Masquerade

Masks have always been a part of human culture, dating back to the earliest civilizations. Tribal peoples wore masks to ward off evil spirits, and the ancient Greeks would use them in dramatic performances.
But the ‘masks’ talked about in the Shine Through Program are something totally different. They aren’t things you physically put on your face. They are changes in your clothing style, personality, and interests that are used to trick people into thinking you’re someone you’re not. The problem is, you might just fool yourself.
Christina Aguilera once said, “If I wear a mask, I can fool the world, but I cannot fool my heart.” Masks are not something that people can see. It’s what they can’t see that’s the point. Have you ever knocked over that really expensive china while looking for your plastic Six Flags souvenir refill cup in the kitchen cupboard? (Not that I’ve ever done that…) What did you do with the broken pieces? Unless you’re an exceptionally well-behaved child (like most of us), you probably hid the broken mess somewhere.
You masked the evidence.
We wear masks simply because we don’t like who we are. We want to be someone different. So, we pick an icon or social group, and mold ourselves.
Why is this so terrible? We’re not committing a crime, right?
That depends.
When you cover up yourself with a ‘mask’, you may also cover your conscience with a mask. (Jiminy Cricket would not like this one bit. And, just as a side note: Seriously, why a cricket? Don’t you think Walt Disney could have used something else, like a fuzzy bunny? No offense, Jiminy. Anyway…)
When we feel as if we need to impress someone—or some society—so much as to change who we are to be accepted, we may go so far as to do things that are pretty much not-genius. And, if we weren’t wearing a mask, we would most likely never attempt those not-genius things in the first place. If you weren’t wearing a mask, and had at least a kindergarten education, you would probably know that going to an unsupervised party where alcohol is being served is a not-genius thing to do. (Or, in Health Class words: Adolescents who exercise healthy decision-making skills would avoid attending a Wikkity Wack Jammin’ House Party, yo. They would also “just say no” to the consumption of alcoholic beverages, even though it may make them feel cool.)
So, basically, you could shame poor Jiminy by using your mask to cover up your conscience, as well.
‘Masks’ can be a huge problem in your life, and can be avoided if you can just be yourself. I know it’s one of the most used clichés of all time, but it is repeated for a reason. You are the only you that you can be. It’s as simple as that.
Trust yourself.
Respect yourself.
Be yourself.
And make Jiminy proud.

Nobody's Perfect

So, the other day, I received one of those chain-mail “inspirational” e-mails. You know, the ones that your friends send you, but you delete anyway? Well, for some reason, I decided to open this one. So, I will spend the next paragraph desperately trying to retell what it read:
There was a lady who carried 2 clay pots to fetch water with every day. They hung upon a pole that the lady bore across her shoulders. The pot that hung on the left was painted vibrantly, and was well-made and sturdy. The other, which hung on the right, was simple, and through it, ran a large crack. This clay pot was ashamed, for by the time the lady returned to her home, only half of the water it held was left. One day, the cracked clay pot spoke to the lady, telling her of his woes. The lady, in turn, replied, “Have you ever noticed that there are flowers along one side of the road and not the other? One day, I planted seeds along the right side of the road. Now, each day you water them, and keep them healthy and strong.” The end.
The moral of the (badly retold) story is: Don’t be insecure about your imperfections, because, even if you’re not perfect, you can make the world a more beautiful place.
How does this apply?
When we can feel comfortable with ourselves, just the way we are, we can be ourselves, and eventually, become who we want to be. (Except maybe not Superman. Or Amanda Bynes. Although that would be cool…).
Having insecurities can not only make us have a bad self-esteem, it can cause us to make some not-so-smart choices. (Or “unhealthy decision-making skills” if you’re a health teacher. Which is fine with me.) So, the next time you think that your nose is too big, your feet are too small, or your braces are un-cool (that means you Jan Brady), think about whether or not it actually matters. Because, quite honestly, no one’s perfect. And if you can be okay with that, then you can definitely Shine Through.