Remove the mask: 3 standout ways to live an authentic life
She stands there smiling, nodding her head, responding but not listening.
To everyone else, she is strong. She has it all together. People often ask, “How in the world can you do it all?”
They want to see the superwoman. So, she wears the mask.
She hides her pain, her shame, her anger, her hurt behind the mask of her smile. Afraid her truth cannot be accepted. Afraid that her truth will keep her from being loved.
Do you know this woman?
Is she you?
I must admit, I know this woman. She has been me.
For more years than I care to admit, I lived a life untrue to myself. Camouflaging my passions, my purpose, and my gifts, the real me was hidden behind smiles hoping to gain acceptance and love from others. Quickly, I learned to play the game showing others the person they wanted me to be.
But God.
When we accept Christ, we come to realize that God gains no glory from us living a fake life, hidden behind masks seeking to win the approval of others.
So if you are at the point you want to break free from the mask, then here are just three ways you can live your life authentically.
Embrace your story
To live our most authentic life, we cannot hate the experiences that helped shape who we are. Denial and shame get in the way of being able to embrace our story so we can live an authentic life. Shame wants you to think you are unlovable, beyond redemption. Yet, we know in God’s word that “all things work together for the good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28) and His plans are for our “peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).
Yes, we have made some mistakes. Some bad things have happened. You can live your life behind a mask ashamed, filled with guilt, or you can live seen in freedom through Christ. Repent and surrender it all to Him. Only Jesus Christ can transform us into new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17). His blood redeems us. We are not our mistakes.
So embrace your story for HIS glory and come from behind your mask.
Embrace truth over opinion
Before anyone had an opinion about your life, God already created a divine purpose for you. The only way we will be able to be live a life true to ourselves is by knowing God’s truth. What does He say about you? What does His word say about being a wife, a mother, or a friend?
You see, other people will always have an opinion about who you should be. They will say things like “you are too much,” “why you always gotta act like that?”, “Girl, you’re special.” We grow up hearing our people comment on our bodies, our hair, and our personality. But you know what, God gave you that curly hair. God made you an introvert. God created your loud laugh.
When we place more value in the criticism of people than we do God, we start living a life to please people instead of pleasing God.
So know HIS truth. Get in His word and write it on your heart. Every area that you feel insecure get in His word. Talk to Him in prayer. Allow God to show you who He made you to be then you can walk boldly in His purpose for your life. Only when we align ourselves with the truth of God’s word are we able to live a life seen, loved and purposed.
Embrace your happy
Okay, I know. You were with me until now. How in the world will embracing my happy help you live an authentic life? Maybe you feel pretty happy already. Well, if you are like I was, I allowed my happy to be based upon the responses of others. My decisions were centered around what others wanted, what others needed, and what they thought. Because I wanted those around me to be happy, I avoided conversations that would lead to tension and disagreements. Simply, I didn’t want the conflict. I kept quiet on expressing what I really wanted because I didn’t want them to withhold affection, their relationship, or even their love. (Yes, I know, this is all so unhealthy. But it is still true.)
Embracing your happy means accepting others may be disappointed, upset, disagree, or just don’t care with the choices and decisions you make. . You know what, that’s okay. Allowing the approval of others to be the foundation for your happiness and joy is like building on sinking sand. Your happiness and joy will never be stable.
Do you know what makes you happy? Really. Like could you answer that question if I were standing in front of you? For a while, I couldn’t. Most of my life revolved around trying to keep people that I lost me. If you don’t know, take some time figuring it out. Try new things. Be okay doing those things along. If other come cool, but if not—go anyway. Most importantly, know that joy only comes from a relationship rooted in Christ (Nehemiah 9:10).
Cheering you on,
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daniellemomof8gmailcom
Not allowing my happy to be based on others perceptions of me is so difficult. My nature is to please others and be happy in their happiness and not always my own. I enjoyed reading your post I think I personally need to work harder at embracing myself and my happy.
With Love From P
Yes yes yes, I love this. I have learnt to embrace my story and experiences as I would not be where I was if it wasn’t for them. I also accept that people putting my happiness first had upset others, I have to embrace that because my happiness is so important. Great read x
Mamie L. Pack
With Love From PThank you!!! All of our experiences, the good and the bad, help shape our testimony.
Mary
Overthinking would probably be the hardest one for me to overcome.
KrisBeeMama
I’m glad you found something (god) to help you find your true self.
Mamie L. Pack
KrisBeeMamaOh, thank you!!!
jrandall86
Accepting what I cannot change helps me be happy; thank you for the reminder to embrace what I have and what is.
Mamie L. Pack
jrandall86Yes! We spend so much time focused on the wrong things and miss the main things.
Phoebe
Amen! You have to strip off your mask and learn to accept and love yourself.
Mamie L. Pack
PhoebeAbsolutely!!! Take that mask OFF!!!
theemilkbarr
I was this girl too. I masked myself completely…I tend to do so still if I can be honest. I’m better now at accepting all of me and God has given me the strength to do this. My strength alone is nothing compared to his love and grace. I’m only human but he loves every part of me unmasked and I make a choice daily to show that.
Thank you for this ❤️
Mamie L. Pack
theemilkbarrCelebrate the wins! You are not where you used to be and that is big. It is a daily decision to live authentically. Cheering you on!
theemilkbarr
Mamie L. Pack😍 thank you for that!
Kermilia
I LOVE this!! Especially embracing TRUTH over opinion. I used to be bound to other people’s opinions and I’d put so much emphasis about what they thought of me. Once I learned that God’s opinion was the only one that mattered, I’ve been free to live my life with purpose. Awesome post!
Mamie L. Pack
KermiliaAmen!!!! It’s amazing how much we can truly LIVE our lives when we live it for Christ and not the approval of others.
alunderfullife
I have also always based my decisions around what makes other happy. It is so hard for me to not do this but I know I need to make a conscious effort to embrace what makes me happy and not others.
Austie
I needed this reminder today to stop focusing so much on others! As a mom, it’s hard sometime to focus on yourself! Thank you for sharing!
Mamie L. Pack
AustieSo true!!! As moms, when we get it we can help our kids get it too.
karentfriday
Mamie, I’ve read about removing the mask many times. But your take on it is fresh insight. This is so powerful, “When we accept Christ, we come to realize that God gains no glory from us living a fake life, hidden behind masks seeking to win the approval of others.” When I finally learned to walk in authentic community with others (still a work in progress), it not only healed my soul, but gave such a release and freedom from pretending. Thanks for sharing!
Mamie L. Pack
karentfridayThank you so much for your kind words Karen! Authentic community has changed my life too. It is freeing to be around people who love you through the seasons.
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[…] Remove the mask: 3 Standout ways to live an authentic life […]
lws1996
This is so great! I love this post! Being honest with yourself, God, and others is one of the best things we can do for ourselves.
Mamie L. Pack
lws1996It really is and so freeing too!
thismamaandherkids
It takes courage to be authentic Ama stop living for others! I especially love the tip about owning your story! We only have 1 life to live and we should live to our audience of One!
Mamie L. Pack
thismamaandherkidsYes! Live your life and own your story.
Lisa @honeyandfigs
This is such an important message to send to women. Research shows that the number one emotion that moms feel is doubt. So many wear masks to cover it up. Thanks for sharing this encouraging message.
Mamie L. Pack
Lisa @honeyandfigsSadly Lisa you are right! Wearing that mask hurts us in so many ways.
Karin Rambo
Such a good reminder! Thank you for sharing your heart with us.
Mamie L. Pack
Karin RamboThanks for your kind words Karin and stopping by.
Keyona @professionalmomma
I’m so glad I read this! With a new year approaching I’m definitely seeking ways to make a lifestyle change. I want what God has for me and I know in order for that to happen I have to let go of some things. I can’t live my life for other people anymore! I have to embrace my own happiness and take off the mask! Thanks again for this. It is so true and very necessary for a fulfilling life.
Mamie L. Pack
Keyona @professionalmomma“I want what God has for me.”—-I agree 100% with you Keyona. Now that is a declaration!
Kale @ steakandkale.com
Yes, yes, and yes!! I am trying to read my Bible more, so I have more of His word on my heart! 🙂 Thank you for sharing.
Mamie L. Pack
Kale @ steakandkale.comHaving His word in our heart helps us to stay rooted to what is true.
Jessica
I think most of us are that girl, at least from time to time. Holding onto the past and comparing … ugh. Working on those now.
Mamie L. Pack
JessicaYes. But the world needs us to show up.
Ashley Newton
Yes! Embracing your own version of “happy” is so key. We can so easily become obsessed with comparision.
Jen @ Jen Bradley | MOMS
What a perfect post title for our current time! I totally relate to this entire post – I too hid behind a mask of supposed perfectionism for so long. It was exhausting.
Shari
💖Thank you for sharing this!! I I feel like this is something we…women…struggle with a lot. Another good piece to add to this is Brené Brown’s Ted Talk on vulnerability and then she did another one on shame too. Super inspirational.
Mamie L. Pack
ShariYes! Brene Brown’s work is so good.
Mary Baucom
Wow! This was me!
This was beautifully written and really hit home. Thank you so much!
Mamie L. Pack
Mary BaucomThank you.
Diffusing the Tension
I’m not even a little bit religious, but there is great wisdom here that can apply to anyone. Thanks so much for sharing!
Sarah
This is so well written! I agree in order to fully live life authentically we need to embrace who we are and where we’ve been.
madelynandethan
Mamie you never disappoint. Embracing truth over opinion really sticks out to me and it is so, so true! It has taken me some time to embrace this but now that I’ve got it….I’m never going back. Thanks for sharing.
Margaret
So true, these words. A good reminder to be true to yourself… never lose sight of your own happiness.
Mamie L. Pack
MargaretAbsolutely. Own who you are!
Kari
Other people’s opinions about you or your actions have no business being in your head! Know who you are, and live true to you! LOVE IT!
Life With Sonia
I have let overthinking take control of my mindset for too long to the point that I started hearing voices in my head. Now, i let it go by the words out loud and writing.
onemainemama
We cannot focus on what anyone , Other than God , says to us! Embrace the past that he laid out and focus on HIS will!
Mallaury
All of these are true! Living like that goes against the word of God and will leave you feeling miserable and will also cause you to live life outside of His will. We must remain true to ourselves!!
Mamie L. Pack
MallauryStaying in His will keeps our perspective.
Elizabeth
It can definitely be hard to choose yourself and your own happiness over what may make other people happy. But you are no good to anyone if you are not living your true self.
Gabrielle
This post was so inspirational. It was a great read and something we all need to hear from time to time
Mamie L. Pack
GabrielleThank you Gabrielle!
Abby
What an inspirational post.
Mamie L. Pack
AbbyThank you!!
Cathy
Well said. What’s the meaning when everyone likes you, but you dislike yourself. Be authentic, and believe in God.
Hot Mess Goes to Oz
I am guilty of always overthinking!! time to change that!
Mamie L. Pack
Hot Mess Goes to OzOh, overthinking can definitely get in the way.