Masks are facades that we put forward unto the world as a means of projecting a certain way of being to others. This could be a method of self-protection or another defensive mechanism to keep people away from us in order to not be hurt or show our insecurities.
I’ve noticed that when I walk around with a little smirk on my face because I just had an inner thought that made me smile internally but I’m holding it back a little, random strangers will smile back at me. It is an interesting phenomenon that always makes me curious to know how others are seeing me. Even though I do not really place an emphasis of other people’s perception of me as a means of validating my self worth, however for me it is curiosity. I know how I feel and am quite comfortable with my way of being however I do have a sense that people perceive you within their own biases about themselves, therefore there is some truth to like attracts like.
It has taken me many years to come to terms with who I am and how I choose to be in this world may affect others in different ways. I choose to not let it affect the way I see myself or take it as a measure of my worth if their opinions of me do not align with how I perceive myself to be.
I have chosen to remove the mask and try to be my most authentic self which is not a common trait and in turn it will make sceptical people distrust me because not too many people have the courage to be real and speak their truth. For those who react to me that way, it is my indication that they should not be a part of my life. In my past I would have worked harder trying to convince these types of people that I was worth getting to know however in the long run it only meant that I devalued myself.
Authenticity is a daily conscious choice which to put into action is a great way of being. Knowing that to be yourself may actually offend others is an indication that they are not meant to be in your life. Think about it this way: there are over 8 billion people in this world so does it really matter what one person or ten people think of you when there are so many others out there who will enjoy you for who you truly are without judgement.
Remove your own mask that you present to the wold and enjoy a more authentic life. When we reach our final destination we will have enjoyed the experience rather than having just existed behind a mask.
Joanne Robinson
