The Masks We Wear

 You seem to be happy.  I see you smile each day, but I know behind those smiles are silent cries and tears waiting to flow. 

You appear tough.  You always have that stern look on your face, but I know behind that strong front is a person who is afraid to get hurt.

You appear to be concerned and would wish someone well.  But behind those hugs and friendly exchanges is a plot to pull the person down.

I realized that sometimes people wear masks for different reasons. 

 You put on a happy mask so those around you won't see that you're suffering from the inside.  You put on a mask to appear strong so others won't see that you also have a weakness.  But I guess what's scary is when people put on a mask to  pretend to be someone they are not.

When you put on a mask, you are not just fooling the people around you, you are also lying to yourself.  Don't be afraid to show who you really are and how you feel.  Those who truly love you would accept you for what you are. 

For those who hide behind masks to deceive others, stop and think about what you are doing.  Whatever reason you have would never justify the fact that you may be ruining peoples lives.

Take off that mask before it starts to ruin you.  Stop hiding behind those masks, face whatever life has thrown at you, and don't be afraid to let the people around you help you up.  Remember that you are never alone.  You don't need to put on a mask because someone out there loves you for being YOU.

“We all wear masks, and the time comes when we cannot remove them without removing some of our own skin.”
― Andre Berthiaume