It’s October! And to me that means glorious changing color of the leaves and the dance they perform as each uniquely falls from tree branches to the earth and floats on top of a mountain stream. Traditionally, October is also about masquerading and costumes. We may choose to celebrate Halloween by either having a party, attending a party, dressing up to greet children at your front door eager to “trick or treat,” or simply turning over the calendar to the next day. In either case, let’s tap into the dictionary for a a definition or two. To masquerade means to pretend to be somebody or something else—a pretense, while a mask is something that conceals or disguises.
Unfortunately, self-sabotaging beliefs become obstacles to our true nature and tend to act as filters, or masks to our essence. Beliefs such as: I never get what I want; everything is such an effort; my life has been about struggle; others live a much happier life than I do; abundance comes easy for others while I never seem to have enough; lack, struggle and scarcity are part of my life. What happens in your body when you read these?
What will it take to remove the masquerade and live your life in the truth that you are magnificent, abundant and powerful–to be the one others are inspired by–to look in the mirror and see the truly beautiful person you are?
How well we know that the best teachers for our children as well as for us, are those who walk their talk–who live authentic lives, who aspire to exemplify that which they profess. Each parent, teacher, educator, politician, doctor, lawyer, cashier, computer tech has the opportunity to be a role model in a child’s life by exemplifying a virtue such as:
- honesty, by using impeccable speech
- respect, by honoring another’s point of view
- perseverance, by not giving up and reaching goals
- compassion, through kindness and caring
- patience, by being willing to listen and communicate clearly
- responsibility, by being accountable for one’s actions
- integrity, by living a life of truth and keeping one’s word
It is said there is 18” from your brain to your heart. Take the leap of faith, and connect to your heart–being brave enough to look at what mask you wear in front of others. Now be willing to examine the beliefs that keep you from your authentic and colorful self. Be an autumn leaf and let go of that old familiar self. Yes it will feel like a death, but what a magical new world you will be exposed to.
The Attitude Doc here to support your process
“Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.”
Shakespeare’s MacBeth
