ARE YOU IN HIDING UNMASKING THE REAL YOU
By Shelley Whizin
Have you ever felt like you’re hiding behind a mask? Maybe it’s not a literal one, but a version of yourself you show to the world, crafted to fit in, to be accepted, or to avoid feeling vulnerable. It’s like putting on a costume for Halloween—fun, adventurous, and a little bit thrilling. For one night, you get to be someone else, stepping into a different role, and that can feel liberating. But when the mask becomes permanent, it can start to feel heavy, isolating, and exhausting.
ON BIG BLEND RADIO NOW: Transformational life coach Shelley Whizin shares advice on how to find and embrace your true self. Watch here in the YouTube player or download the episode on Podbean.
The Allure of Hiding
We all wear masks at different points in our lives. Sometimes it’s to protect ourselves, like hiding behind a smile when we’re feeling down or putting on a brave face when we’re scared. Other times, it’s about exploring new parts of ourselves—trying on a persona to see how it fits. This can be a great way to step out of our comfort zones and discover new facets of who we are. After all, life is about experimenting and finding what feels right.
However, there’s a difference between temporarily trying on a new way of being and living in a constant state of pretending. The old saying “fake it till you make it” can be useful when you need a boost of confidence or want to push through initial nerves. But how long can you really keep up with pretending to be someone you’re not? The longer you stay in hiding, the more disconnected you can feel from your true self.
The Risks of Long-Term Hiding
When we hide behind a mask for too long, we risk losing sight of who we really are. It’s like being an actor stuck in a role that no longer fits. You start to forget what it feels like to just be… you. It might seem easier to hide behind a facade of perfection, success, or even happiness, but deep down, we all crave authenticity—both in ourselves and in our connections with others.
Living authentically means embracing the messy, imperfect parts of who you are. It means allowing yourself to be vulnerable, even if it feels a little scary. It’s the only way to build genuine connections and live a life that truly feels like yours.
Stepping Out of Hiding
What if, instead of hiding, you allowed yourself to try on new aspects of your personality without making them permanent? Think of it as an experiment. Maybe you want to be more outgoing, so you challenge yourself to speak up in meetings or strike up conversations with strangers. Or perhaps you’ve always wanted to explore your creative side, so you sign up for a painting class or start writing that book you’ve been dreaming about. These small acts of courage help you step out of hiding and into the light of your authentic self.
Remember, the goal isn’t to be perfect; it’s to be real. Embrace the parts of you that are still learning, still growing, and still finding their way. You don’t have to have it all figured out to show up as yourself. Just take it one step at a time.
Embrace Your True Self
So, are you in hiding? If so, it’s okay. We’ve all been there. But life has so much more to offer when you allow yourself to be seen, flaws and all. Take off the mask, even if it’s just for a moment, and let the world meet the real you. Who knows? You might just discover that the person you’ve been hiding all along is someone pretty amazing.
Shelley Whizin is a transformational life coach and the founder and CEO of the Soul Diving Institute™ (SDI), established to study and teach the art and science of Being Human. She’s also the author of “The Healing Journal”, “The Story of the Magical Baby Grand Piano”, and “What Do You Bring to the Table? A Savory, Sensory and Inspirational Guide to Living a Yummy Delicious Life”. More at www.ShelleyWhizin.com