I read this the first time in 2022 and now again. This was so powerful it rocked my world. I felt such a liberation when I came out to myself as a pansexual nonbinary, and felt endless possibilities open. But when I think about the endless possibilities of being who I truly am under that mask - why does it feel so scary and impossible?
I feel you! <3 And thank you for your kind words! It’s scary because our brain wants to keep us safe and it offers us the illusion of safety via strategies we’ve already tried, namely masking. But that logic doesn’t actually hold up, right? So it’s worth thinking about what’s true (and not true) in your own subconscious thought process—and asking what you need from yourself, now, in order to trust that you've got your back and are resourced. (Provided you are! Because if not, there's no rush and you don't need to think about it until you're ready to).
And if you’re not already super clear on them, it’s worth thinking about what your values and plans are, short and long term—and how the process of unmasking helps create the conditions through which you can realise these. Thinking about this, imagining it, and stepping towards belief, with small acts of practice, is all you need to do to build more confidence in yourself and your values/dreams. You’ll never *not* be scared, so don’t demand fearlessness of yourself! You're only human., We prove you can do things via the scared baby steps we take as you go <3
In true witch spirit, this newsletter has come right on time this week, as I sit in contemplation of all the versions of myself I perform in order to find myself loved, accepted, desired etc. I’ve recently been diagnosed with ADHD and am just starting to wipe back the dust on my own memories to see how much masking I’ve done (and continue to do!) in order to be perceived as “high-functioning” and/or successful in whatever capacity it may be. Fuck it’s exhausting. Thank you for sharing this Jericho - as someone right at the beginning of this delving, it gives me much to reflect on. ♥️ X
I'm so happy to here this is supportive for you Lizey! <3 Thank you s much for sharing that. Fuck yeah, it's exhausting. Not gonna lie, I find the unmasking journey tiring too, albeit in its own, more spacious and generative way. Very The Star card. But that's another post ;)
I read this the first time in 2022 and now again. This was so powerful it rocked my world. I felt such a liberation when I came out to myself as a pansexual nonbinary, and felt endless possibilities open. But when I think about the endless possibilities of being who I truly am under that mask - why does it feel so scary and impossible?
I feel you! <3 And thank you for your kind words! It’s scary because our brain wants to keep us safe and it offers us the illusion of safety via strategies we’ve already tried, namely masking. But that logic doesn’t actually hold up, right? So it’s worth thinking about what’s true (and not true) in your own subconscious thought process—and asking what you need from yourself, now, in order to trust that you've got your back and are resourced. (Provided you are! Because if not, there's no rush and you don't need to think about it until you're ready to).
And if you’re not already super clear on them, it’s worth thinking about what your values and plans are, short and long term—and how the process of unmasking helps create the conditions through which you can realise these. Thinking about this, imagining it, and stepping towards belief, with small acts of practice, is all you need to do to build more confidence in yourself and your values/dreams. You’ll never *not* be scared, so don’t demand fearlessness of yourself! You're only human., We prove you can do things via the scared baby steps we take as you go <3
Beautifully written and definitely got lost in a journal loop ❤️🔥❤️🔥
Aww I'm imagining you journalling furiously and LOVING the image. Thank you angel!! <3
In true witch spirit, this newsletter has come right on time this week, as I sit in contemplation of all the versions of myself I perform in order to find myself loved, accepted, desired etc. I’ve recently been diagnosed with ADHD and am just starting to wipe back the dust on my own memories to see how much masking I’ve done (and continue to do!) in order to be perceived as “high-functioning” and/or successful in whatever capacity it may be. Fuck it’s exhausting. Thank you for sharing this Jericho - as someone right at the beginning of this delving, it gives me much to reflect on. ♥️ X
I'm so happy to here this is supportive for you Lizey! <3 Thank you s much for sharing that. Fuck yeah, it's exhausting. Not gonna lie, I find the unmasking journey tiring too, albeit in its own, more spacious and generative way. Very The Star card. But that's another post ;)