"Mask" - BlogHer's National Blog Post Month

This month I am participating in BlogHer's National Blog Post Month. The theme is "Mask."  Each day has a prompt. I may not follow them all directly, but I thought today's was interesting. 
Monday, October 1, 2012
When you saw the word mask, was your first interpretation protection, covering up, persona, or performance?
When I saw the word "mask," my first interpretation was definitely covering up my personality. It surprises me that I thought that. I feel like I'm making OK progress finding my identity in Christ. It is not easy. It is definitely a choice I have to make and pray about on a daily basis. But I am doing so much better than I ever did before. 

However, I still have the inclination to hide my heart. I want to hold back. I want to put on a good front and convince people I am strong, brave, courageous, and doing just fine. When in reality, I am terrified and broken hearted. I am probably too honest about most things, but I don't want people to know my hurts. 
I hope my "fresh start" will help me get out of this shell. I don't want to wear a mask. These people have no expectation of me, so I can just be myself.
Whoever that is. 
Do you ever feel like you're wearing a mask? Tell me about it in the comments.