Summary We hear “ be yourself ” so often, but what happens when being yourself feels unsafe? Emotional masking: The habit of hiding true feelings to avoid judgment is a quiet epidemic.  It affects our mental health and recovery by building walls where there should be bridges.  This post reflects on how performance-based living shows up in real life and why choosing to be real is a radical act of healing. Opening Reflection — Observing the Disconnect Have you ever realized that someone you admired wasn’t being fully authentic? That moment when disappointment goes deeper, feeling more like a breach of trust than just a fleeting letdown? It can bring a complex mix of frustration and sadness, along with a strong sense of urgency. Why does it feel so heavy? It’s a pattern I see again and again, especially on social media, where polished versions of life often replace messy truths. It’s easy to assume that insecurity goes away as we get older, that after a certain point, we ...

Trigger Warning: This article discusses sexual assault and its impact on mental health. If you are sensitive to this topic, please prioritize your well-being and engage with this content only if you feel safe doing so. My Journey: Reclaiming My Power After Trauma Surviving sexual assault shattered my sense of self in ways I never expected. In the aftermath, I carried not just the weight of the experience, but also the shame, fear, and isolation that often come with it. I struggled with anxiety that made it hard to trust others, depression that drained my motivation, and moments where I questioned whether healing was even possible. There were days when the trauma felt like a permanent part of me—an invisible wound that dictated my every move, thought, and relationship. But over time, I began to reclaim my power. Therapy helped me process the emotions I had buried for so long, and surrounding myself with people who supported me without judgment gave me the strength to keep going. I learn...