Unmasking My Emotions: The Journey to Just Being Me (reflection music to read to)








Unmasking My Emotions: The Journey to Just Being Me by Ruben White

Mental health is the uncharted ocean we all must navigate at some point in life. Some days, the waters are calm and inviting, and on others, the waves threaten to capsize us. Today, I want to share my story—a glimpse into how I’ve been working hard to analyze my feelings, remind myself it’s okay to take a break and learn to simply be me.

This blog isn’t just about me, though; it’s about us—those of us who wear the mask of resilience while our inner worlds silently crumble. So let me take you on this journey. Maybe my story will echo your own and offer you some solace or clarity.

The Heavy Armor I Wore

For years, I saw myself as a machine. Productivity was my armor, my proof of worth. If I wasn’t working, helping, or producing something tangible, I felt empty—like I was fading into irrelevance. I’ve spent countless nights dissecting this feeling, peeling back the layers like an onion, only to cry at what I found.

I learned that my relentless drive wasn’t rooted in ambition but in fear—fear of being perceived as lazy, fear of rejection, fear of being unworthy. It was as if I were walking a tightrope of expectations, terrified of falling.

The problem is that the armor is heavy. Though it protects, it also weighs you down. I found myself tired emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Like a houseplant left in the dark for too long, I was wilting.

The Power of the Pause

One day, I read a quote that changed me. It said, “You are not a machine. You don’t have to be on 24/7. Even machines need maintenance.” It hit me like a wave, sweeping me off the tightrope I’d walked for years.

That was my first breakthrough: recognizing that it’s okay to pause, to rest, to say “no,” to simply exist without justifying it. I started practicing what I call “mindful stillness.”

Instead of analyzing my feelings to exhaustion, I began allowing myself to just feel them. Anger. Sadness. Joy. Anxiety. I stopped asking “Why am I feeling this?” and started saying, “I’m feeling this, and that’s okay.”

Metaphor: A Garden in Need of Care

I’ve come to see my mental health as a garden. If I constantly plant seeds of work, deadlines, and obligations without watering the soil or letting the sunshine in, my garden will become overgrown with weeds.

Taking a break is like weeding the garden and nourishing the soil. It’s about giving yourself permission to stop, breathe, and simply be. I remind myself that flowers don’t bloom by force; they bloom when they’re ready. And so do we.

Affirmations That Ground Me

Here are some affirmations I use when I feel the pressure creeping back:

  1. “I am worthy, even when I’m not productive.”
  2. “My value isn’t tied to my output.”
  3. “Rest is not a reward; it’s a necessity.”
  4. “It’s okay to feel what I’m feeling without needing to fix it.”

When I say these out loud, I feel lighter. They’re my way of telling my brain that it’s safe to step off the hamster wheel.

Testimonies from Others Who’ve Found Peace

I’m not alone in this realization, and neither are you. Here are a few stories from people who’ve embraced the art of pausing:

  • Sophie, 34: “I used to pride myself on being the ‘yes person.’ But I burned out so badly that I couldn’t get out of bed for weeks. Therapy taught me that saying ‘no’ to others is saying ‘yes’ to myself. Now, I prioritize my mental health unapologetically.”

  • James, 28: “I used to overanalyze everything—why I felt sad, why I wasn’t happy, why I wasn’t successful enough. My therapist told me to stop asking ‘why’ and start asking ‘what.’ What can I do to feel better? That shift changed everything.”

  • Maria, 41: “Rest used to feel like guilt to me. But I realized that the world keeps spinning whether I’m hustling or resting. It was liberating to know I’m allowed to take a break.”

The Science of Rest

This isn’t just feel-good advice; there’s medical evidence to back it up. Studies have shown that chronic stress and overwork can lead to anxiety, depression, and even physical health issues like heart disease.

Research from the National Institute of Mental Health highlights the importance of breaks for cognitive functioning. When we take time to rest, our brains consolidate memories, process emotions, and regain focus.

Moreover, a study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that mindfulness practices, such as meditation and mindful breathing, significantly reduce stress and improve emotional regulation.

Rest isn’t just a luxury—it’s a biological necessity.

Practical Steps to Take a Break

  1. Schedule Downtime: Treat rest like an appointment. Block out time on your calendar for activities that recharge you, whether it’s reading, walking, or simply sitting in silence.

  2. Practice Gratitude: Keep a journal and write down three things you’re grateful for every day. Gratitude shifts your focus from what’s wrong to what’s right.

  3. Unplug from Technology: Constant notifications and social media can exacerbate stress. Try a digital detox for an hour a day.

  4. Seek Support: Talking to a therapist or counselor can provide tools to navigate overwhelming emotions.

  5. Engage in Self-Care: Whether it’s a bubble bath, a good book, or a favorite hobby, self-care is a powerful act of self-love.

Resources to Explore

If you’re looking for support on your mental health journey, here are some resources that helped me:

  • BetterHelp: Online therapy that matches you with licensed professionals.
  • Headspace: A mindfulness app with guided meditations for stress and anxiety.
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Free resources and support groups for mental health.
  • Mindful.org: Articles and practices for cultivating mindfulness in daily life.

The Moral of the Journey

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: You don’t have to earn your worth. You’re valuable just as you are, in your moments of productivity and in your moments of rest.

Life isn’t about running at full speed; it’s about knowing when to walk when to sprint, and when to sit down and admire the view.

So, if you’re reading this and feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders, I encourage you to pause. Not tomorrow, not next week, not now. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and remind yourself: It’s okay to take a break and just be me.

Hashtags to Spread the Word

#MentalHealthAwareness #SelfCare #TakeABreak #EmotionalWellness #Mindfulness #TherapyIsCool #RestIsProductive #MentalHealthMatters #BeKindToYourself


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