Putting on a mask, and you forget the shape of your own face beneath it? This I wrote yesterday and you know what? That Mask isn't fitting anymore for some time...
I'm proudly wearing my own face. And that is true freedom 🙏
A fascinating piece, causing me to pause, think about the path I have tried to travel and I think managed to.
My childhood memories and experiences led me to being “me”.
My teenage years were bumpy, but my honesty with senior school staff was rewarded with some flexibility that helped me navigate those years.
The only mask I wore, was of acceptance in a longstanding personal relationship and by so doing. Caused myself a lot of heartache, a loss of trust, etc.
Once I had untangled myself from that mess, I threw away the mask. Tried to ensure that I avoided a repeat situation.
I returned to acting openly and with a lack of pretense, and I accepted the consequences and I take the blame / took the blame and responsibility for any failure on my part. Work & home.
I’m not perfect, but I try …
Sorry for rattling on. I hope that sort of makes sense.
I unmasked myself a short while ago. Hiding the real me deflated me, hid my true energy. Oh boy it rattled people. They are still coming to terms with who I truly am. I am real not flakey. I stand up now. I am counted. I cry, laugh and am just me. No masks… liberating ❤️
Rea, this feels like someone gently tugging off my mask and going, ‘hey… breathe.’ I love how you wrote wildness as something that finally stretches awake. Your words slip right under the ribs in the softest way.
This Rea!
Putting on a mask, and you forget the shape of your own face beneath it? This I wrote yesterday and you know what? That Mask isn't fitting anymore for some time...
I'm proudly wearing my own face. And that is true freedom 🙏
Good, Vlinder! You are beautiful and perfect! 🩵🩵
🌬🩶
Rea,
This is a wonderful poem, one that I can definitely relate to, especially this stanza:
"I have worn many masks
Fake masks that never fit me
Constricting my soul and my spirit
For uncaring indifference"
I know what it's so like to try to fit into others' views of what I should be like. You are completely spot-on.
Thank you, Beth! I’m pleased it resonated with you.
The title reminded me of another poem by the same name by paul Laurence Dunbar! It's beautifully written, Rea! As always 💖💖
Thank you, Aster! I’m going to search it. ❤️❤️
You're welcome, Rea! ❤️❤️
A fascinating piece, causing me to pause, think about the path I have tried to travel and I think managed to.
My childhood memories and experiences led me to being “me”.
My teenage years were bumpy, but my honesty with senior school staff was rewarded with some flexibility that helped me navigate those years.
The only mask I wore, was of acceptance in a longstanding personal relationship and by so doing. Caused myself a lot of heartache, a loss of trust, etc.
Once I had untangled myself from that mess, I threw away the mask. Tried to ensure that I avoided a repeat situation.
I returned to acting openly and with a lack of pretense, and I accepted the consequences and I take the blame / took the blame and responsibility for any failure on my part. Work & home.
I’m not perfect, but I try …
Sorry for rattling on. I hope that sort of makes sense.
It makes perfect sense, Mark. We wear it for acceptance, but we can't keep it up. I'm so pleased you can now be yourself. Hugs
Oh wow. That hits me so profoundly. I mask my way to a world that is not ready for my neurodivergence. It protects me, but erases me at the same time.
That’s what it does, it erases us. Sending peace.
I’ve worn my share of masks too… the kind that look like strength but feel like quiet suffocation.
What I’ve learned is that pretending keeps you accepted, but it never keeps you whole.
Real freedom showed up the moment I stopped performing and let myself be seen… first by God, then by the people who were safe.
Some stay in the façade because it’s all they know. I don’t judge that. I just pray they eventually find the kind of breath honesty gives.
Real freedom. That's how it feels without the mask. Thank you for sharing your heart with me. ❤️
Your journey is yours alone
Even if you need to pretend ❤️
Thank you, Lisa. ❤️
You’re so loving and gracious to all.
Liberation….that’s what this felt like. No masks on this girl either 🙌
We are free, Esther! 💞💞
I unmasked myself a short while ago. Hiding the real me deflated me, hid my true energy. Oh boy it rattled people. They are still coming to terms with who I truly am. I am real not flakey. I stand up now. I am counted. I cry, laugh and am just me. No masks… liberating ❤️
That fills me with gladness, Brenda! You are a warrior! Sending love 💞💞💞
Rea, this feels like someone gently tugging off my mask and going, ‘hey… breathe.’ I love how you wrote wildness as something that finally stretches awake. Your words slip right under the ribs in the softest way.
I love the the way you see my words! Thank you.