The Masks We Wear
October 2024
The upcoming Halloween holiday has me thinking about the different masks we sometimes wear as we learn to navigate and adapt to the complexities of our personal and professional lives. We can take on these personas to protect ourselves, fit in, or meet the expectations of others, sometimes without even realizing we’re doing it. When we DO recognize our masks, we might tell ourselves that they are a requirement to fit the situations we regularly face and are simply part of being a human in this world.
There is choice in this, however. While our masks might help us feel outwardly accepted, get us through complex situations in the short term, maintain relationships, or gain approval, they may also distance us from our authentic selves. Constantly adapting to external expectations can be exhausting and may prevent us from fully expressing our true thoughts, feelings, and needs. Over time, we can create a disconnect between who we are and how we present ourselves, leading to feelings of dissatisfaction, burnout, and a sense of losing oneself.
The magic happens when we can fully embrace who we truly ARE and not be held back or afraid to let that shine forth every day. Authenticity is about aligning our actions with our core values and beliefs, allowing our true selves to guide our decisions and interactions. It's about peeling away the layers of societal expectations and rediscovering the unique qualities that make us who we are.
A few steps to help you embrace your authentic self:
Self-Reflect: Take time to reflect on your values, passions, and strengths. Journaling or meditative practices can help you reconnect with your inner self. Remembering what you were like as a young child before being influenced by external pressures can also help. Explore any masks you might have picked up along the way and consider what’s possible if you release those personas.
Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to situations and relationships that don't align with YOU at your core. Set healthy boundaries for the sake of your own well-being.
Practice Vulnerability: Share your honest thoughts and feelings with trusted friends and family. Narrate your story a bit more. Vulnerability can strengthen connections and foster deeper relationships.
Celebrate Uniqueness: Embrace your individuality. Recognize all the things that make you uniquely different, see those as assets, and celebrate those qualities.
Take a moment to reflect on the characters you play or masks you wear on a regular basis. And decide to shed the pretense. Acknowledge and embrace your TRUE self so you can experience greater fulfillment, joy, and connection. Expose a little more of who you are with courage and pride and you might just find you inspire others to do the same.
