Even though I am pretty good now at not wearing masks, once in a while I need to be reminded. For the most part, I try and be as real as best I can. Some times there is a price to be paid for being real. That is the painful part. Do not like that bit. But, in hindsight, it is worth it in the end. As there is freedom in realness.
Sure, I still have my insecurities and fears that tend to let me cover up my pain. After all, I am human. My mask can give off a personification that "Hey I Have Everything Under Control." When in fact, I am still crumbling inside.
I can recall some inquiring when I was in my thirties if my parent's divorce or the sexual abuse from my brother affected me. Replying, "No, should it of?" Besides giving the appearance I was a-ok, my feelings were so shut down I was in total denial. So I covered up.
I hope this reminder encourages any who struggle with being "the real you:"
We all wear masks, and the time comes when we cannot remove them without removing some of our own skin.—Andre Berthiaume
The masks we wear are as varied as those who wear them, but their purpose is quite simple. We wear masks to hide our real faces from those around us and even from ourselves. Sometimes we want to take on another identity so others won't see our insecurities. Or we think taking the form of someone else will give us power over others, or they will like us better, or we can escape ourselves.
The cost of wearing a mask is not getting a chance to develop our real personalities. What masks are we attached to? Are we willing to give them up in the interest of our spiritual growth?
May I have the courage to drop my phony masks in order to grow stronger in self-knowledge.
Hazelden Foundation
I don't have so much trouble being me, but I have a lot of trouble with people wanting me to be someone else. It's a constant battle. I am who I am, it is what it is. Have a strong and wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteI would guess we all wear a few masks but need to battle it?? You will keep getting better!
ReplyDeleteI think wearing masks can be a defense mechanism to help protect us when we're vulnerable. They do serve a purpose, so don't beat yourself up for not being genuine 100% of the time. Of course, being the real you is ideal. I think you're getting a lot of practice being you on this blog! I always appreciate your "realness" and candor here.
ReplyDeleteWishing you well,
NOS
HI JBR - I tried to 'copy' and 'paste' this amazing poem about "MASKS" titled, "Please Hear What I am Not Saying'. It was too long too put in a comment. If you get a moment and it is SO worth it, just put that title in 'Google Search' and it will take you right to it. I used it often in therapy groups and everyone felt it was written with them in mind. Please let me know your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteLove Gail
peace.....
Thank you Gail. Appreciate the link. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder to keep putting aside our masks. Sometimes we need them, but if we use them too much, we get confused about what really real. You don't wear a mask on this blog JBR...take care
ReplyDeletelove this....really love the quote.
ReplyDeleteLosing some of my own skin happens more
and more
these days
as the layers of mask
come off.
Painful but freeing.
Freedom isn't without a cost, is it.
-Jen
I keep my mask handy to hide myself when need be.
ReplyDeleteIs hard not to