Hey everyone, remember that classic Jim Carrey movie, The Mask ? You might be wondering why I’m bringing it up. Well, there’s a reason, and it’s more than just a throwback to a fun film. Here’s the thing: Just like in the movie, we all wear masks in real life to hide our true selves. It sounds a bit dramatic, but stick with me. For 41 years, I’ve been wearing these metaphorical masks, thinking they were just part of who I am. They weren’t; they were disguises. I had masks of shame , guilt , fear , and all sorts of other stuff—things I thought were my real identity. At first, these masks made life seem okay. I could blend in, fit in, and get by. But eventually, it hit me: I wasn’t these masks. They were just layers covering up who I truly am. I was like a black sheep in a flock of white ones, desperately trying to blend in. I wanted approval, acceptance, and to feel like I belonged. But no matter what I did, I was always seen as different, as the black sheep. It was exhausting. I felt ...
