"This above all; to thine own self be true . . ."

So sayeth the bard, William Shakespeare.

I've used this quote before in context of past articles on the blog. Think about this. How often are we more concerned with being who we think someone wants us to be than who we actually are? Worse yet, how often do we attempt to become who someone else is actually trying to remake us into? And, even worse, yet, how often do we not even get to know who we really are and try to make ourselves into someone else?

Shakespeare also said, "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players." Think about the life of an actor. They literally must transform themselves into the persona of each role they play. Is it any wonder many actors are in continual therapy attempting to straighten out in the own minds who the really are?

Life Is Complicated

Life is complicated enough without trying to be who everyone else wants us to be or who we think they want us to be. Who are they? They are your parents, your siblings, your spouse, your children, your employer, your customers or clients, your neighbors, your friends, your associations through your church, civic groups, clubs, etc. Most of us don't realize how many different roles we play throughout a busy day. It's no wonder at the end of the day we are drained.

So, what's wrong with who you really are anyway? Most people are pretty terrific people? Why not simplify your life and claim a little more personal freedom by just being yourself to everyone? Be a WYSIWYG kind of person. There could be consequences. You could be fired, divorced, disowned, shunned, etc. But, the chances are, once people get to know the real, honest, true YOU, they'll like you and they'll probably like you even more than when you had your "mask" on.

And, here's a thought? Maybe if you stop being an "actor" on the stage of life, others will take off their masks and be themselves, too. They'll probably be as relieved as you to be able to stop playing a role on the "world stage."  Drop me a comment with your thoughts.