Sometimes,
I really like wearing a mask when I'm getting ready in the morning to go out.
I sometimes look in the mirror and am disappointed by what I see.
A wrinkle I didn't notice before.
A blemish on my face.
My teeth or my mouth doesn't look right.
My nose too big.
And then a little relief as I remember that no one else will see these features today because I'm wearing a mask.
Today,
People will interact with me and judge me less based on my appearance.
My words and my actions will mean just a little more.
They will think less of my face,
My age,
Or my physical characteristics.
In a sense,
I have a better chance to start with a blank slate and to define myself by the content of my character.
I have a greater opportunity with this mask on to allow people to see me for who I am.
This body that I walk around in is part of me,
But it is not me.
And I don't think anyone has ever called it beautiful,
But I know I am beautiful.
My depth of thought,
Introspection,
Care,
Concern,
And love for others.
My joy,
Happiness,
Humor,
And emotional depth.
Even my sadness and worry,
They all contribute to an emotionally rich being that if realized in a painting would be the most glorious piece of art that could ever be imagined.
But in the context of our culture,
Society,
And evolutionary precepts,
At first glance,
I may not be such a beautiful image.
And that reality ingrained over the years has left a lasting impression that shaped my reality and my confidence,
Causing me to look at myself in the mirror and think negative thoughts.
It has caused me to act in a certain way when I'm interacting with others.
But this mask provides just a bit of freedom and gives me some relief.
And unearthing the reasons for that relief,
I am both saddened and encouraged.
I am saddened by the reality of the way we judge each other based on physical characteristics.
It is a tragedy that we feel like we need to look a certain way to be accepted.
It is sad that one's appearance may be responsible for receiving more love,
More attention,
More praise,
And conversely less of each for the same reason.
I am sad that many of us do not see beyond the body ourselves wear.
This suit,
It wasn't our choice,
But it is part of us.
And on the other hand,
I'm encouraged.
Because this mask I wear today reminds me of this shallow tendency in humanity to pass judgment based on superficial characteristics.
It reminds me that I,
My person,
Is not defined by this body I inhabit,
Or this face I wear.
I am much,
Much more than that,
And I am beautiful,
Regardless of what others think or see from the outside.
Because inside,
I am bursting with the complexities and wonders of life.
So as you consider these masks we wear,
Let them allow you to have a renewed sense of purpose to treat yourself as the beautiful person you are,
And to see beyond the physical with each individual you encounter into the depths of each person.
We do our fellow humans a disservice when we remain superficial and discount our true selves.
So let these masks help you in a small way,
Go beyond the insincere,
Escape the constraints of appearances,
And find the peace and freedom you deserve.
