The question is laid out
for each of us to ask:
Whether to hold on
or to drop the mask.
—Marths Boesing—
Do you ever feel like you are wearing a mask? It’s a strange, uncomfortable feeling. We mistrust our own face; we don’t even know what it looks like, because we put on the mask so young. But sooner or later or later we must drop it face our reflection.
Perhaps the mask is silent, and behind it we feel like screaming. Perhaps the mask is festive, and our own eyes weep.
The mask chafes and confines us, but it gives protection, too. We’re naked without it; we have nowhere to hide. To summon the courage to drop the mask, we must believe in ourselves enough to trust our naked vulnerability.
We take courage in knowing that everyone is vulnerable and afraid. By wearing our own faces proudly, we show that it’s possible. Soon, masks will be dropping all around.
Today I will risk showing myself as I really am.