Some might say WOW and others might say that these photos represent masks of insecurities, fears, limiting beliefs, frustrations and loneliness.
One definition of mask is an activity that tries to conceal something. Masks come in many forms yet they are all hiding something.
What has us want to hide or feel the need to conceal? What are we imagining is at risk? What is your unique way of covering up what you don't want others to see or know about you?
From time to time all of us have presented something less than authentic to the world. I am not saying that this is right, wrong, good or bad. What I am saying is, if hiding and covering up is now the automatic way to react or respond, it might not be working for you especially if what you crave is connection, intimacy, deeper conversations and fulfilling interactions with others.
We have to be careful with what we practice. We will get real good at it and assume it is TRUTH! If we only rely on what has gotten us what we wanted in the past we may be missing an opportunity to break a pattern, interrupt a cycle or create a new outcome. When an action or response is automatic, we are no longer at choice.
When you are no longer at choice, your masks are no longer working. You are actually pushing people away. You might even be getting frustrated with what is not working and blaming others for the outcome. People have quit responding to you the same way they did. It might be time to give it up and make more authentic choices.
What if I told you people can see through what you are trying to hide and that you were not hiding at all? What if I told you that masks actually expose you and give people reason to suspect that you are not being sincere, real or authentic? What once worked is now creating breakdowns, challenges, loss in possibilities and obstacles with others.
How would your life be different if you didn't have to hide, pretend, protect, put yourself second, assume you knew what was best for everyone, be in control, fix everything for everyone, avoid conflict, be a people pleaser, be right, be perfect, a victim, drama queen, etc?
What patterns, responses or actions leave you little or no choice? How have they turned into masks and ultimately been an effort to stay safe, avoid risks, and sabotaged you stepping into your full potential?
I am your partner in possibilities. Contact me by phone, 985-860-8861 or email, denise@empoweringpotential.com
