Society and relationships often force you to pretend. We explain how to remove the mask that limits our lives.
Last update: June 04, 2020
Do you feel the weight of a mask imposed by society? Can't you express yourself freely? Do you hide your true self behind armor? Do you relate to others without showing your emotions? Don't like showing your vulnerable side? Do you often inhibit yourself and suppress emotions? Well, then it's time to take off the mask and throw it away.
Enjoying your emotions and being able to share them will allow you to live a fuller life. The road will not be easy, but thanks to the advice we present in this article, we are confident that you will succeed.
First of all, in order to finally be able to remove the mask, you must first understand that it is a defense mechanism, a way to protect yourself. Leave aside any feelings of guilt and do not get overwhelmed by this burden.
Like millions of other people, you may be trying to behave in the best possible way. It happens to everyone to build seemingly protective barriers. Perhaps at first you thought that no one could harm you and that this ploy would protect you from unpleasant emotions, such as fear or sadness.
In appearance or on a temporary basis, the mask can offer this feeling of protection. You will have the feeling to control it and to be able to take it off and wear it at will. Going forward, however, you will understand that it is not so easy to show oneself freely, without protection. The problem appears when the mask stops protecting you and you feel trapped.
1. Prepare to take off the mask
The first step to take off the mask is to realize you are wearing it. Perhaps you have been doing this for a long time, longer than you can imagine. You may not even have realized that you are trying to protect yourself in this way.
Thankfully, there are other ways to prevent life's pains and these really work. For example, you may begin to understand how to take care of yourself.
Once you have recognized and identified the problem, you will need to want to address it so that you can take off the mask. To do this, it is important to engage in positive negotiation with your inner conflicts. That is why it is essential to find that rhythm that the mind and heart need.
Protecting yourself does not mean hiding, but listening, cuddling and expressing yourself.
2. Have patience and courage: you are not alone
Patience is a valuable quality because it ensures that motivation is kept constant. In this sense, it is about generating a space in which such a change occurs. Yes, that profound transformation that intervenes on the focus of the problem and produces improvements that can be sustained over time.
Resolving inner conflicts requires a great motivation that only we can grasp. That's why it takes a lot of courage - another powerful quality that will allow you to face them.
Either way, let yourself be accompanied by a person who loves you, such as a friend, a brother or even a psychologist. This will help you stay strong and move forward towards the goal of taking off the mask.
3. Knowing you in order to accept yourself
In order to accept yourself, you must first meet. Knowing yourself means knowing what you want, recognizing what you like, what you would like to achieve, etc. Maybe you think you have everything clear, but chances are you are missing something.
Carve out moments to spend in solitude, create a moment of intimacy with yourself. Let the silence speak, without distractions and without thoughts. The aim is to be able to hear. Feel the sensations of your body and listen to your emotions.
You may not like being alone for fear of discovering your sensitivity, but it is the only way to accept yourself. When you know what you feel, how you are and what you like (even if you move away from the tastes of other people), you can begin to accept yourself as a free individual, without judging yourself.
If you accept this commitment to sincerity with yourself, it will be easier to take off the mask. You will have nothing to be ashamed of.
4. Love yourself and others to take off the mask
As you have advanced in this process of knowing and accepting, self-love will come by itself. Love each other as you are and not who you were in the past or who you would like to be in the future.
Love every limitation, flaw and nuance of your character because they are all precious elements that are part of you. And if you want to improve at something, use this motivation as a valuable learning opportunity. But always maintain a healthy feeling of affection for yourself.
Loving you opens the door to other people who will want to do it. This love for yourself promotes generosity that asks for nothing in return. Without this becoming the answer to an addiction, to a need to give to prevent the other from leaving.
We are convinced that you will find the right strength and that thanks to these tips you will be able to remove the mask that oppresses you. If you are already aware that you are wearing one, arm yourself with patience and courage. Take some time to get to know and accept yourself: you will learn to love yourself and relate to others thanks to love.
