There are different kinds of masks we wear throughout our lives, and each serves an important purpose. Today, I'm going to encourage you to think about your masks and take a moment to look at what lies underneath them.
As children, we wear masks for make believe. It gives us an opportunity to explore what it is like to be someone else. I still love the idea of make believe and play. Here's the deal though. We don't need masks to do this. I think that sometimes, especially when we are fighting cancer or some other tragedy, we feel like we shouldn't be silly, but there is nothing more healing than letting go of the darkness and just having fun. Even on those difficult days, allow yourself to smile, laugh, and enjoy life. Be silly. Imagine. Create. Believe. Play.
As women, we wear masks to make us feel beautiful. Makeup is a part of our societal expectations. We are expected to not age, to have perfect skin, lush lashes, and pouty lips. Is any of this natural or even normal? Hell, no! I'm not saying that we shouldn't wear makeup. I love black eyeliner and nude lipstick. What I am saying is that you can't be afraid to be naturally you. We all hold our own form of beauty. Don't cover up the gifts that have been given to you because of someone else's expectations. You should always, always do what makes YOU feel beautiful, but don't hide to please others.
Our roles are also masks that we wear. Can you define yourself without saying what you DO? Often, we hide behind these masks of what we think make us worthy. I am a mother. I am a teacher. I am a writer. Is this really who I am though? These are masks that describe what I DO not who I AM. Don't forget that you have worth beyond your deeds. You are worthy and special just because you ARE. Be proud of who you are. Take time to stop doing and just be. Love the unique and powerful soul that is you.
Our illnesses can sometimes work as masks too. Those of us who have fought an illness and those of us still in the midst of illness know that look that people give us. You know the one? The, "Oh! Poor, Marla, she has cancer," look. Remember, you are not your illness. Your illness does not have you. You have it. Don't let anyone put the "sick" mask on you. Fight every minute of every day. It's what makes the illness get scared and run away. Illnesses aren't afraid of masks. They are afraid of the real you . . . the one that kicks ass and wins.
Are masks bad? Not at all. Everything has a time and place, but I want to challenge you to step out from behind the mask and see how amazing you are all on your own. You don't need a mask on any other day than Halloween. All you need is the real you. Let the real you shine.