Could it be we put the masks on to compensate when we don't have the tools we need to authenticately be ourselves? When we start doing things that go against our nature and values it creates internal conflict. The masks are coping tools we used as kids to hide pain, fear, awkwardness, and unmet needs. Now as adults these coping tools are dysfunctional and wearing us and our families down. Time to learn new coping, communicating, and loving skills. Just be your best you can at the moment. One thing that helped me drop my masks is to talk to people I don't know - in line at the grocery, talk to kids, church. Try to help them, make them smile or laugh. Doing things for others brings out the best in me.
M22,H45,W45 S21/18D12 Retain faith that you will prevail in the end, regardless of the difficulties and at the same time confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.
