or seemingly serious) were made to stay sane but in vein. There was a constant feeling of restlessness and knee jerk reaction to emotions. 

After being down on the knees but not giving up, it was demanded that the truth be shown. 
A sincere demand no more shitting around. A demand to be shown the absolute truth at once. 

Then, the moment was taken to the time where oxygen was being supplied to give Anesthesia as a major surgery was to be performed. The oxygen was inhaled and on the exhale the surgery was completed.
In between the breathe, it was realised, that Absolute truth is Nothing and feels like nothing. 

Self love I think when practiced at a high level is really nuanced, robust and can be expressed in seemingly paradoxical ways. 
Self Love can mean cutting off a relationship, moving out, going to war, admitting painful truths to yourself and suffering through them. It can also mean the opposite stuff too, like eating well, meeting people you love and creating meaningful relationships, self forgiveness and self-compassion.
Self Love when fleshed out is the most powerful teaching in the universe.