When we're alone,
When you're by yourself,
You are your true self.
We are free to be who we authentically are.
No one to judge us,
Label,
No masks worn or protective armor.
Free to just be.
Somewhere along your journey,
You decided it wasn't enough to just be.
To be seen as your true self with others.
You decided you need to act differently at work,
In your relationship,
Your friendships,
With your family.
A mask was put on displaying the image you believe brought you acceptance,
Love and belonging.
Are you the life of the party,
Always good for a laugh?
The nice one who always does the right thing,
Never making waves.
The intelligent one whom everyone turns to for answers.
The one who's strong,
Whom everyone counts on to hold them up.
The confident one who never feels insecure.
Or the peacemaker who is always there for others in times of need.
But what happens when you don't feel like laughing or being bubbly?
You don't even feel like smiling right now.
Do you still put on a happy face?
What happens when you don't feel like being the one who always says the nice thing,
Does what's proper?
You want to get messy,
You want to free the rebellious spirit that you feel inside.
Do you suppress that urge and just let it pass?
What happens when you don't feel like sitting quietly?
You want to speak up and share how you really feel at work or in your relationship.
Do you bite your tongue?
What happens when you're hurting and you want to feel deeply,
Let your emotions run unguarded?
Do you suck it up and console others instead of tending to your own needs?
What happens when you feel insecure?
You don't feel confident or sexy right now.
Do you ignore how you're feeling and push forward anyway?
We can unknowingly box ourselves into roles and ways of being we didn't intend.
Why do we do this?
Societal pressures,
Social conditioning,
Whatever the reason,
These masks and roles dishonor who we are.
Every time we put on this mask,
We say to ourselves,
You're not enough as you are.
These masks are exhausting.
It's time to take it off.
Find a comfortable position,
Whether sitting or lying down and gently close your eyes.
Take a deep breath in,
Filling your lungs with fresh air.
And slowly exhale,
Releasing any tension you may be holding.
Let your body relax,
Feeling the support of the surface beneath you.
As you inhale deeply once again,
Imagine a warm golden light surrounding you.
This light represents your true essence,
Your authentic self.
With each breath you take,
See this light grow brighter,
Filling you with a sense of warmth and comfort.
Now visualize yourself standing in front of a mirror.
As you gaze into this mirror,
Notice the mask you've been wearing.
Take a moment to observe this mask.
What does it look like?
When do you put it on?
Who do you put it on for?
Your partner,
Co-worker,
Family?
How long have you been putting it on?
Since you were a child?
Now with a deep breath,
Reach up and gently remove the mask from your face.
Feel the cool air brush against your skin as you take off the mask,
Revealing your true self underneath.
Notice the weight and pressure it carried.
Feel a sense of freedom and liberation as it is released.
Take a moment to examine your reflection without the mask.
Look into your eyes,
The windows to your soul.
See the beauty and depth that resides within.
Embrace the authenticity that shines through your features,
Acknowledging the real you,
The one who doesn't need to hide behind a facade.
Exposed and free.
As you continue to gaze at your true self,
Feel a wave of self-acceptance and love wash over you.
Embrace your flaws,
Your vulnerabilities.
Understand that it is through these imperfections that your true beauty and strength emerge.
Now envision yourself stepping forward,
Leaving the mirror behind.
With each step,
Feel a renewed sense of confidence and freedom.
You no longer need to conform to the expectations of others or wear masks that don't reflect who you truly are.
You are deserving of love,
Acceptance,
And genuine connections.
Now when you're ready,
Slowly open your eyes.
Remember,
My dear friend,
You deserve to be loved and appreciated for who you truly are,
Not for the roles you play or the masks you wear.
Embrace your uniqueness,
Your complexity,
Your messiness,
Your imperfections.
This makes you beautifully human.
Honor yourself.
Honor how you feel.
Be brave.
Be unapologetic.
Brene Brown said,
Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we're supposed to be and embracing who we are.
