Many of us, myself included, have become pros at wearing masks.
Most of the time, it’s not even a conscious decision. It just becomes this unspoken rule that we must conform for acceptance and approval.
Have we become so skilled at hiding our true selves that we don’t even realize we’re wearing a mask anymore?
Unfortunately, it took me hitting rock bottom and battling burnout to finally see the bigger picture, embrace slow living, and appreciate my authentic self.
Let me explain….
The Masks We Wear
We wear masks everywhere.
In the workplace, we suppress our true opinions to meet the expectations of our bosses and colleagues. Socially, we adopt characteristics that we believe will make us more likable and acceptable to those around us.
Eventually, we become chameleons, adapting to blend in with different social groups and situations. Even within our families and closest friends, we hide pieces of ourselves to keep the peace and maintain harmony.
I’ll admit, I was once the master of this game. But the better I got at hiding, the more I lost sight of who I really was underneath it all.
The Price of Wearing Masks
No doubt, the cost of wearing these masks is steep, yet it often seems like the path of least resistance. When we lose sight of who we truly are, we start seeking validation from others instead of accepting and knowing ourselves.
The lack of self-acceptance that comes with constantly pretending to be someone we’re not can leave us feeling exhausted, disillusioned, and utterly lost.
It’s like we’re living in a constant state of pretending, never allowing ourselves to fully express our authentic selves. We’re misaligned, and no amount of self-care can help …
And my friend, this can be a heavy burden to carry!
Embracing Our Identity
In a world that constantly demands us to conform to its expectations, choosing to be true to ourselves can seem more like an act of rebellion.
So, how do we take a step back and find out who we really are?
First, Slow the heck down! Give yourself some space. Get quiet….
The practice of slowing down allows us to reconnect with our authentic selves and slowly strips us away from the pressures of conformity that the world puts on us.
The Benefits of Embracing Slow Living
Slow living gave me the space and time to truly reflect on my life and peel off those layers and masks. It allowed me to reconnect with my inner self and discover the person I had been hiding for so long.
It’s in these moments of stillness that we can truly hear our own thoughts, desires, and passions. We can shed the roles that don’t belong to us and learn to show up as our authentic selves.
Imagine a world where we no longer had to pretend or hide behind masks. A world where we could show up as our true selves, unapologetically and without fear of judgment.
Slow living allows us to step away from the constant pressure to conform and make space for our true identity to shine through.
The Wrap
The truth is, deep down, we all crave real connections and genuine interactions. Slow living provides us with the time and space to drop our masks and reveal our true selves to the world.
It’s a journey. It’s not about having all the answers or having it all figured out. It’s about having the courage to be true to ourselves and live a life that feels genuine and meaningful. (Whatever that looks like for you!)
Always remember, you are worthy of love and acceptance, perfectly created according to God’s vision for you.
The world needs who you are!
I’m cheering you on…
XO,
Jules
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