When I was much younger, I remember feeling paralysed by inner conflict. I never really understood or accepted why I was different to what felt like ‘everyone around me’. Later on, in life, I was labelled in school and in the workplace as disruptive.
I survived by wearing a mask, at least that way I looked like I fit in!
I was lucky, I met someone who challenged me and guided me to build a foundation of self-belief which literally shifted my whole way of thinking and my life. I was able to gain a deeper sense of who I really am, connect to my purpose, be true to myself and gradually let go of the mask.
‘There are the emotional masks, the masks we hide behind because of fear. For example, if we are insecure, we might hide behind the mask of name-dropping. If we are unsure of our power, we can hide behind mask of being a bully. If we don’t think the world loves us, we can hide behind mask of anger. We mask the debt we’ve incurred to pay for lifestyles we can’t afford; we pretend things are fine at work, when our jobs are on the line; we pretend things are okay in our marriages when there is distance ’ – Psychology today
A recent event at my daughter’s school enabled me to see clearly her values and being true herself when a teacher who my daughter likes and respects was discussing ‘human rights’, in the context of the topic the teacher used the “N” word and the “P” word for Pakistanis and “Yid”
At aged 14, she expressed her discomfort at its over use in the classroom. This resulted in her being told that she was rude, she was disciplined and got detention. (Needless to say, this is being dealt with outside of this post) but I’m really proud that my child felt sufficiently aligned and stood true to her values by showing no signs of wearing a mask. She stood for what she believed I by being willing to risk acceptance with the teacher!
Many people are far too fearful in situations to stand and be counted and therefore end up stifling the very core of who they are.
Perhaps the point of this post is to make you think and be mindful of how and when you may be unconsciously wearing a mask …
Are there certain people who you feel you are just not yourself when you’re around them?
May I suggest you make a mental note when you feel internal discomfort, and ask yourself
“Am I wearing a mask, right now?”
I for one, would love to hear from you.
What other ideas can you add? If you enjoyed this blog post, please share it with a friend!
With love and blessings
Yvette
