LIFE UNMASKED

    2020 will undoubtedly go down as the “year of masks”.  Yet, as I sit to reflect on this ever so different year, I can’t help but consider the masks we’ve all put on long before COVID-19.  Masks of perfection to cover our brokenness, pride to cover our fears, smiles to cover our sadness.  Our world was so busy that we left little room for truth, authenticity and real connections.

 

    Unfortunately, our social relationships had started to become more virtual than face-to-face long before social distancing was a thing.  So many clung to their phones in a desperate desire to feel connected; our value bolstered by likes and comments.  We’ve been fed the lie that people want the “flawless” version of us, and much of social media has perpetuated that mistruth.  We’ve been hiding behind our screens and the idyllic images we project to the world, seeking and seeking but remaining unfulfilled.  No doubt, technology has proven it's worth this past year in allowing us to stay connected; but my sincere hope is that when we are able to return to our unrestricted social lives, we won’t soon forget how second rate this experience has been to real human contact.  For me, this past year has inspired me to more deeply know the people in my life.  I want to ask the question “how are you” and get the real answer, even if it isn’t short, sweet or to the point. 

 

    This past year, I suffered from severe anxiety.  I honestly didn’t know the level I had reached until the fog started lifting.  I have experienced various degrees of anxiety since I can remember, but this year was a beast of it’s own.  It took a friend sharing her post-partum experience for me to realize that so much of what she shared was how I was feeling.  Her vulnerability gave me words to feelings I hadn’t yet recognized; and I can only hope that I have the chance to empower someone in the same way.  

 

    I deeply desire for this space to become a community where we can encourage and authentically share ourselves with one another.  Right now, I’m feeling hopeful, driven, happy, anxious, annoyed and uncertain.  I’m currently a bit worried about the bright blue frozen nail polish that was spilled on the girls' cream carpet today (thanks George, also, suggestions for getting that out?) and also slightly happy and slightly disappointed that its 8:53p on NYE and I’m sitting in sweats, in the dark, writing, with no plans!

 

So, how are you...?    


❤ Christine 

Comments

  1. Kelsey JoJanuary 5, 2021 at 4:50 AM

    The upside to a low key NYE - Waking up without the raging headache and the littles energized and ready to play. It amazes me how debilitating anxiety can be. So excited for 2021. Thanks for sharing! 😘

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. O V E R F L O WJanuary 8, 2021 at 10:51 AM

      Amen girl, haha! I'm excited to see all that 2021 holds too, like meeting your new sweet babe! Xo

      Delete

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