The Mountains We Hide (relaxing music to read to)

The Mountains We Hide by Ruben White

January 10th, 2025

The snow is falling softly outside my window, each flakes a tiny dancer twirling its way to the ground. It's a day for staying in, curled up under a blanket with a good book, the kind of day where the world outside can fade away, and I can just be. But even within the sanctuary of my own home, the mountains loom. They're not the kind you can see, the majestic peaks that pierce the sky. Mine are internal, invisible to the naked eye, shrouded in a mist of normalcy that I've carefully cultivated over the years.

I've become an expert at camouflage, a master of disguise. I paint on a smile like a skilled artist, each stroke carefully placed to conceal the turmoil beneath. I laugh, I engage, I participate in the dance of everyday life, all the while carrying a weight that threatens to crush me. It's a performance worthy of an Oscar, a convincing portrayal of someone who has it all together. But behind the scenes, the reality is starkly different.

My invisible mountain range is a treacherous terrain. There's the peak of anxiety, its slopes slippery with worry and fear. I scale it daily, my heart pounding like a drum, my breath catching in my throat. The descent is just as perilous, leaving me exhausted and drained. Then there's the valley of depression, a dark and desolate place where shadows linger, and hope seems distant. I wander through it often, lost in a fog of sadness and despair.

And let's not forget the jagged cliffs of self-doubt, their edges sharp and unforgiving. I teeter on the brink, constantly questioning my worth, my abilities, and my very existence. The climb is arduous, each foothold precarious, and the fear of falling ever-present.

These are my invisible struggles, the ones I keep hidden from the world. I've learned to wear a mask, to project an image of strength and resilience. It's easier that way, less messy, less complicated. Vulnerability is a luxury I can't afford, a weakness I can't allow myself to show.

But the truth is, it's exhausting. It's like carrying a backpack full of rocks, the weight growing heavier with each passing day. It's a constant battle, a relentless struggle to keep up appearances, to maintain the facade. And sometimes, when the burden becomes too much, I stumble, I falter, I almost give in.

But then I remember. I remember that I'm not alone. I remember that everyone has their own mountains to climb, their own invisible struggles to bear. We may not see them, but they're there, lurking beneath the surface, shaping our lives in ways we may not even realize.

The woman next to me on the train, the one with the perfectly styled hair and the designer handbag? She might be battling the demons of grief, mourning the loss of a loved one. The man in the suit, the one who exudes confidence and success? He might be wrestling with the crippling grip of addiction. The cashier at the grocery store, the one with the friendly smile? She might be struggling to make ends meet, to provide for her family.

We are all fighting battles, big and small, visible and invisible. We are all carrying burdens, some heavier than others. And we all need compassion, understanding, and kindness.

It's easy to judge, to make assumptions, to label people based on what we see on the surface. But we need to remember that what we see is often just a small part of the story. We need to look deeper, to see beyond the masks, to recognize the shared humanity that binds us all.

We need to be more compassionate, more understanding, and more willing to offer a helping hand. We need to create a space where vulnerability is not seen as weakness but as strength. A space where people feel safe to share their struggles, to ask for help, to simply be themselves.

Because the truth is, we are all in this together. We are all climbing our own mountains, facing our own challenges. And we all need support, encouragement, and love.

So, the next time you encounter someone who seems to have it all together, remember that they might be fighting a battle you know nothing about. Offer them a smile, a kind word, a listening ear. You never know, it might be the lifeline they need.

And to those who are struggling, who feel lost and alone in their own personal wilderness, please know that you are not alone. Some people care, people who want to help. Don't be afraid to reach out, to ask for support. You are stronger than you think, and you are worthy of love and happiness.

Remember, we all have our mountains to climb. But we don't have to climb them alone.

Keywords: #mentalhealth #invisibleillness #anxiety #depression #compassion #understanding #kindness #vulnerability #support #hope #love #mountains #journey #struggle #healing #empathy #humanity #connection #community #togetherness #strength #resilience #recovery