Recognize the Masks You Wear (Part 1)

Have you ever wondered who you were told to be---before you had the chance to decide for yourself?

From an early age, many of us were handed roles that became part of our identity: the good girl, the helper, the responsible one, the quiet one, the strong one who doesn't cry.

These masks often helped us fit in, feel safe, or gain approval. At times, they were survival tools. But over the years, they can become so familiar that we forget they're not our true face, our truest self.

Real growth comes when we become aware of our personas---and start reconnecting with our authentic self which lies beneath them.

There is freedom in naming the persona. There is power in releasing it.

A persona is the version of ourselves we present to others.

What is a Persona?

A persona is a social "mask" or role that we adopt to navigate the world, often shaped by our environment, upbringing, or past experiences. It's the version of ourselves we present to others---sometimes to feel safe, gain approval, or meet someone else's expectations.

For example:

• A woman may take on the persona of "the good girl" to avoid conflict.

• She might be "the strong one" because she had to hold everything together in tough times.

• She may be known as "the smart one," "the fixer," or "the peacemaker."

While personas can serve us for a time, they can also limit us if we begin to confuse them with who we truly are.