Masking

Masking (verb)
– cover (the face) with a mask
– conceal (something) from view

The English language is a tricky bugger. We have so many words that mean different things. Take actual masking which everyone has become intimately involved with in the last three years (or not).

One form of masking is visible with some kind of face covering. The other is not so visible meaning you look one way on the outside and another inside. To coin a phrase from The Breakfast Club, “you see us how you want to see us.”

As humans, we are wired to seek acceptance and belonging. To fit in, we often wear masks, concealing our true emotions, fears, and insecurities. We convince ourselves that vulnerability is a weakness, fearing judgment and rejection.

In a world that often emphasizes the need to present ourselves as strong and put-together, many of us find ourselves wearing masks to hide our true emotions and struggles. Masking our mental health can lead to increased stress, isolation, and a lack of support.

My favorite phrase is, “what you see is what you get.” And I guess 90% of the time that’s totally true. But, o0f, that 10% like what I’m feeling now, that’s a doozy. When the devil feels like it’s sitting on both shoulders, telling you just slightly above a whisper that you’re useless.

During those 10% times, it’s everything I can do to get through the day professionally. When I’m done with work, there is less than zero in the tank to take care of me. They say not to make permanent decisions about temporary problems, but sometimes the whispers turn to shouts and the ruminating and pain bears the weight of the world down on your body.

When subscribing to the blog, please check your email (in box and spam/junk) for the confirmation note. Once confirmed, you’re good to go and will receive posts.