The masks we wear

In this story, we are indeed talking about COVID masks. But not about their health effects.

In March of 2020, when the world got serious about COVID-19, most of us began wearing face masks.

Instead of hating masks, though, I found that wearing them made me feel better, lighter, more like my real self.

The reason is simple. Over my lifetime I’ve had dozens of surgeries to repair the paralysis on the right side of my face caused by a forceps birth. Some surgeries were up to 12 hours long.

Over the years, the paralysis and scarring have made me self-conscious, and wearing a mask has provided a great deal of relief.

In spite of progress, I have never felt “like” other people. In fact, I’ve often felt “less than.” It’s a terrible feeling, and one that I wouldn’t wish on anyone else.

No doubt there are other people worldwide who’ve found relief by wearing masks to cover physical blemishes. Or maybe they’ve taken comfort in being invisible in a crowd. Or because masks hide what people consider to be their ugliness.

I’ve been a life coach since 2010, and I believe that my discomfort with my looks, although not holding me back in business (I’ve been a chef, caterer, casting agent, and photographer), has unnecessarily lowered my personal self-esteem.

Honestly? I think COVID 1.0 and 2.0 have allowed me to mostly resolve my vestiges of insecurity and have also given me the time to reflect on this phenomenon and how it’s brought me to where I am today.

My superpower is helping you move forward out of difficult times and into happier, more productive, ones.

Over the past two years, what’s worked for you and what hasn’t? Have you hidden behind a mask? Have you found yourself stuck in places that you’d like to leave?

I can help. I work primarily via phone and Zoom, but soon we may be able to meet on retreats and in-person discussions again.