Life on our own terms is more difficult than we imagine. We put masks on to various groups of people in our lives so we feel accepted, not judged. It’s a persona we wear so we are accepted, not left out or cast out, we feel a part of the ‘norm’. Acceptance is sometimes more important than being who we really are.
I went to see the movie “Love, Simon” last week. If you haven’t seen it, I’d recommend it. It’s about a teenage boy in high school who is living the “accepted” life but his deep dark secret is he is gay. He hasn’t told anyone for fear of being cast out, his life will be changed when he decides to live his true self. How terrible it would be living his life as what we deem “normal” as a society, but lying every day or burying his true self for his whole life? I can’t image what that would feel like! It makes me sick to even think about it. I’m so happy he didn’t, that this movie had a happy ending. I know it’s not like that for everyone, but finally a movie shows a positive outcome coming of age and being true to one’s self. Bravo!
One of the top regrets of those that are old, dying, and realizing their lives are about over, is they didn’t have the courage to live they life they wanted, but lived the life others wanted for them.
Be brave. Live your life the way you want, the truth of who you are without regret. There will be people who like you and ones that don’t no matter what mask you wear. So why not simply be who you truly are and find those people who like you. I bet you will live a happier life.
Deanna
Grow your Life & Soul 