Have you ever had a day that felt larger than you?
Today has been like that for me. A large amount of energy is expended just trying to appear energetic and on-top of things......especially when the opposite is true. I suspect that every one of us wears that mask from time to time. The mask does serve a purpose - both for the individual and for those around the mask-wearer. To the people surrounding or coming into contact with the mask-wearer, the pleasant, cheerful, energetic countenance is reassuring and energizing. Who wants to be around an "Eyeore", lovable as that mopey character is? Mopey-cute only cuts it so long before people begin to find excuses to 'have to be somewhere else'.
To the person wearing the mask, exuding enthusiasm to others has a tendency to boomerang back to the lender. What goes around does come around and this is no exception. However, at times, there can be an inward cost that goes unseen outwardly. This artificial energy looks great, but, at the end of the day, usually results in sapping every ounce of physical motivation from the mask-wearer.
When I think of all that I could not have accomplished without the mask, I am happy to have worn it this day, BUT it feels so good to enter my 'inner cave' and remove the mask, ready to be authentic. Exhausted, perhaps, but then, maybe I'll get a really sound night's sleep.
Bon soir.
