UNMASKED

♪ MUSIC ♪
We all have a face we wear for the world.
It can be a literal facial expression.
It can also be an attitude we think helps us negotiate the demands placed on us.
What face are you choosing to show?
Some people choose a people-pleasing mask: always smiling, always acquiescing for the sake of pleasantness.
Some people use humor and silliness as their persona.
Laughter is the best medicine but medicine isn’t all you need either.
Kindness is good but not at a total sacrifice of your own needs.
It’s alright to ask for what you need, too.
That’s primary to self-care.
Some people insist on a neutral, placid face at all times.
It shows great control but then no one really knows you either.
It’s okay to let your feelings be known.
Trust yourself.  You’ll be appropriate.
Some people shield themselves with defensiveness.
Armor is just as cloaking as neutrality.
If you’re always closed off, you’ll miss out on the good things the world has to offer as well.
Did you ever think of that?
Darker still, some choose a scary mask to keep the world at bay.
People step wide to avoid your wrath but they won’t come back when you need them.
Monsters are never the heroes of the story.
Whatever face you show, ask yourself – Is it still useful?
You may be inadvertently betraying your true self by maintaining a social mask that is sending the wrong message.
It’s time to drop the mask and see if you’d like to change it, revealing more of who you really are.
You can be useful to other people while still being yourself.
Remember: if you decide that any area of your life requires change, from family life, job-related issues, substance use, emotional health, to financial and legal matters, you have resources available to you.
The Employee Assistance Program offers six counseling sessions per year for you and family members living in your home.
These services are provided through the Integris Corporate Assistance program and are always confidential.
See yourself clearly and face the full range of who you are.
Self-acceptance is essential to self-care.
Take time to take care.
♪ MUSIC ♪