The Authentic Challenge

 Imagine if you would, just for moment, that no one cared what you looked like, about your financial status, your level of education – insert any and all of your beautiful imperfections here.

Can you sense the freedom?  Being liked, even loved, just because you are truly, 100%, unadulterated you… how different would your life be?

But back here in reality, we do care – and others care too!  And because of that, most of us have a closet full of these ‘masks’, and we change them to fit the current situation, crowd of people, etc…and some of us don’t even notice because we been doing it for so long, it’s habitual. 

Why do we do this?

There’s a number of different reasons.  We wear masks to impress others, to get a reaction; sometimes we use them as armor, afraid of what people will think of the face underneath; maybe we use them out of a need – a need to be loved, feared, protected, accepted.  The list goes on. 

And we get so good at it!  Sometimes (and this has happened to me personally) we get so engrossed in the masks, that our very real, authentic self gets lost.  And it’s not easy to recover once you’re pushed that far.  Wearing the masks over and over again is exhausting!  Physically, mentally and emotionally exhausting!  I can recall coming home a few times, locking myself in my room and having a good cry over it.  I felt I had a need for the masks I wore, and it taxed my whole being.  I knew I was covering myself up, in fear of (mostly) judgement.  And those judgements would lead to fights – and for those of you who know me, I’m a lover, not a fighter.  And I still use them at times because (and this hurts a bit) when I try to express pure, unadulterated ‘me’, sometimes it gets met with resistance and/or ridicule.  And I see this happen, not just with me, but with the people around me all the time.  They will choose to open up to someone and get immediately shot down.  I have been told directly that I shouldn’t trust my feelings because they’re not always right.  MY feelings?  From MY essence?  It took me a long time to realize that feelings are never ‘wrong’ – but there are people who will never acknowledge other’s truths if they don’t vibe with their own.

So, what masks do you wear?  And why?  There’s quite a few we see every day – social media is full of them – and so few of them are anywhere near ‘authentic’. 

And do a self-check-up too – are you fully accepting of other people and their authentic selves?  Sometimes, our tongue is quick to pass judgement or make a snide remark.  Be conscious and aware.  Everyone’s truth is just as true as your own.  Respect that in others and you will find yourself surrounded by people who do the same for you.  Imagine never needing the mask – and attracting those who love and respect the very essence of you! 

 

My challenge to you is to be that person – love unconditionally, know that others have different perspectives, beliefs, feelings, and be a source of compassion for all.  Also, if you can, forgo the mask for a day.  Throw all your caution to the wind and see what happens.  I’ll do it with you… remember magic only happens outside of our comfort zone!  And being authentic is the cornerstone of self-confidence (makes sense – you can’t be self-confident while pretending to be something else) – so pay attention to how it makes you feel!

I wish you the courage to claim your freedom – and be 100%, un-apologetically you!  You deserve that much!