It’s Halloween, and while we all enjoy putting on our masks, getting dressed up in crazy costumes, and being someone or something else for a short time—it does cause us to pause and wonder. Why are there times during the year when we wear an invisible mask and present people with a personal image that is not true to who we are?
Halloween Movies and Masks
This year, the popular Halloween movie franchise has returned with yet another sequel. It’s doing record-setting business at the box office. That’s impressive for a story basically about a man who becomes a killer when he slips on a mask.
One of the producers of the movie gave recent interview and talked about how the antagonist, Michael Myers. The producer explained how Myers is pictured through the first 3rd of the movie without his mask to remind the audience that he isn’t some kind of mythical monster. Behind his mask, he’s just a man nobody really understands. According to the producer, humanizing Myers makes him scarier, not because of his actions, but because the audience can relate.
Most of us let the world see the person we think they want =to see and not the person we really are behind our invisible masks.
Famous Writers and Invisible Masks
The famous writer Oscar Wilde penned one of my favorite quotes.
“Be yourself; everybody else is already taken.”
While there are certainly times and reasons to agree with others without question, many live in fear of showing people who they are. They don't recognize that being their best authentic self will yield the happiest, most fulfilling life possible.
Sure, going along with the crowd and staying in step with the person in front of you may cause less attention, but where does that ultimately leave you?
As just another forgotten person.
If you’re going to make your mark on this world, you have to be willing to be yourself!
Proven Techniques to A Confident Build Self-Image
Here are some proven techniques to help you be your best self and not get lost behind your invisible mask:
1. Keep a journal
Even if you can’t or are unwilling to share your thoughts with the world, it’s still a good exercise to express them somehow. Try writing about them. Keeping your thoughts bottled up inside of you isn’t healthy.
You never know.
If you can start expressing yourself with words on a page, maybe you’ll develop into someone who can do it with their voice.
2. Take long walks
Taking long walks may seem counter intuitive to showing the world who you are, but spending time alone in a physical activity helps you think. Sorting through your thoughts can pay dividends in ideas, and lead to insights about yourself.
Much of the time, we hide behind our masks because we’re not clear enough in our thoughts to share them. Taking time away on a hike will help you organize what’s in your head and give you more confidence to share yourself with others.
3. Share with your family and friends
While the world may seem full of cold people ready to judge you, you’re also likely to have an inner circle who knows you better. These people in your circle are more accepting and welcoming of your thoughts, feelings, and opinions.
It’s sometimes easy to become like others in your group, but it’s also the most comfortable place to declare your individuality because your inner circle almost always guarantees acceptance.
Once you see that these people love, acknowledge, and accept you for who you are, you’ll learn that most people will do the same.
4. Create art
It doesn’t matter if you think you’re not good at painting, sculpting, drawing or whatever medium inspires you; it just matters that you do it. We can learn a lot about ourselves when we tap into the parts of our brain where creativity lives.
5. Challenge yourself
None of this is going to matter if you can’t get up the courage to try taking off the mask and letting the world see what’s there. Yes, it can be daunting, but when you learn that it’s not going to hurt, it becomes easier and easier with time.
And—if someone does try to take you down a notch, remind yourself it’s only one person, and everyone has a right to an opinion.
Even if they’re louder than you, you’re still well within your rights to have your individual voice.
And, if I haven’t said it, HAPPY HALLOWEEN, dear friends!