Its November 1st… yaaaaaayyyyy – Halloween is over!!! Besides the fact that I do not like the scary movie marathon most stations run – I am not a fan of masks either. When everyone around is wearing one, I’m standing in the midst waiting for real to be revealed. Truth is, I’ve worn a mask for some time too. Mmmm… I guess it’s only right that I take mine off as well!! Yip, it’s bout that time for a drink.

It’s Sunday and I’ve been listening to “Deliver Me” by LeAndria Johnson on repeat daily for about 2 weeks and today, it hit different!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3SeaKTbrmc I’ve been living with overthinking, anxiety, pain, hurt and loss yet still putting on the mask of a together woman, wife and mother.

Truth is – I’ve been falling apart so many times within those roles yet still wear a smile and have that great response when asked “how are things”. I’ve been STRONG for so many people and strong in so many roles that the idea of me asking for help has not been a part of my make up. So I’ve decided, maybe it should!! Over the past month, I’ve been seeing a counsellor and let me tell you – my sessions have been so very revealing that I even shock myself with what I share. My mask has been off because I’m choosing to live a freeing life now. One that I can say “yeah, you spoke your piece – you didn’t crawl into a shell – you let the cards fall as they may – you took that damn mask off!!”

As she sings “this is my exodus – thank you Lord” the feeling of revelation comes over me. I am here to reveal that we don’t have to constantly wear masks because the struggles of life are REAL!! We are ALL dealing with situations where if we were to truly unmask, we would hurt the people on the receiving end. We can however, find a decent way to address whatever may be the issue at hand without dimming your own light yet still standing in your truth. Some people may not want to hear or accept what you are revealing but, once done respectfully – you are freed from your mask. And guess what, you are who matters on your own journey.

Now, I’m finally giving myself permission to stand in my truth – the truth that I was raised by an UNBELIEVEABLY AWESOME woman & mother who put her family first and dealt with her personal struggles silently. Who left this world with those silent struggles still in her heart and definitely in her head. My truth is, although I would be the same type to battle silently, I am choosing to speak out – taking the mask of “I gat this” off and revealing where the cracks, wrinkles and tears have been.

“This is my exodus… this is my exodus… this is my exodus… thank you Lorrrrddddd – thank you Looorrrrrddddd!!!”