Shedding the Skin
As I set out on this road that beckons me, I prepare myself for the journey like I have prepared for no other. I may be a seasoned traveller, have a nomadic heritage, but this isn’t a journey like others have been. On this path, I will not need to pack up all my belongings, taking the weight of my life with me, to set up home elsewhere. I will not be asked to go somewhere against my will, against my own desire. I will have choices, starting from right now. And best of all, I really can travel light. I have always had hope and excitement at the start of every journey, but I have also had a stubborn determination to forge ahead, trampling all the while on everything that has gone before, lest the grief, the sadness, those feelings I should have let myself experience, held me back. And I’ve had the burden of what awaits me to face, the expectations of others, a new group of new faces. So I’ve learned over the years to wear a mask, to be as far as possible what others expect of me, to hide the flaws, hide the scars, hide the darkness, to be the person that will elicit smiles, friendliness, the person who fits in. Not on this journey. On this journey, I will leave this mask, which has indeed become like a skin, behind in the surrender box. It may have served me before, but it does not belong on this journey. On this journey, I will set out naked and free to be the person I am.
by Verity
As someone who has worn a very similar mask I feel that this is a most wonderful thing to surrender. It is a courageous step Verity and I join you by putting my mask alongside yours.
Heather Blakey
May 29, 2006 at 11:53 am
Beautiful image.
Imogen Crest
May 29, 2006 at 2:54 pm
I love your analogy of your life and the way you have reached your adament resolve. Your words ring true and many can learn from this. Thank you for sharing. Your image is also thought provoking and quite meaningful.
gret
gret's place
May 31, 2006 at 12:14 am
Beautifully and courageously written, Verity. Your name is well chosen.
Believer
May 31, 2006 at 3:38 am
Verity,
From one much older than you I think……
Finding the person you are is the greatest journey you will take….many will never take it,many do not know what it means,others will walk away when you talk of such things….but ‘T’is a gift to be simple
T’is a gift to be free
T’is a gift to come down
where you ought to be.
And when we find ourselves in the
the place that’s right
Twill be in the valley
of love and delight.
Old Shaker Hymn…..
Lois(Muse of the Sea) 1.6.06
Lois
June 1, 2006 at 4:28 am