Masks

If you are like me, you go through our lives not knowing who you really are.  We try hard to be everything to everyone.  We do everything in our power to “be perfect”.  We feel like we have to be all things to everyone.  We try with all our might to not let others see what we believe we are or what we actually feel about ourselves.  We are so lost in the idea of “who am I”, we have totally lost track of US!  We feel as though we are nothing but masks that we can put on and take off depending on the situation.  Our masks are some much a part of our lives we don’t even realize most of the time we are wearing them or switching them out.  Masks allow us to pretend to be someone we want to be.  If your life is unhappy, we usually have the belief that if we just could be what others say we should be we will just be happy.  Then we put on our masks to hide who are really are.

I have come to realize that the masks we think we wear aren’t masks, but really are parts of us.  Usually they are small parts of us that really exist.  After all, how can we wear a mask of something we don’t somehow, somewhere inside ourselves feel.  If you put on what you view as a mask of kindness, you may be surprised to find kindness is really there inside of you.  The mask of being happy contains the part of us that really strives to be happy, even though we may not think so.  The mask of caring can show us that we are really a caring person even if we don’t feel it at that time.

As soon as we are able to understand masks aren’t masks but rather just a part of who we are deep inside we can begin to embrace each part of ourself.  We can nurture it and help it to blossom and grow.  We begin to believe we are NOT a phony, but rather who we are…a kind, caring, compassionate, loving, nurturing person.  

What parts of you are you seeing as a mask?  Does these parts of you exist buried somewhere inside of you?  How can you bring those parts to the front of our life?  This is where, again, your professional team can be of help.  Make a list of the “masks” you think you wear.  Put a check mark next to each of the items in your list that you know are a real part of you.  I think you will be surprised at the results.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

I know and believe that those of us who suffer from an ED of any type can beat it.  It is hard work and at times feels impossible; but I am sure it is a goal that is obtainable to all of you out there.

KEEP YOUR CHIN UP!  Take baby steps towards your recovery, put one foot in front of the other and know, with a capital K, you CAN do it.  Even if you can’t see it now, the world needs you!