Take Off Your Mask
How Do You Show up?
What mask are you wearing? and I don’t mean the kind you wear to a masquerade ball. The kind of mask I’m referring to is the one we sometimes put on so that we do not appear to be less than, more than, too happy, too sad, less accomplished, more accomplished, independent, dependent,… The list goes on and on.
The problem with wearing this mask is that it is not sustainable. In putting on a mask, we prevent our true, authentic selves from being seen. It also puts up an armor around us, preventing others from getting to know our true selves. In the long run, this prevents us from being completely happy and fulfilled in our personal lives, relationships, and careers. Aside from that, it’s exhausting to live one’s life by someone else’s rules.
As women, we put undue pressure on ourselves to show up in a way that is acceptable to others. Just look at all the advertisements for weight loss, wrinkle cream, toned bodies, etc. And let’s not forget the movies and shows on television where women are portrayed as super women…career woman by day, attentive partner by night, and hands-on parent in between.
This is especially difficult for mothers. Mothers who take time to stay at home and raise their children can feel less than for not working. Career moms may feel shame for enjoying their careers yet feel guilty for missing out on activities in their children’s lives. And…social media only makes it worse. Why do we look to others for approval or disapproval?
What is Your Passion?
Are you on a career path because of your true passion?, or is it because you chose a career based on what your parents, spouse, friends, teachers, or others thought you should choose? And…that includes the choice to be a full-time homemaker/childcare provider. Furthermore, did that parent, spouse, friend, teacher, or other person even know what you were honestly passionate about?
It is sad, but it usually takes a shakeup in our lives for us to stop and ask these questions. So…how do we take off the mask and begin living a life that allows our authentic self to shine through?
It starts with understanding what you value in life. I believe each of us is put on this planet with a purpose. For some, it just takes longer to figure out how to live that purpose. For me, it has taken over half a lifetime to begin to live my life’s purpose. I am a different person today than I was 30 years ago. And… all my experiences, triumphs, and mistakes up to this point have shaped me into who I am. They have shaped my values, and they have shaped my purpose.
What are Your Gifts?
The beautiful part is that each of us has special gifts we bring into this world, and each of us is special in our own unique way. What are your special gifts? Are you sharing those gifts with others? When we share 
with others, it makes us feel good about ourselves. And when we feel good about ourselves, we allow our authentic self to shine through. It may seem awkward at first, especially if you’ve been keeping your gifts all to yourself. Or, you may not know what your special gifts are. This can be a question you pose to others who know you well. You may ask them…”What is it about me that you really like?” or “What am I really good at?” or “What/who am I the go-to person for?”
What is stopping you from taking your mask off?
You deserve happiness! You deserve to be 100% authentically YOU!
