critique. You’ve got to admit…criticism
isn’t the easiest thing to receive or
hear. Yet, when it’s spoken by someone
who loves us and cares for our best, no
matter how hurtful, I listen differently.
The other sad reality? Often we wound
ourselves more than any words spoken
by others. We would NEVER talk to a
friend the way we sometimes talk to
ourselves. And, more often than we
are even aware, the offense and hurt
done to us by someone else has long
lost its’ power…we are the ones who
have internalized it and keep picking
the scab instead of nursing the wound.
I have found a heart that doesn’t get
offended so easily is a key to finding
healing and true joy.
Q: Why do you feel it is so hard for
people to take their masks off, to be
their authentic selves?
You are more loved
and accepted than
you ever imagined
possible.
50 Solutions
A: Well, I believe taking off a mask
is hard work for anyone. We are
conditioned to perform and behave
for affection, reward, and promotion.
And while that is good in many areas
of our lives to be successful and
contribute to our communities in ways
that help the common good, it can
also be damaging if this becomes the
norm for how we find our value and
worth. I can’t tell you how many times
I’ve found myself in friendships and
relationships where I felt an unhealthy
pressure to be someone or something I
am not.
How many of us have said to ourselves: