Happy Gas Masks

Gas masks became a staple of a soldier's uniform during the early 20th century with the highly prevalent use of chemical warfare tactics. As such, by the time WW2 broke out, millions of these masks would be issued to British families in the event such merciless weapons would be dropped on citizens by plane. In short, the gas mask was intended to ensure the wearer clear, purified air amid a chemically-aerated environment, a protection against the outside.

We, as humans, don a comparable mask at times, a proverbial one or one of more tangible means, such as makeup or a hat, a transparent talisman, as a way to shut out the "bad" or convince ourselves everything is okay when, internally, we know that is not the case.

We think we know someone at their surface but until the walls come down and the edges of their invisible force field peel back, we may never truly know someone deep down to the core.

While there are many days it's not about covering up feelings, but rather an embarrassing blemish that sticks out like a sore thumb, I don't always feel comfortable without makeup... On those days, when I'm just not feeling up to the day's expectations, I'll take extra care on how I prepare my face so as not to give away any indicator that I'm not up to my 100%.

Sometimes a bold cat-eye can improve even the darkest of moods, though...like they say, "fake it until you make it." When you see yourself smiling, even if it's for the sake of others, or even due to others' positive vibes, that alone can boost your confidence that maybe the day isn't so terrible or maybe everyone around you isn't such an idiot... {daily thoughts at work when I'm feeling overwhelmed}.

When all else fails, be thankful for the moments you can come home, let your hair down, and laugh at all of the ridiculous idiocies you've encountered during the day, week, fortnight, etc. In a world filled with baby sloth videos online and fluffy Chewbacca robes, it's hard to stay locked away inside the shell for too long.

Hoist the white flag, break out of the carbonite, and learn to just let go once in a while, even if it's just to your stuffed animals at first. By all means, keep your little gas mask for special occasions in which it may prove useful, but learning to trust a select few can lend itself to getting to know some pretty incredible people and even open your eyes to your own true self.

I'm about to go break down some internal walls of self-conflict....brb.

xxxx