The Mask I Wear

One of my favourite authors is a gentleman by the name of Denis Waitley. I have many of his books and have had the opportunity of attending seminars held by him. He has a way of communication through his writing that makes you feel he is talking only to you.

One of his books, “Seeds of Greatness”, has an awesome passage in it regarding fear. I want to include it here as I feel it explains how many people view relationships. Have a read and see if it effects the way you relate to others.

Don’t be fooled by me. Don’t be fooled by the face I wear. I wear a mask. I wear a thousand masks – masks that I am afraid to take off; and none of them are me.

Pretending is an art that is second nature to me, but don’t be fooled. For my sake, don’t be fooled. I give the impression that I am secure, that’s all is sunny and unruffled within me as well as without; that confidence is my name and coolness my game, that the water is calm and I am in command; and that I need no one. But don’t believe me, please. My surface may seem smooth, but my surface is my mask, my ever varying and ever concealing mask.

Beneath lies no smugness, no complacence. Beneath dwells the real me in confusion, in fear, in aloneness. But I hide that. I don’t want anybody to know it. I panic at the thought of my weakness and fear being exposed. That’s why I frantically create a mask to hide behind – a nonchalant, sophisticated facade – to help me pretend, to shield me from the glance that knows. But such a glance is precisely my salvation, my only salvation, and I know it. That is, if it’s followed by acceptance; if it’s followed by love.

It’s the only thing that can liberate me from myself, from my own self-built prison wall, from the barriers I so painstakingly erect. It’s the only thing that will assure me of what I can’t assure myself – that I am really something…

Who am I, you may wonder. I am someone you know very well. I am every man you meet. I am every woman you meet. I am every child you meet. I am right in front of you. Please… love me.

1. Waitley – Seeds of Greatness  pg 26-27

Hmmm… One of my favourite pieces of writing. And I am lucky enough to have read it when I was in my early teens. I have carried it with me and I hope it is something that you may carry with you.

Have a great day, look after yourself and help people feel safe to lower their masks.

Live your Ultimate Life